This vintage “Dressing for Potato Salad or Fruit Salad” recipe is a creamy, sweet-and-tangy homemade dressing that reflects the practical and flavorful cooking styles popular in mid-century American kitchens. Using sweetened condensed milk as the base gives the dressing a rich, velvety texture while vinegar, mustard, and cayenne pepper provide balance and a subtle kick. Recipes like this were commonly prepared for potlucks, church suppers, picnics, and holiday gatherings because they could easily dress both savory potato salads and lighter fruit salads. The addition of egg yolks creates a custard-like smoothness, making the dressing feel especially luxurious compared to bottled alternatives. Its adaptable flavor and nostalgic charm make it a unique old-fashioned dressing that still works beautifully today.
Ingredients
- 1 can sweetened condensed milk
- ½ cup vinegar
- 2 egg yolks (beaten)
- ½ cup sugar
- 2 tsp mustard
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ cup oleo (or butter, melted )
- 1 dash cayenne pepper
Optional salad additions mentioned on card:
- Potatoes (chopped)
- Onions (chopped)
- Celery (chopped)
- Pickles (chopped)
- Olives (chopped)
Instructions
Step 1: Combine the Base
- In a medium saucepan, whisk together the sweetened condensed milk, vinegar, beaten egg yolks, and sugar until smooth.
Step 2: Add Seasonings
- Stir in the mustard, salt, and cayenne pepper.
Step 3: Cook the Dressing
- Place the saucepan over medium-low heat.
- Cook while stirring constantly until the mixture thickens slightly, about 4 to 5 minutes.
Step 4: Add the Oleo
- Remove the pan from the heat.
- Slowly stir in the melted oleo or butter until fully incorporated.
Step 5: Cool the Dressing
- Allow the dressing to cool completely.
- Refrigerate for at least 1 hour before using.
Step 6: Prepare the Salad (Optional)
- Toss the dressing with chopped potatoes, onions, celery, pickles, and olives for a classic potato salad.
- Alternatively, use it as a creamy dressing for fruit salad.
Tips
- Substitute butter for oleo for a richer flavor.
- Add a spoonful of mayonnaise for extra creaminess.
- Use apple cider vinegar for a milder tang.
- Chill overnight for deeper flavor.
- Stir in chopped fresh herbs like dill or parsley.
- Add paprika for a smoky touch.
- Use as a sandwich spread for leftover potato salad.
- Mix with diced apples and grapes for a retro fruit salad.
- Add hard-boiled eggs for a heartier potato salad.
- Reduce sugar slightly if serving with savory dishes only.
Nutrition
Calories: 240kcalCarbohydrates: 24gProtein: 4gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 7gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gTrans Fat: 0.5gCholesterol: 65mgSodium: 260mgPotassium: 180mgSugar: 22gVitamin A: 420IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 110mgIron: 0.4mg
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