French Salad Dressing

You’re in the right place if you’re looking for a simple French salad dressing with minimal ingredients. This recipe is different from others. We’ve incorporated actual mustard seeds into this recipe, so it has a bit of a crunch as well as intense flavours that have the ability to brighten up a simple salad .

Despite its name, French salad dressing is not exactly French. In France, salad dressings are called vinaigrette and it uses a blend of vinegar, olive oil, Dijon mustard, and seasonings. French Salad dressing, on the other hand, is a result of American innovation. It emerged in the 20th century and gained traction due to its bold taste and tangy sweetness.

Black mustard seeds from the Brassicaceae (Classification of mustard seed types) have an intense flavour, with Yellow mustard seeds being the least spicy. The olive’s fruity taste and the apple cider vinegar’s sharpness make the vegetable ingredients palatable.

The American version of the “French dressing” began to sell in commercialized bottles in the 1920s and became a staple in the United States. Over time, sugar, ketchup, and Worcestershire sauce were added to enhance the sweet flavour of the vinaigrette, with the appearance of having a red-orange hue.

In French cuisine, salad dressings are created with oil, vinegar, mustard, salt, and pepper. These ingredients make a classic vinaigrette that is refreshing, light, and tart, intending to enhance the natural flavours of the salad rather than overpower them. 

What do you need to make a French salad dressing recipe?

Extra virgin olive oil, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, and black pepper, Mustard seeds, honey, lemon juice, water, and a garlic clove.

This recipe uses extra virgin olive oil to provide a rich and smooth salad dressing. Apple cider vinegar has a tangy sweetness, while Dijon mustard creates a creamy and sharp flavour. Black pepper adds a mild heat. Adding salt to this recipe was unnecessary, as Dijon mustard has enough salt to balance the flavours.

Mustard seeds provide a subtle crunch and complement the Dijon Mustard. A drizzle of honey and fresh lemon juice brightens the dressing, adding a zesty note. Water helps to adjust the consistency. Garlic cloves add an aromatic depth.

Instructions

Finely mince the garlic cloves and add them to the bowl. Emulsify the olive oil, apple cider vinegar, and lemon juice with water. Add the Mustard seeds, honey, and ground black pepper. Whisk thoroughly until well combined.

Add the Dijon Mustard, Water, and Garlic Cloves. Perform a taste test and adjust accordingly. For a large salad, double the ingredients are recommended.

How to Store French Salad Dressing?

This dressing keeps well in the refrigerator for up to a week, making it easy to add a quick splash of tangy, flavourful dressing to any salad. Store in the fridge for up to a week. Always keep the dressing separate, without mixing with the salad, as the salad can get soggy or spoiled. Only use as much dressing as needed at a time. 

Want to Change up the Flavours? 

The ingredients can vary according to your taste. For example, you can play around with the ingredients by adding onion powder or paprika.

What can you Serve with a French Salad?

Since this is a salad dressing created with French heritage in mind and it also uses the revered Dijon mustard. Consider pairing this salad dressing on top of your favourite greens. Grilled Steak or Garlic Shrimp will also serve as splendid options for the main-meals. Other options include a Butter Chicken alongside White rice. A Creamy French tomato soup would also be incredible with a simple green salad that uses this French Salad Dressing.