Best 11 Traditional French Salad Dressing Recipes

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Traditional French salad dressing, often referred to as vinaigrette, is a classic and versatile dressing that embodies the essence of French cuisine. Its origins can be traced back to the humble kitchens of rural France, where it was created using basic ingredients readily available to home cooks. This flavorful dressing is characterized by its simplicity, relying on a harmonious blend of high-quality extra-virgin olive oil, tangy red or white wine vinegar, a touch of Dijon mustard for depth and emulsification, and seasonings like salt and freshly ground black pepper. The result is a well-balanced dressing that enhances the flavors of salads, roasted vegetables, grilled meats, and more, adding a touch of sophistication and elegance to any dish.

Here are our top 11 tried and tested recipes!

FRENCH SALAD DRESSING (FRENCH VINAIGRETTE)



French Salad Dressing (French Vinaigrette) image

A classic everyone should know! Served the true French way, drizzle it over leafy greens and toss lightly. PS A classic French vinaigrette does not have garlic in it, hence why this can be kept for up to 2 weeks.

Provided by Nagi | RecipeTin Eats

Categories     Salad

Time 5m

Number Of Ingredients 11

1/4 cup eschalots / French shallots (, finely chopped (Note 1))
1/4 cup red or white wine vinegar ((or sherry or champagne vinegar))
4 tsp Dijon Mustard
1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil ((or more if you want richer))
1/2 tsp salt
Black pepper
1 tbsp eschalots / French shallots (, finely chopped (Note 1))
1 tbsp red or white wine vinegar ((or sherry or champagne vinegar))
1 tsp Dijon Mustard
2 tbsp olive oil ((I use 5 tbsp))
Salt and pepper

Steps:

  • Place ingredients in a jar and shake well until combined. Adjust salt and pepper to taste. Let rest for 5 minutes before using, or keep up to 2 weeks.
  • Small Batch: Use to dress 4 handfuls of leafy greens.

THE BEST FRENCH SALAD DRESSING



The Best French Salad Dressing image

This dressing will have you licking your plates clean, it's that good and better than any bottled! this is best if made a few hours ahead to blend the flavors or make a day ahead --- for creamy French dressing add in the mayonnaise and for creamy blue cheese French dressing add in 1/4 cup or more of crumbled blue cheese --- all amounts may be adjusted to taste

Provided by Kittencalrecipezazz

Categories     Salad Dressings

Time 5m

Yield 3 1/2 cups (approx)

Number Of Ingredients 10

1/2 cup vegetable oil
1 cup ketchup
1/2-3/4 cup sugar (start with 1/2 cup)
1/2 cup white vinegar
1/3 cup minced yellow onion
2 teaspoons lemon juice
1 teaspoon paprika
1/2-1 teaspoon garlic salt (or to taste or use 1-2 teaspoons fresh minced garlic and 1/2 teaspoon white salt)
1/2 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper (optional or to taste)
2 -3 tablespoons mayonnaise (optional, add in only for a creamy-style French dressing)

Steps:

  • In a large food processor blend all ingredients together until smooth (starting with 1/2 teaspoon garlic salt and 1/2 cup sugar and add in more to taste after mixing.
  • Do not attempt to make this in a small 4-cup blender or you will have the dressing all over your counter!
  • Mix in the mayonnaise (if using) for a creamy-style French dressing.
  • Place in the fridge for a couple of hours before serving.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 470.4, Fat 31.5, SaturatedFat 4.1, Sodium 767.3, Carbohydrate 48.6, Fiber 0.8, Sugar 45.1, Protein 1.6

CLASSIC FRENCH VINAIGRETTE



Classic French Vinaigrette image

Simple, bright flavors are the hallmark of this vinaigrette. Toss it with tender, leafy greens and serve as a light side salad.

Provided by Martha Stewart

Categories     Food & Cooking     Cuisine-Inspired Recipes     French Recipes

Number Of Ingredients 7

1/2 shallot, minced
1/2 tablespoon Dijon mustard
Generous pinch of salt
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1-2 tablespoons red-wine vinegar
1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste

Steps:

  • Combine in a large bowl or jar the shallot, Dijon mustard, salt, lemon juice, and red-wine vinegar. Whisk together to combine well. Slowly whisk in 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  • Store jar in refrigerator if making ahead and shake well before using.
  • Serve with 2 large heads Bibb, butter, or romaine lettuce that has been washed and dried well. Tear lettuce leaves into bite-size pieces and toss with dressing.

