Easy Homemade French Dressing Recipe (2024)

Published March 6, 2023.This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my disclosure policy.

This easy-to-make homemade French dressing recipe comes together in a matter of minutes and is the perfect complement to any salad. You will love the simple sweet flavors in this vinaigrette.

I love flavorful salad dressings that enhance the flavors of a salad that always has me wanting just one more bite. If you’re the same, then for sure, try out myButtermilk RanchorBalsamic Vinaigrette.

French Dressing

French dressing is a simple oil and vinegar-based dressing with herbs and seasonings. The American version of French dressing is also a vinaigrette but is tart, sweet, and red in color due to the ketchup. This is a trendy dressing in the United States and is commonly served on a basic house salad.

This is a sweet dressing, so be sure to add the sugar slowly while tasting it to be sure it is to your liking. You can also add more of the ingredients used in this recipe to enhance those flavors.

Ingredients and Substitutions

• Onion – You can use a white, yellow, or sweet onion in this recipe. You’ll also need a clove of garlic. If you love garlic, feel free to add an additional clove.
• Vinegar – I used apple cider vinegar. You could also use distilled vinegar.
• Ketchup – Any good organic ketchup that is on sale will work. You can also use homemade ketchup.
• Sugar – Granulated sugar will help add a little sweetness to the French dressing.
• Seasonings – I used a combination of salt, pepper, Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, and paprika.
• Oil – Any good neutral flavored oil will work.

How to Make French Dressing from Scratch

Finely grate the onion into a bowl.

Also, finely grate the garlic into the same bowl.

Add the ketchup, vinegar, hot sauce, Worcestershire, sugar, and paprika to the bowl.

Slowly drizzle in the oil while continuing to whisk until it is emulsified.

Adjust the seasonings with salt and pepper and serve or store.

Make-Ahead and Storage

Make-Ahead:You can make this French dressing recipe up to 3 days ahead.You can serve this immediately, but more flavors will come out with time. In addition, let it sit at room temperature before serving it.

How to Store:Place in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 7 to 10 days.This will not freeze.

More Dressing Recipes

• Lemon Vinaigrette
• Russian Dressing
• Greek Dressing
• Italian Dressing
• Blue Cheese Dressing