French Dressing

French Dressing Recipe from France with Yogurt, Ketchup, and Cider Vinegar

Region / culture: France | Preparation time: 10 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

French dressing is a classic and versatile salad dressing that can be used on a variety of salads. It is known for its tangy and slightly sweet flavor, making it a popular choice for many people.

History

French dressing has been around for centuries and has evolved over time. It is believed to have originated in France, hence the name, but it has since become popular all over the world. The recipe has been adapted and modified by different cultures and regions, resulting in various versions of the dressing.

Ingredients

0.5 cup of plain, low fat yogurt
2.5 tbsp of ketchup
2 tbsp of water
1.5 tbsp of cider vinegar
1 tbsp of mayonnaise
1 clove of crushed garlic
0.5 tsp of sugar
black pepper to taste

How to prepare

Place all the ingredients in a small bowl and mix them together using a spoon or fork.
Transfer the mixture into a covered container and refrigerate until it is ready to be used.

Variations

Add a pinch of dried herbs like oregano or basil for extra flavor.
Use Greek yogurt for a thicker and tangier dressing.
Substitute honey for sugar for a slightly sweeter dressing.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to use fresh ingredients for the best flavor.

- Adjust the amount of sugar and vinegar to suit your taste preferences.

- Store the dressing in a covered container in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Serving Suggestions

French dressing is perfect for drizzling over salads, especially mixed greens, tomato, and cucumber salads. It can also be used as a marinade for grilled vegetables or meats.

Cooking Techniques

Mixing all the ingredients together in a bowl is the main cooking technique for making French dressing.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can substitute white vinegar for cider vinegar.

- Use Greek yogurt instead of plain yogurt for a thicker consistency.

Make Ahead Tips

French dressing can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to a week. Just give it a good shake or stir before using.

Presentation Ideas

Serve French dressing in a small pitcher or dressing cruet for a stylish presentation at the table.

Pairing Recommendations

French dressing pairs well with a variety of salads, including Caesar salad, Cobb salad, and garden salad. It also complements grilled chicken, shrimp, or steak.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store French dressing in a covered container in the refrigerator for up to a week. Give it a good shake or stir before using. French dressing does not need to be reheated.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

French dressing typically contains around 50-70 calories per serving.

Carbohydrates

French dressing typically contains around 2-3 grams of carbohydrates per serving.

Fats

French dressing is a creamy dressing that contains fats from ingredients like mayonnaise and yogurt. It typically contains around 5-7 grams of fat per serving.

Proteins

French dressing contains a small amount of protein, usually around 1-2 grams per serving.

Vitamins and minerals

French dressing may contain small amounts of vitamins and minerals from ingredients like garlic and ketchup.

Alergens

French dressing may contain allergens such as dairy (from yogurt and mayonnaise) and eggs (from mayonnaise).

Summary

French dressing is a creamy and flavorful dressing that is relatively low in carbohydrates and protein, but higher in fats. It is a delicious addition to salads and can be enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.

Summary

French dressing is a classic and versatile salad dressing that is easy to make at home. With its tangy and slightly sweet flavor, it is a delicious addition to salads and can be enjoyed in a variety of ways.

How did I get this recipe?

I can still recall the sense of amazement I felt when I first saw this recipe for French Dressing. It was many years ago, when I was just a young girl, and my mother had invited some friends over for a dinner party. I was tasked with helping her prepare the salad, and as I watched her mix together the ingredients for the dressing, I was mesmerized by the way she effortlessly combined the oil, vinegar, mustard, and herbs to create a flavorful and tangy dressing that perfectly complemented the fresh greens.

I asked my mother where she had learned to make such a delicious dressing, and she smiled and told me that it was a recipe she had picked up from her own mother, my grandmother. She went on to explain that my grandmother had learned how to make it from a French friend many years ago, and it had been a family favorite ever since.

I was intrigued by the idea of a recipe being passed down through generations, and I knew that I wanted to learn how to make this dressing myself. So, after the dinner party was over and our guests had gone home, I sat down with my mother and asked her to teach me the recipe.

She showed me how to carefully measure out the oil and vinegar, how to whisk in the mustard and seasonings, and how to adjust the flavors to taste. I watched her closely, taking notes and asking questions, determined to master the art of making French Dressing.

As I practiced making the dressing over the following weeks, I found that each batch I made was a little better than the last. I experimented with different herbs and spices, trying to find the perfect balance of flavors that would make the dressing truly exceptional.

I also began to research the history of French Dressing, learning about its origins in France and its evolution over the years into the popular condiment we know today. I was fascinated by the way that a simple combination of ingredients could create such a versatile and delicious dressing that could be used on salads, sandwiches, and even as a marinade for meats.

As I continued to perfect my recipe, I started to share it with friends and family, who were all amazed by how flavorful and delicious it was. They encouraged me to enter it in local cooking competitions, where it won rave reviews and even a few blue ribbons.

Over the years, I have continued to make my grandmother's French Dressing recipe, refining and tweaking it to suit my own tastes and preferences. I have passed it on to my own children and grandchildren, who now make it for their own families and friends.

And so, as I stand in my kitchen today, whisk in hand, preparing a fresh batch of French Dressing for a family gathering, I am filled with a sense of pride and gratitude for the recipe that has been passed down through the generations. It is a reminder of the love and tradition that have been woven into the fabric of our family, and I am grateful for the opportunity to share it with those I hold dear.

As I drizzle the dressing over a crisp green salad and take a taste, I am transported back to that moment many years ago when I first saw my mother make it. The flavors are just as delicious and satisfying as they were then, a testament to the enduring power of a simple recipe passed down through the ages.

And so, as I sit down to enjoy my meal with my loved ones, I am thankful for the memories and traditions that have shaped me into the cook and storyteller that I am today. And as I savor each bite of salad dressed with my grandmother's French Dressing, I am reminded of the joy and connection that food can bring to our lives.