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–+ servings
Salad Dressing
This old-fashioned homemade salad dressing is a tangy-sweet blend of vinegar, sugar, and oil balanced with prepared mustard, onion, and celery seed. A vintage staple in American home kitchens, this dressing was often made fresh in blenders during the mid-20th century, before bottled varieties became common. Its simple ingredients make it versatile—perfect for leafy greens, potato salad, or coleslaw. The blend of sugar and vinegar gives it a flavor reminiscent of early “sweet and sour” or “French” dressings. It’s a nostalgic favorite for those who love classic homemade flavors with just the right kick.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 0 minutes
Total Time 10 minutes
Course Salad
Cuisine American
Servings 8
Calories 150 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 tbsp water
  • 6 tbsp vinegar
  • 1 ½ cups sugar
  • 1 ½ cups oil (vegetable or light olive oil)
  • 2 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp prepared mustard
  • ¼ tsp celery seed
  • 1 onion (small, cut)

Instructions
 

Step 1: Prepare the Base

  • Add 2 tablespoons of water to a measuring cup.
  • Fill the cup to ¾ full with vinegar.

Step 2: Combine Ingredients

  • Pour the vinegar mixture into a blender.
  • Add sugar, oil, salt, prepared mustard, celery seed, and chopped onion.

Step 3: Blend the Dressing

  • Beat in blender until well mixed and smooth.

Step 4: Store & Serve

  • Pour dressing into a clean jar or bottle.
  • Store in the refrigerator and shake before each use.

Tips

  • Use apple cider vinegar or white vinegar depending on desired tanginess.
  • Substitute part of the sugar with honey for a different sweetness profile.
  • Reduce sugar for a less sweet, more tart dressing.
  • Use a milder onion (like sweet onion) if a strong onion flavor is not desired.
  • Add a pinch of black pepper for gentle heat.
  • Chill for several hours before serving to allow flavors to meld.
  • Use dry mustard if prepared mustard isn’t available (reduce amount slightly).
  • Strain after blending if you prefer a smoother dressing without onion pieces.
  • Try adding a small clove of garlic for added depth.
  • Store in a sealed jar in the refrigerator and shake before each use.

Nutrition

Calories: 150kcalCarbohydrates: 12gFat: 11gSaturated Fat: 1.5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 6gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gSodium: 115mgPotassium: 10mgSugar: 12gVitamin A: 5IUVitamin C: 0.5mgCalcium: 2mg
Keyword blender dressing, classic salad dressing, homemade dressing, onion dressing, sweet and tangy dressing, vinegar dressing, vintage recipe
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