French dressing

French Dressing is a type of salad dressing that originated in the United States, despite its name suggesting a French origin. It is typically made from oil, vinegar, ketchup, and sugar, resulting in a sweet and tangy flavor.

History

The term "French Dressing" was first used in the United States in the 19th century to describe a dressing consisting of oil and vinegar, optionally flavored with herbs and mustard. The red, ketchup-based variant became popular in the early 20th century.

Ingredients and Preparation

Traditional French Dressing is made by combining oil, vinegar, ketchup, sugar, and often includes additional flavorings such as onion, garlic, paprika, and Worcestershire sauce. The ingredients are typically blended until smooth, creating a creamy, emulsified dressing.

Variations

There are many variations of French Dressing, including "Creamy French Dressing", which includes mayonnaise or another creamy base, and "Catalina French Dressing", which is a redder, less creamy version with a slightly sweeter taste.

Use

French Dressing is commonly used as a dressing for green salad, but can also be used as a marinade for meat or vegetables, or as a dipping sauce.

See Also

• Salad Dressing
• Vinaigrette
• Catalina dressing
• Ranch dressing