I had a friend in high school who liked to dress French in everything, including here her pizza. I never understood why he loved her so much. Since my mom and oldest son both really like it, I decided to find a good homemade version.
French clothing?
French salad dressing as we know it today did not exist until recently. Until the 1960s, the classic French vinaigrette was originally a healthy oil and vinegar dressing and is what we now Just call vinaigrette. Vintage cookbooks listed spices like black pepper and lemon juice, later adding shallots, garlic powder, Dijon mustard and other ingredients.
Over the years ingredients like paprika (and even ketchup) were added to make the bright orange version popular today.
It may not be from France at all, but it sure is an American favorite.
And until recently, French dressing ingredients were regulated by the FDA. This is because starting in 1920 mineral oil (yes, from petroleum) became a popular substitute for olive oil. Mineral oil is indigestible and acts as a laxative, so it became a popular substitute in salad dressing for weight loss.
Eventually, processed food brands created spin-off options such as Catalina sauce and French cream sauce.
Real Food French Dressing
This homemade version made me realize why people love French dressing so much. With only real food ingredients and no vegetable oils or processed sugar, it's easy and delicious. We love it with almost every meal (except maybe pizza?). I tried to balance the original oil and vinegar base with a little sweetness reminiscent of the newer version.
I use white wine vinegar, but red wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar will work too (although they taste stronger). Tomato paste adds color and flavor without adding tons of sugar. And the honey adds some sweetness and acts as an emulsifier for the oil and vinegar.
My kids enjoy dipping fresh vegetables in this salad dressing (probably because it's like homemade ketchup). If you're a fan of French dressing (or maybe even if you're not), try this healthier homemade version.
Healthy French Dressing Recipe
A simple and delicious homemade alternative to store-bought French dressing that you can make at home in less than 2 minutes.
Nutrition facts
Healthy French Dressing Recipe
Amount Per Serving (1 TBSP)
Calories 60
Calories from fat 54
% Daily Value*
Fat 6 g9%
Saturated fat 1 g6%
Unsaturated fat 1 g
Monounsaturated fat 4 g
Sodium 24 mg1%
potassium 18 mg1%
Carbohydrates 1 g0%
Fiber 0.1 g0%
Sugar 1g1%
Protein 0.1 g0%
Vitamin A 20 IU0%
Vitamin C 0.3 mg0%
Calcium 2 mg0%
Iron 0.1 mg1%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
Serve in a salad or use as a dipping sauce.
More salad dressing recipes
I love a good salad so I try to keep it fresh with different salad dressings. Here are some of our favorites.
What's your favorite thing to eat with French dressing? Leave a comment and let us know!
