Handwritten recipe card for french dressing
by: salvagedrecipes

French Dressing

French Dressing
This vintage French Dressing recipe is a nostalgic throwback to mid-century American kitchens, where homemade dressings were pantry staples. Using tomato soup as its base, it achieves a creamy, tangy balance that became a signature of the “house dressings” popular in diners and family cookbooks of the 1950s. The sweetness of sugar blends harmoniously with the bite of vinegar and mustard, creating a versatile dressing that pairs beautifully with crisp salads, grilled meats, or as a sandwich spread. The grated onion adds depth, and a touch of paprika and optional Tabasco sauce brings a subtle heat for those who like a little kick. This recipe captures the comforting essence of classic American home cooking, simple, flavorful, and timeless.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 0 minutes
Total Time 10 minutes
Course Salad
Cuisine American, French
Servings 16
Calories 130 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 10 ½ oz tomato soup
  • 1 onion (medium, grated)
  • 1 cup salad oil (vegetable or canola )
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 1 cup vinegar (white or apple cider vinegar)
  • 1 tsp dry mustard
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ½ tsp paprika
  • Tabasco sauce (if desired)

Instructions
 

Step 1: Combine Base Ingredients

  • In a large mixing bowl, pour in the can of tomato soup and add the grated onion.

Step 2: Add Liquids

  • Whisk in the salad oil and vinegar until the mixture is smooth and emulsified.

Step 3: Sweeten and Season

  • Stir in the sugar, dry mustard, salt, and paprika. Mix thoroughly until the sugar dissolves.

Step 4: Adjust Flavor

  • Add a few drops of Tabasco sauce for heat, if desired. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.

Step 5: Store and Serve

  • Pour into a jar or bottle. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving to let flavors blend. Shake well before each use.

Tips

  • Substitute honey for sugar for a more natural sweetness.
  • Use apple cider vinegar for a fruitier tang.
  • Blend in a food processor for a smoother texture.
  • Add 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce for extra depth.
  • Store in a sealed jar in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.

Nutrition

Serving: 15mlCalories: 130kcalCarbohydrates: 15gProtein: 0.2gFat: 8gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2.5gMonounsaturated Fat: 4.5gSodium: 140mgPotassium: 60mgFiber: 0.1gSugar: 14gVitamin A: 350IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 5mgIron: 0.1mg
Keyword classic comfort food, homemade, nostalgic food, retro recipes, salad dressing, sweet and tangy, tomato soup, vintage
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