Today, we are making a French Salad dressing. This recipe is different from other salad dressings. We’ve incorporated actual mustard seeds into this recipe, so it has a bit of a crunch as well as intense flavours that can brighten up a simple salad.

In France, salad dressings are known as vinaigrettes and consist of vinegar, olive oil, and Dijon mustard. The American version of “French dressing” was first sold in commercial bottles in the 1920s and quickly became a staple in the United States. They were different from the French vinaigrettes; the American versions were sweeter.

Black mustard seeds have a distinctive flavor, while yellow mustard seeds are milder. The fruity taste of olive oil, combined with the sharpness of apple cider vinegar, enhances the dressing’s overall appeal. Over time, ingredients such as sugar, ketchup, and Worcestershire sauce were added to enhance the dressing’s sweetness, resulting in a distinctive red-orange hue.

Ingredients

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

This recipe features extra-virgin olive oil to create a rich and smooth salad dressing. The apple cider vinegar adds a tangy sweetness, while the Dijon mustard contributes a creamy, sharp flavor. Black pepper introduces a mild heat. Salt has been omitted from this recipe because Dijon mustard already contains salt. The mustard seeds provide a subtle crunch that complements the Dijon flavor. Honey, along with lemon juice, adds a bright, zesty note to the dressing. You can adjust the consistency with a splash of water, and incorporating garlic cloves adds depth to the mix.

Instructions

Finely mince the garlic cloves and place them in a bowl. In a separate container, mix together the olive oil, apple cider vinegar, lemon juice, and a bit of water. Then, add the mustard seeds, honey, and ground black pepper to this mixture. Whisk everything thoroughly until well combined. Next, add the Dijon mustard, additional water, and minced garlic to the bowl. Taste the mixture and adjust the seasoning as needed. If you’re preparing a large salad, remember to double the ingredients.

How to Store French Salad Dressing?

This dressing can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week, making it easy to add a quick splash of tangy flavor to any salad. To ensure freshness, always keep the dressing separate from the salad, as mixing them may cause the salad to become soggy or spoil. Use only the amount of dressing you need at one time.

What can you Serve with a French Salad?

Since this salad dressing is created with French heritage in mind, it also uses the revered Dijon mustard. Consider pairing this salad dressing with your favourite greens. Grilled Steak or Garlic Shrimp will also make splendid main-course options. 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.

French Salad Dressing

5 from 1 vote

Print Pin Rate

Course: Salads

Cuisine: French

Prep Time: 5

Total Time: 5

Calories: 294kcal

Author: thetastejournal.com

Ingredients

Instructions

Whisk the dressing: Add all the ingredients into the bowl and whisk them to emulsify the olive oil. Taste the dressing to see if you need more honey to increase the sweetness, or add salt to your taste.