FRENCH SALAD DRESSING



French Salad Dressing image

French Salad Dressing is a popular topper for lettuce. Says field editor Jane Barta of St. Thomas, North Dakota, "We used this dressing at a drive-in and sold a lot of salads."

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Lunch

Time 15m

Yield about 3-1/3 cups.

Number Of Ingredients 8

1-1/2 cups vegetable oil
1 cup ketchup
3/4 cup sugar
1/2 cup vinegar
1 small onion, chopped
1 teaspoon lemon juice
1 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon salt

Steps:

  • In a blender or food processor, blend all ingredients until smooth. Store in the refrigerator.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 144 calories, Fat 13g fat (2g saturated fat), Cholesterol 0 cholesterol, Sodium 155mg sodium, Carbohydrate 9g carbohydrate (7g sugars, Fiber 0 fiber), Protein 0 protein.

SIMPLE FRENCH DRESSING



Simple French Dressing image

This classic salad dressing is tasty tossed with romaine, cucumber, red onion, and radish. Ours-with paprika, canola oil, tomato paste, onion, lemon juice, and red wine vinegar-is less sweet than many.

Provided by Martha Stewart

Categories     Food & Cooking     Lunch Recipes

Yield Makes 3/4 cup

Number Of Ingredients 12

2 teaspoons tomato paste
1 1/2 teaspoons sugar
1 teaspoon finely grated onion
1 teaspoon dried mustard
3/4 teaspoon paprika
Pinch of sweet, smoked paprika
1/4 teaspoon coarse salt
1/4 teaspoon celery seed
Freshly ground pepper
4 1/2 teaspoons red wine vinegar
1 1/2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice
1/2 cup canola oil

Steps:

  • Whisk tomato paste, sugar, onion, mustard, paprikas, salt, and celery seed in a medium bowl; season with pepper. Whisk in vinegar and lemon juice. Add oil in a slow, steady stream, whisking until emulsified. Alternatively, puree all ingredients except the oil in a blender. With machine running, add oil in a slow, steady stream; blend until emulsified. Use dressing immediately.

TRADITIONAL FRENCH SALAD DRESSING



Traditional French Salad Dressing image

This is not the orange-coloured dressing available in the stores; this is a traditional French vinaigrette I learned how to make from a friend. **This recipe will make enough dressing for a medium-sized lettuce-only salad for three.**

Provided by rjwingard

Categories     Salad Dressings

Time 15m

Yield 3 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 5

1 cup extra virgin olive oil
1 garlic clove (smashed and chopped)
1/3 shallot (diced)
1 sardine fillet
1/3 cup vinegar

Steps:

  • Create a salad as you normally would (cooking the meat, chopping vegetables, etc.).
  • Run the garlic, shallot and sardine through a food processor until it is smooth.
  • Add the olive oil and vinegar to the puree and beat together with a fork.
  • Drizzle over fresh lettuce (and other vegetables/meats if you've added them) serve immediately or within the hour.
  • Optional: Top with fresh parmesan cheese before serving.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 644.3, Fat 72, SaturatedFat 9.9, Sodium 2.4, Carbohydrate 0.7, Protein 0.1

CLASSIC FRENCH DRESSING



Classic French Dressing image

Making salad dressings at home is very easy! This recipe has many pantry staples so it is easy to whip up any time. It tastes wonderful on any greens.-Maron Craig Bielovitz, Elmhurst, Pennsylvania

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Lunch

Time 10m

Yield 1-2/3 cups.

Number Of Ingredients 8

1/2 cup ketchup
1/3 cup sugar
1/4 cup white vinegar
1 small onion, minced
1 garlic clove, minced
1 tablespoon paprika
1/2 to 1 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup vegetable oil

Steps:

  • In a blender or food processor, combine the first seven ingredients; cover and process until blended. While processing, gradually add the oil in a steady stream. Process until thickened. Store in the refrigerator.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 100 calories, Fat 8g fat (1g saturated fat), Cholesterol 0 cholesterol, Sodium 186mg sodium, Carbohydrate 8g carbohydrate (6g sugars, Fiber 0 fiber), Protein 0 protein.

FRENCH SALAD DRESSING



French Salad Dressing image

Traditional, rich salad dressing with a tangy flavor.

