Why You’ll Love It
This recipe for French Salad Dressing came from my grandmother who was always a trusted source for delicious recipes. This is not a classic French salad dressing in that it uses a can of tomato soup, but I can tell you it’s fast and flavorful! This delicious dressing is a good recipe when you need a quick vinaigrette for your favorite salad. This basic recipe has simple ingredients and is my go-to vinaigrette dressing.
French Dressing has fallen out of favor in the store-bought salad dressing section of the store, but I think we all need to bring back this tangy, tomatoey deliciousness. Making your own salad dressing is far superior to the bottled stuff.
If you enjoy homemade dressings, try one of these recipes like Kale Salad with Garlic Tarragon Dressing or Spring Salad with Strawberries & Bleu Cheese
Ingredients & Substitutions
- Canned Tomato Soup – yep this recipe uses canned tomato soup – others call for ketchup but the soup is has a milder flavor
- Apple cider Vinegar – adds the tanginess to the vinaigrette
- Balsamic Vinegar – like the apple cider vinegar, balsamic vinegar adds tang but also depth
- Sugar – white granulated sugar
- Oil – such as canola or vegetable oil
- Kosher Salt – or sea salt
- Paprika – use a sweet paprika like Hungarian
- Worcestershire Sauce – adds that bit of umami
- Black Pepper – fresh cracked black pepper
- Shallot – finely minced shallots, or minced yellow or red onion
- Dijon Mustard – or prepared yellow mustard
- Fresh Garlic – minced fresh raw garlic
Substitutions
- Apple Cider Vinegar – you can substitute champagne vinegar, sherry vinegar, red wine vinegar, or white wine vinegar
- Balsamic Vinegar – you can substitute white balsamic vinegar
- Dijon Mustard – use yellow prepared mustard, or a grainy mustard.
- Shallots – sub minced red onion or yellow onions
- Add Herbs – you an add fresh herbs like fresh minced parsley or minced fresh chives
- Add Spice – add a pinch of red pepper flakes to give this sweet dressing a little heat.
Find the printable recipe card with exact measurements and step-by-step instructions below.
How to Make French Salad Dressing
This easy salad dressing comes together quickly when you use a mason jar to shake it all up together. Make your own homemade salad dressing in 10 minutes or less.
- In a clean mason jar add the canned soup, apple cider vinegar, balsamic vinegar, 1/3 cup sugar, oil, salt, black pepper, 1/2 tsp paprika, Worcestershire sauce, finely minced shallot, grey poupon, garlic and cap tightly. Shake vigorously to combine.
- Conversely, you can add all ingredients to a small bowl and whisk to combine. Transfer unused dressing to a container and refrigerate.
Tips for Storing
- Storing – store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 30 days.
Salad Recipes We Love
French Salad Dressing Recipe
Ingredients
French Dressing:
- 10 oz canned tomato soup
- ½ cup cider vinegar
- ¼ cup balsamic vinegar
- ⅓ cup sugar
- 1 ½ cups salad oil, such as canola
- 1 ½ teaspoons salt
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon minced shallot, or onion
- 1 teaspoon Dijon, or prepared yellow mustard
- 1 clove garlic, minced
Instructions
French Salad Dressing
- In a quart sized mason jar, add all French dressing ingredients. Shake vigorously to combine. Use immediately, or store in the refrigerator up to a month.
Recipe By:
Co-Founder at Spiceology | More About Heather…
Heather is a recipe developer and content creator living in Vancouver, Washington. She started Farmgirl Gourmet in 2006, almost 20 years ago, as a way to share recipes with friends and family. Heather is also the co-founder of Spiceology , a unique spice company, which she started in 2013. She shares family friendly recipes for easy everyday meals with a gourmet twist.
Easy to make French dressing recipe that was passed down by my grandmother. It’s a keeper!