Best 3 California Dressing Recipes

California Dressing is a creamy, tangy, and versatile dressing perfect for salads, sandwiches, and dips. Originating in California in the 1970s, this dressing has become a staple in many kitchens worldwide. Its unique combination of mayonnaise, sour cream, buttermilk, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, and herbs creates a flavor profile like no other. Whether you're looking for a light and refreshing dressing for your salad or a creamy dip for your favorite snacks, California Dressing is sure to satisfy your taste buds.

Here are our top 3 tried and tested recipes!

CALIFORNIA CRAB STACK ON JAPANESE PICKLED CUCUMBER-MACHE SALAD DRESSED WITH TARRAGON DIJON DRESSING

California Crab Stack on Japanese Pickled Cucumber-Mache Salad Dressed with Tarragon Dijon Dressing image

Provided by Food Network

Yield 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 23

Ingredients

2 ounces sourdough bread crumbs
6 ounces Dungeness crab meat
1 whole egg, slightly beaten
1 tablespoon Maui onion, finely diced
1 tablespoon parsley, coarsely chopped
2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
2 tablespoons mayonnaise
Olive oil, for sauteing
1 cup Japanese cucumber, peeled and julienned
1/4 cup Maui onion, julienned
1 cup machj lettuce (or other seasonal 'soft' lettuce)
3 tablespoons Champagne vinegar
2 tablespoons olive oil
Salt and pepper, to taste
Flower petal confetti (optional garnish)
1/2 cup red wine vinegar
3/4 cup olive oil
2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
2 tablespoons honey
2 tablespoons light brown sugar
1 teaspoon dry tarragon
Salt and pepper, to taste

Steps:

Combine the sourdough bread crumbs and Dungeness crab meat, set aside. Combine remaining ingredients, except olive oil, and mix thoroughly. Gently fold in the crab and bread crumb mixture. Shape into patties approximately 1/2-inch thick. Heat olive oil in a non-stick saute pan. Cook crab cakes over medium heat to a golden brown about 2 to 3 minutes. Set aside.
Combine all ingredients except flower confetti and refrigerate.
Whisk together all ingredients and refrigerate.
Place 1/4 cup of the salad mixture in the center of each of 4 plates. Place a crab cake on top of each salad. Drizzle each plate with Tarragon Vinaigrette and sprinkle with a garnish of flower petal confetti.

CALIFORNIA DRESSING

California Dressing image

This is a great dressing for spinach salad. So easy to make and everyone seems to love it.

Provided by Cynthia Sigler

Categories Dressings

Number Of Ingredients 5

Ingredients

1/4 c olive oil
2 Tbsp balsmic vinegar
2 tsp sugar
dried cranberries
roasted pinenuts

Steps:

1. MIX TOGETHER AND SERVE

CATELLI BISTRO CALIFORNIA SUSHI PASTA SALAD WITH PICKLED GINGER DRESSING

Catelli Bistro California Sushi Pasta Salad with Pickled Ginger Dressing image

The flavours of a traditional California sushi roll are adapted for this light and fresh pasta salad. Perfect for summer dining al fresco.

Provided by Catelli®

Categories Trusted Brands: Recipes and Tips Catelli®

Time 20m

Yield 6

Number Of Ingredients 12

Ingredients

1 (375 g) package Catelli Bistro® Tri-Colour Rotini
8 ounces surimi crabmeat, shredded
1 cup chopped cucumber
2 green onions, sliced
¼ cup canola oil
2 tablespoons soy sauce
2 tablespoons rice wine vinegar
1 tablespoon chopped pickled ginger
2 teaspoons toasted sesame seeds
1 teaspoon sesame oil
1 ripe avocado, diced
1 sheet nori, toasted and torn

Steps:

Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain and rinse under cold water; transfer to large bowl. Add surimi, cucumber and green onions; toss with pasta.
Whisk together canola oil, soy sauce, rice wine vinegar, ginger, sesame seeds and sesame oil. Drizzle dressing over pasta salad and toss to coat.
Transfer to large serving platter. Top with avocado and toasted nori before serving.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 425.6 calories, Carbohydrate 52.8 g, Cholesterol 11.3 mg, Fat 17.4 g, Fiber 5.6 g, Protein 16.7 g, SaturatedFat 2 g, Sodium 404.7 mg, Sugar 5.5 g

Tips:

For a tangy dressing, use fresh lemon juice and red wine vinegar.
Add a touch of sweetness with honey or maple syrup.
Use Dijon mustard for a rich, flavorful dressing.
Fresh herbs like chives, dill, or parsley add a pop of color and flavor.
If you like a creamy dressing, add some mayonnaise or sour cream.
For a nutty flavor, add some chopped walnuts or almonds.
Season your dressing with salt and pepper to taste.
Let your dressing sit for at least 30 minutes before using to allow the flavors to meld.

Conclusion:

California dressing is a versatile dressing that can be used on salads, vegetables, grilled chicken, or fish. It is a light and refreshing dressing that is perfect for summer meals. With its tangy, sweet, and creamy flavors, California dressing is sure to please everyone at your table. So next time you are looking for a delicious and easy-to-make dressing, give California dressing a try.