
Boiled Salad Dressing is a classic American condiment from the early 20th century, popular before the widespread use of mayonnaise. This creamy, tangy dressing blends eggs, vinegar, sugar, and mustard into a velvety sauce cooked over gentle heat in a double boiler. It was commonly served over potato salads, coleslaw, and mixed greens, adding a balance of sweetness and acidity. Perfect for vintage recipe enthusiasts, it provides an authentic taste of traditional home-cooked meals and pairs well with hearty summer salads and picnic spreads.
Ingredients
- 6 whole eggs
- ¾ cup sugar
- 1 ½ tbsp flour
- 1 tsp mustard
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 cup vinegar
- 1 cup hot water
Optional:
- cream for thinning
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare Ingredients
- Gather all ingredients and set up a double boiler.
Step 2: Heat the Base
- In the top of the double boiler, combine sugar, mustard, salt, vinegar, and hot water.
- Heat the mixture until it begins to boil gently.
Step 3: Beat the Eggs
- In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs thoroughly with the flour until smooth.
Step 4: Temper the Eggs
- Slowly add a small amount of the hot mixture into the beaten eggs while whisking constantly to prevent curdling.
Step 5: Cook the Dressing
- Pour the egg mixture back into the double boiler.
- Stir continuously until the dressing thickens.
Step 6: Adjust Consistency
- If too thick, add a little more hot water.
- For a creamier dressing, stir in a small amount of cream.
Step 7: Cool and Store
- Remove from heat and allow to cool.
- Store in a glass jar in the refrigerator until ready to use.
Tips
- Use a double boiler as written to avoid scrambling the eggs.
- Whisk eggs thoroughly with flour before adding to the hot mixture to prevent lumps.
- If the dressing becomes too thick, thin with a little additional hot water as the card suggests.
- For extra richness, thin with cream after cooking (noted on the card).
- Chill completely before serving to allow flavors to meld.
- Add a pinch of paprika or cayenne for a subtle heat.
- Use apple cider vinegar or white vinegar depending on your preferred tang.
- Sweetness can be adjusted by slightly increasing or decreasing the sugar.
- Works well as dressing for potato salad, coleslaw, or leafy salads.
- Store in the refrigerator in a covered jar for 3 to 4 days.
Nutrition
Calories: 112kcalCarbohydrates: 10gProtein: 3gFat: 1.8gSaturated Fat: 0.6gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.26gMonounsaturated Fat: 0.71gCholesterol: 125mgSodium: 145mgPotassium: 55mgSugar: 9gVitamin A: 180IUVitamin C: 0.2mgCalcium: 12mgIron: 0.5mg
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