Provided by Gemini26

Categories     Side Dish     Sauces and Condiments Recipes     Salad Dressing Recipes     French Dressing Recipes

Time 10m

Yield 26

Number Of Ingredients 8

1 ½ cups vegetable oil
1 cup ketchup
¾ cup white sugar
½ cup vinegar
1 small onion, chopped
1 teaspoon lemon juice
1 teaspoon paprika
½ teaspoon salt

Steps:

  • Place oil, ketchup, sugar, vinegar, onion, lemon juice, paprika, and salt into a blender; cover and puree until smooth. Store in refrigerator.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 143.9 calories, Carbohydrate 8.4 g, Fat 12.6 g, Fiber 0.1 g, Protein 0.2 g, SaturatedFat 2 g, Sodium 147.7 mg, Sugar 8 g

FRENCH DRESSING



French dressing image

Spruce up a simple green salad with a French dressing. Made with olive oil, white wine vinegar, Dijon mustard and seasoning, it's quick and easy to make

Provided by Miriam Nice

Categories     Condiment

Time 5m

Yield Serves 2-3

Number Of Ingredients 4

1 tsp Dijon mustard
2 tbsp white wine vinegar
6 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
a pinch of sugar

Steps:

  • Whisk the Dijon mustard, white wine vinegar, extra virgin olive oil, a pinch of sugar, and salt and pepper together in a small bowl, or shake together in a jam jar.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 87 calories, Fat 10 grams fat, SaturatedFat 1 grams saturated fat, Protein 0.1 grams protein, Sodium 0.09 milligram of sodium

BASIC FRENCH VINAIGRETTE



Basic French Vinaigrette image

Provided by Kemp Minifie

Categories     No-Cook     Vegetarian     Quick & Easy     Salad Dressing     Vegan     Shallot

Yield Makes about 1/2 cup

Number Of Ingredients 6

2 tablespoons finely chopped shallots
2 tablespoons red- or white-wine vinegar
1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt, or to taste
2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
4 to 6 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
Freshly ground black pepper to taste

Steps:

  • In a small bowl, whisk together the shallots, vinegar, and 1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt; let the mixture stand 10 minutes. Whisk in the mustard, then add the oil in a very slow, thin, steady stream, whisking constantly until the dressing is emulsified. Season with fine sea salt and freshly ground black pepper. DO AHEAD: The vinaigrette can be prepared ahead and refrigerated, in an airtight container, up to 1 week.

CLASSIC FRENCH DRESSING



Classic French Dressing image

On-hand ingredients and five minutes is all you need to make this classic French dressing. A perfect accompaniment for your meal!

Provided by Betty Crocker Kitchens

Categories     Condiment

Time 5m

Yield 24

Number Of Ingredients 6

1 cup olive or vegetable oil
1/4 cup white or cider vinegar
1/4 cup lemon juice
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground mustard
1/2 teaspoon paprika

Steps:

  • In tightly covered container, shake all ingredients. Shake before serving. Store tightly covered in refrigerator.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 80, Carbohydrate 0 g, Cholesterol 0 mg, Fat 2, Fiber 0 g, Protein 0 g, SaturatedFat 1 g, ServingSize 1 Tab1espoon, Sodium 50 mg, Sugar 0 g, TransFat 0 g

Tips:

  • Choose high-quality ingredients: The better the ingredients, the better the dressing will taste. Use fresh herbs, good-quality olive oil, and flavorful vinegar.
  • Use the right proportions: The key to a good vinaigrette is balance. Use a 3:1 ratio of oil to vinegar, and adjust to taste.
  • Emulsify the dressing: Whisking the dressing vigorously will help to emulsify it, which means the oil and vinegar will come together and form a smooth, creamy mixture.
  • Season to taste: Add salt and pepper to taste, and adjust the other seasonings as desired. You can also add a touch of sweetness with honey or maple syrup.
  • Let the dressing rest: Letting the dressing rest for a few minutes before using allows the flavors to meld together. This will make the dressing even more delicious.

Conclusion:

With its simple ingredients and endless variations, vinaigrette is a versatile dressing that can be used on a variety of salads. Whether you're looking for a light and refreshing dressing for a summer salad or a heartier dressing for a winter salad, there's a vinaigrette recipe out there to suit your taste. So next time you're making a salad, give one of these vinaigrette recipes a try. You won't be disappointed!

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