Go Back
–+ servings
Handwritten recipe for salad dressing from Edyth Goodrich
This vintage salad dressing recipe is a creamy, tangy concoction hailing from the early to mid-20th century, likely passed through generations via handwritten cookbooks. Often used in Midwestern American cuisine, this style of dressing was popular before commercial mayonnaise became widespread. It's a cooked custard-like dressing with a sweet and sour profile, ideal for potato salads, coleslaws, or as a spread in sandwiches. Its simple ingredients reflect a time of resourceful home cooking where taste was built with pantry staples like vinegar, egg yolks, and butter. Today, it’s cherished for its nostalgic charm and versatile flavor.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Course Salad
Cuisine American
Servings 8
Calories 130 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 4 egg yolks
  • 4 tbsp sugar
  • 1 Pinch salt
  • 1 tbsp butter (size of walnut)
  • ⅔ cup vinegar
  • ⅓ cup water
  • 1 tbsp flour

Instructions
 

Step 1: Combine Base Ingredients

  • In a saucepan, mix sugar, salt, butter, vinegar, water, and flour.
  • Stir until the flour dissolves and the mixture is smooth.

Step 2: Cook the Mixture

  • Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring constantly.
  • Cook until the mixture begins to thicken slightly.

Step 3: Incorporate Egg Yolks

  • In a separate bowl, lightly beat the egg yolks.
  • Gradually whisk a small amount of the hot mixture into the yolks to temper them.
  • Slowly stir the egg yolk mixture back into the saucepan.

Step 4: Final Cooking

  • Return the saucepan to the heat.
  • Continue stirring and cook until the dressing thickens and reaches a boil.
  • Remove from heat and cool slightly before serving.

Tips

  • Substitute part of the vinegar with lemon juice for a brighter flavor.
  • Add a pinch of mustard powder or paprika for extra depth.
  • Use apple cider vinegar for a mellower tang.
  • Chill before serving to thicken further.
  • Excellent on coleslaw, potato salad, or as a spread for sandwiches.

Nutrition

Calories: 130kcalCarbohydrates: 7gProtein: 2gFat: 10gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 140mgSodium: 90mgPotassium: 30mgSugar: 6gVitamin A: 260IUCalcium: 10mgIron: 0.4mg
Keyword classic comfort food, classic recipes, creamy, dressing, eggs, heirloom recipe, old-fashioned baking, sweet and tangy, vinegar, vintage
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!