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–+ servings
Salad Dressing from Owen Rufsveld
This classic homemade salad dressing is a sweet and tangy blend with warm undertones of paprika and the subtle aroma of celery seed. A nostalgic favorite from mid-century kitchens, it offers a flavor reminiscent of old-fashioned French dressing but with a more balanced sweetness. Perfect over leafy greens, shredded cabbage slaw, or even as a marinade for vegetables, its simple preparation and pantry-friendly ingredients make it a timeless choice. The grated onion adds a touch of depth, while lemon juice brightens the flavor. Its versatility and quick preparation have kept it in family recipe boxes for decades.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 0 minutes
Total Time 10 minutes
Course dessing
Cuisine American
Servings 8
Calories 140 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • ½ cup sugar
  • 1 tsp dry mustard
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp celery seed
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • ¾ cup salad oil (vegetable or canola)
  • ¼ cup vinegar (white or apple cider)
  • 1 tsp onion (grated)
  • 1 tsp lemon juice

Instructions
 

Step 1: Combine Dry Ingredients

  • In a medium mixing bowl, combine sugar, dry mustard, salt, celery seed, and paprika.

Step 2: Add Wet Ingredients

  • Pour in salad oil, vinegar, grated onion, and lemon juice.

Step 3: Blend Until Smooth

  • Using an egg beater or whisk, beat until the mixture is fully emulsified and smooth.

Step 4: Serve or Store

  • Serve immediately over salad or transfer to a jar with a tight-fitting lid and refrigerate until ready to use. Shake before serving.

Tips

  • Use apple cider vinegar for a fruitier, softer flavor
  • Swap sugar with honey for a more natural sweetness
  • Reduce sugar by half for a tangier profile
  • Add poppy seeds for texture and visual appeal
  • Use olive oil instead of salad oil for Mediterranean flavor
  • Add a pinch of black pepper for light heat
  • Blend ingredients briefly for an emulsified, creamy texture
  • Let rest in fridge 2 to 4 hours so flavors meld
  • Drizzle over coleslaw or shredded cabbage for sweet slaw
  • Store refrigerated in a sealed jar up to one week

Nutrition

Calories: 140kcalCarbohydrates: 9gFat: 12gSaturated Fat: 1.5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 8gMonounsaturated Fat: 4.5gSodium: 240mgPotassium: 20mgSugar: 9gVitamin A: 180IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 4mgIron: 0.1mg
Keyword celery seed dressing, classic recipe, homemade dressing, oil and vinegar dressing, salad dressing, sweet dressing, vintage
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