Salad Dressing Recipes

Homemade Salad Dressing Recipes

Salad Dressing Recipes — Four easy vintage homemade salad dressings from old community cookbooks. Includes a classic French-style dressing, a herby tarragon vinaigrette, a sweet pineapple dressing, and a tangy cider vinegar blend. Perfect for fresh greens and tossed salads.

Recipes on this page

✨ Jump directly to a classic recipe:

🥗 French Salad Dressing

A classic sweet and tangy homemade French dressing that comes together in minutes.

⏱️ Prep Time: 5 minutes

Ingredients

  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/4 cup sugar
  • 1/3 cup ketchup
  • 1/2 cup oil
  • 1/4 cup vinegar

Instructions

  1. Combine all ingredients in a bowl or jar.
  2. Beat or shake vigorously for 5 minutes until well blended.
  3. Optional: Add 1 teaspoon celery seed and/or 1 teaspoon chopped parsley.

🥗 Tarragon Salad Dressing

A robust, herb-forward dressing with tarragon vinegar and olive oil. Best when made ahead.

⏱️ Prep Time: 5 minutes

Ingredients

  • 3/4 cup tarragon vinegar
  • 1 1/2 cups salad oil
  • 1 1/2 cups olive oil
  • 1/2 teaspoon pepper
  • 2 tablespoons onion salt
  • 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
  • 4 teaspoons salt
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons tarragon leaves

Instructions

  1. Combine all ingredients and mix thoroughly.
  2. Do not refrigerate.
  3. Let stand a few days before using to allow flavors to develop.

🥗 Pineapple Salad Dressing

A sweet, tropical cooked dressing with pineapple and lime juice. Excellent on fruit salads.

🍽️ Yield: About 1 1/4 cups

Ingredients

  • 1 egg
  • 1/2 cup sugar
  • 1 tablespoon flour
  • 3 tablespoons lime juice
  • 1/4 cup pineapple juice

Instructions

  1. In a small saucepan, beat the egg.
  2. Blend in sugar and flour, then gradually stir in lime juice and pineapple juice until smooth.
  3. Cook over low heat, stirring constantly, until thickened.
  4. Remove from heat and chill thoroughly before using.

🥗 Sweet and Tangy Salad Dressing

A bright, well-balanced sweet-tangy dressing with celery seed and onion. Perfect for tossed salads.

⏱️ Prep Time: 10 minutes

Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup cider vinegar
  • 1/2 cup sugar
  • 2 teaspoons grated onion
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon dry mustard
  • 1 teaspoon celery seed
  • 1/4 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 cup salad oil

Instructions

  1. Boil vinegar, sugar, and grated onion together for 5 minutes. Cool.
  2. Stir in salt, dry mustard, celery seed, and paprika.
  3. Slowly blend in salad oil while whisking or blending.
  4. Serve on fresh greens or tossed salad.

FAQ

How long do homemade salad dressings keep?

Oil-and-vinegar dressings usually keep longer than creamy or egg-thickened ones. Store covered in the refrigerator and use your best judgment.

Do I need to refrigerate these dressings?

The tarragon dressing should not be refrigerated. The pineapple dressing must be chilled before serving. Others are best refrigerated.

Why does my dressing separate?

Separation is normal with oil-and-vinegar dressings. Simply shake or whisk vigorously before serving.

Can I adjust the sweetness or tang?

Yes. Taste and tweak sugar or vinegar a little at a time until it suits your greens.

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