Gourmet Creamy French Dressing
Elevate your salads with our Gourmet Creamy French Dressing, a delightful concoction that perfectly balances tangy and sweet flavors. This dressing combines fresh lemon juice and savory Worcestershire sauce with the subtle heat of mustard and spices. When blended with smooth canola oil, this vibrant dressing is perfect for adding zest to your favorite greens, sandwiches, or as a dipping sauce. Perfect for any cuisine, prepared fresh, and stored for future cravings.
16
Servings
N/A
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
cornstarch
2 teaspoons
water
1/2 cup
lemon juice
1/2 cup (freshly squeezed)
ketchup
1/2 cup
sugar
1/3 cup
onions
2 tablespoons (chopped)
Worcestershire sauce
1 1/2 teaspoons
salt
1/2 teaspoon
prepared mustard
1/2 teaspoon
onion powder
1/8 teaspoon
garlic powder
1/8 teaspoon
canola oil
1/2 cup
Instructions
1
Step 1: In a small saucepan, mix together the cornstarch and water until smooth. Place over medium heat, stirring continuously until the mixture thickens, approximately 1-2 minutes. Remove from heat and allow to cool.
2
Step 2: In a blender or food processor, combine the freshly squeezed lemon juice, ketchup, sugar, chopped onions, Worcestershire sauce, salt, prepared mustard, onion powder, and garlic powder. Blend until the mixture becomes smooth and well combined.
3
Step 3: While blending at low speed, slowly pour in the canola oil in a steady stream, allowing the dressing to emulsify and thicken.
4
Step 4: Once the oil is fully incorporated and the dressing is thickened, transfer it to a mixing bowl.
5
Step 5: Gently fold in the cooled cornstarch mixture until fully integrated.
6
Step 6: Pour the dressing into a jar or airtight container and refrigerate for at least one hour before serving to let the flavors meld. Store any leftovers in the refrigerator for up to one week.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Gourmet Creamy French Dressing?
It is a homemade salad dressing that balances tangy and sweet flavors using lemon juice, ketchup, and savory spices.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe makes approximately 16 servings.
What are the primary ingredients in this dressing?
The main ingredients include cornstarch, lemon juice, ketchup, sugar, chopped onions, and canola oil.
How do I thicken the dressing naturally?
The dressing is thickened using a mixture of cornstarch and water that is heated until smooth and then folded into the blended base.
Can I use a different type of oil?
Yes, while canola oil is suggested for its neutral flavor, you can use other neutral oils like vegetable or grapeseed oil.
How long can I store this dressing in the refrigerator?
You can store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.
Is this Gourmet Creamy French Dressing gluten-free?
While the primary ingredients are gluten-free, always check the labels of your ketchup and Worcestershire sauce to ensure they do not contain hidden gluten.
Can I use bottled lemon juice instead of fresh?
Freshly squeezed lemon juice is recommended for the best flavor, but bottled lemon juice can be used as a substitute.
Is a blender required for this recipe?
A blender or food processor is necessary to properly combine the ingredients and emulsify the oil for a smooth texture.
Can I make this dressing sugar-free?
You can attempt to replace the sugar with a heat-stable sugar substitute, though it may slightly alter the traditional flavor profile.
What gives the dressing its creamy texture?
The creaminess comes from the emulsion of canola oil and the inclusion of the cooked cornstarch mixture.
What is the best way to store the finished dressing?
It is best stored in a glass jar or an airtight container to keep it fresh and prevent odors from the fridge.
What can I use if I run out of ketchup?
Tomato paste mixed with a little vinegar and a pinch of sugar can serve as a substitute for ketchup in this recipe.
Can I use fresh garlic instead of garlic powder?
Yes, you can use fresh minced garlic, though garlic powder blends more evenly into the liquid mixture.
Why must the dressing be refrigerated for an hour before serving?
Refrigeration allows the various flavors, such as onion and Worcestershire, to meld together and the dressing to reach its final consistency.
Can I skip the cornstarch step?
The cornstarch provides a unique thickness and stability; skipping it will result in a much thinner, more liquid dressing.
What kind of mustard is best for this recipe?
The recipe calls for prepared mustard, such as standard yellow mustard or a smooth Dijon.
Is this dressing vegan?
Traditional Worcestershire sauce contains anchovies, so you would need to use a vegan-certified Worcestershire sauce to make this recipe vegan.
Can I freeze this French dressing?
Freezing is not recommended as the emulsion may break and the texture of the cornstarch base may become watery upon thawing.
What types of salads go well with this dressing?
It pairs excellently with garden salads, wedge salads, or as a dip for fresh vegetables.
Can I use this as a marinade for meat?
Yes, the acidity from the lemon and the sweetness of the sugar make it a great marinade for chicken or pork.
How do I prevent the dressing from separating?
Slowly pouring the oil in a steady stream while the blender is running is key to creating a stable emulsion.
Can I use olive oil instead of canola oil?
You can use olive oil, but it will add a distinct flavor and may solidify slightly more when refrigerated.
What is a good substitute for Worcestershire sauce?
Soy sauce or a splash of balsamic vinegar can be used if you do not have Worcestershire sauce on hand.
Can I add extra spices to this recipe?
Absolutely; spices like paprika, black pepper, or celery seed can be added to customize the flavor.
Does this recipe contain real onions?
Yes, it uses both chopped fresh onions and onion powder for a layered onion flavor.
How much dressing is considered one serving?
Given the 16 servings per batch, a single serving is approximately two tablespoons.
Is this dressing spicy?
It is not spicy; the mustard and garlic powder provide flavor and a tiny bit of zest without heat.
Can I use apple cider vinegar instead of lemon juice?
Yes, apple cider vinegar can be used, though it will change the citrusy tang to a more fruity acidity.
What is the overall flavor profile of this dressing?
It is a gourmet balance of tangy, sweet, and zesty notes with a smooth, creamy mouthfeel.