I had a friend in high school who loved French dressing on everything, including pizza. I never understood why she liked it so much. My mom and older son both loved it so much that we decided to find a good homemade version.
French dressing?
French salad dressing as we know it today did not exist until recently. Until the 1960s, classic French vinaigrette was originally a healthy oil and vinegar dressing, now called vinaigrette. Vintage cookbooks list seasonings such as pepper and lemon juice, with shallots, garlic powder, Dijon mustard and other ingredients added later.
Over the years, ingredients like paprika (and ketchup) were added, making the bright orange version popular today.
It may not be French, but it’s definitely an American favorite.
And until recently, French dressing ingredients were regulated by the FDA. That’s because, starting in the 1920s, mineral oil (i.e., derived from petroleum) became a popular alternative to olive oil. Because mineral oil is indigestible and acts as a laxative, it has become a popular alternative to salad dressings for weight loss.
Eventually, processed food brands created spinoff options like Catalina Dressing and Creamy French Dressing.
Real food French dressing
This homemade version makes me understand why people love French dressing so much. It’s easy and delicious, using only real food ingredients and no vegetable oil or processed sugar. We love it with almost every meal (except maybe pizza?). We tried to balance the original oil and vinegar base with a bit of sweetness reminiscent of the newer version.
I use white wine vinegar, but red wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar will also work (although they taste stronger). Tomato paste adds color and flavor without adding a lot of sugar. And the honey adds a little sweetness and acts as an emulsifier for the oil and vinegar.
My kids love dipping fresh vegetables in this salad dressing (probably because it’s similar to homemade ketchup). If you’re a fan of French dressing (or even if you aren’t), try this healthy homemade version instead.
Healthy French Dressing Recipe
A simple and delicious homemade alternative to store-bought French dressing that you can make at home in under 2 minutes.
Nutrition Facts
Healthy French Dressing Recipe
Serving Size (1 TBSP)
calorie 60
calories from fat 54
% Daily Value*
province 6g9%
1g saturated fat6%
1g polyunsaturated fat
4g monounsaturated fat
sodium 24mg1%
potassium 18mg1%
carbohydrate 1g0%
0.1 g fiber0%
1g sugar1%
protein 0.1g0%
Vitamin A 20IU0%
Vitamin C 0.3 mg0%
calcium 2mg0%
steel 0.1mg1%
*Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
Serve with salad or use as a dipping sauce.
More Salad Dressing Recipes
I love a good salad, so I try to keep it fresh with a variety of salad dressings. Here are a few of our favorites:
What is your favorite thing to eat with French dressing? Let us know by leaving a comment!
