Take your salads from good to great with this easy-to-make French Dressing.

French dressing in a glass bottle with a wooden spoon, alongside a fresh salad.

Here’s a fun fact: From 1950 to 2022, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulated French dressing with strict requirements regarding the type and quantity of ingredients. The Canadian equivalent of the FDA still regulates French dressing, including a stipulation that the product must contain at least 35% vegetable oil. Who knew federal agencies cared so much about French dressing? But one thing I can tell you is that with this recipe, you’re the boss. Want to substitute mustard powder for Dijon? You won’t get a federal indictment. You are the master of the French dressing domain.

Trivia aside, this French dressing holds a special place in my heart and fridge. It’s tangy. It’s sweet. It’s savory. And the best part: it’s easy to whip up! I feel super fancy when I can offer guests an array of homemade dressings to choose from. Along with French dressing, I often have some cilantro-lime, balsamic, and Italian dressings waiting for their moment to shine on a crisp green salad. Take that, federal regs.

Ingredients for French Dressing: ketchup, white wine vinegar, sugar, mustard powder, paprika, salt, olive oil, and mixed greens.

Homemade always wins

Store-bought French dressing has its place, and it’s certainly very convenient. But the homemade version has a freshness that you just can’t replicate from a ready-made bottle. Every single ingredient, from the bright vinegar to the subtle bite from the mustard powder, stands out. It tastes alive instead of flat and full of additives.

And speaking of additives, there’s a satisfaction in knowing that there are no preservatives and no stabilizers—just simple ingredients blended into a fresh dressing.

French dressing in a glass jar, surrounded by mixed greens and a small bowl of salt.

How do I store leftovers?

This dressing will keep in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. Just give it a good stir or shake to mix the ingredients back together when you’re ready to serve. If it gets a little too thick, just add a splash of water or olive oil and you’re good to go.

French dressing in a clear glass bottle, with fresh mixed greens on a white surface.

Serving suggestions

You can make any salad happy with this easy French dressing. I love it over a Cobb Salad, a Green Salad, or a Kale Salad. You can also use it as a drizzle on grilled chicken, as a dip for fresh vegetables, or as a marinade for barbecues. Want to make even more homemade dressings? Try this Cilantro-Lime Dressing, this Balsamic Vinaigrette, and this Italian Dressing.

French Dressing

Amanda BC

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Prep Time 5

Total Time 5

Course condiment, salad dressing

Cuisine American, French

Servings

Calories 148 kcal

Ingredients

2 tablespoons white wine vinegar
2 tablespoons sugar
1/2 cup ketchup
1/2 teaspoon mustard powder
1 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup olive oil

Instructions

Pour the vinegar and sugar into a medium-sized bowl and use a whisk to blend it together until the sugar is dissolved.
Add all the other ingredients into the bowl except for the olive oil. Mix well.
Slowly pour in the olive oil while whisking the mixture until it comes together.