This homemade Creamy French Dressing recipe whips up in just 5 minutes, is WAY better than store-bought, and is a guaranteed winner!
Homemade dressings are the best! Not only because they taste MUCH better than their store-bought counterparts, but because they don’t have all the junk ingredients that you find in most of the store-bought dressings. French Dressing is one of many examples of dressings that taste so much better homemade. And there’s really no excuse not to make your own because it’s super easy and takes all of 5 minutes!
The two most popular versions of French dressing are Catalina French Dressing (which is bright red and not creamy) and what is simply called French Dressing, which is pale orange and creamy. Today we’re going to make the creamiest, most flavorful and superbly delicious homemade Creamy French Dressing!
There really is no excuse not to make your own dressing because it uses ingredients that you likely already have on hand and it takes all of 5 minutes to make! Luxuriously creamy and flavorful, this dressing will take your chef salads and side salads to a new level!
If you’re looking for a lower calorie version, simply use low fat mayonnaise and substitute the sugar with your favorite granulated alternative sweetener, for example Swerve Granular Sweetener.
This dressing is not only great on salads but also makes a delicious dip for your veggies. You can even drizzle on your baked potatoes or mix some of it into your pasta salad.
French Dressing Recipe
Let’s get started!
Place the mayonnaise, ketchup, oil, vinegar, sugar, onion, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt and pepper in a blender. Puree until you have a smooth dressing. Presto, your dressing is done!
Transfer it to an airtight container and chill for at least 2 hours before serving, preferably longer so the flavors have time to develop.
This recipe makes about 2 1/2 cups. This dressing will keep for up to 2 weeks in the refrigerator.
Enjoy!
Be sure to also try our recipes for the BEST homemade:
- Ranch Dressing
- Strawberry Poppy Seed Dressing
- Blue Cheese Dressing
- Italian Dressing
- Creamy Cilantro Dressing
- Asian Salad Dressing
- Lemon Dill Mustard Dressing
Creamy French Dressing
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup quality mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup ketchup
- 1/2 cup neutral tasting oil
- 1/3 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1 small yellow onion, roughly chopped
- 1 teaspoon sweet Hungarian paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
- Place all of the ingredients in a blender and puree until smooth. Taste and add more vinegar if you want it tangier, or more sugar if you want it sweeter. Chill for at least 2 hours before serving.Store in an airtight container in the fridge. Will keep up to 2 weeks. Makes about 2 1/2 cups.
Notes
- For a low calorie version, use low fat mayonnaise and substitute something like Swerve Granular Sweetener for the sugar.
Nutrition
LeeAnn Sanborn says
I have searched for this salad dressing recipe for years! It is exactly like Big Boys and I can’t believe I found it thank you so much! It is absolutely delicious! No more buying poor substitutes! I can’t tell you how happy I am 🥰
Kimberly Killebrew says
Yay, I’m thrilled that you found and enjoyed this, LeeAnn, thanks so much for the feedback!
kelly almasy says
this is delicious and finally has my husband enjoying salad again. sooo yummy
Kimberly Killebrew says
Wonderful! I’m so glad you both enjoyed it, Kelly, thank you!
Alice says
Too much vinegar for me. Next time I’m cutting it.
Kim C. says
Absolutely delicious. Thank you for posting the recipe.
Kimberly @ The Daring Gourmet says
You’re welcome, Kim, I’m so glad you enjoyed it, thank you!
Melanie says
This is the best French Dressing I have ever tasted. I make all my salad dressing from scratch. Mini food processors make it easy. I have tried many French recipes, but this is now the only one I use.
Thank You
Kimberly @ The Daring Gourmet says
I’m absolutely thrilled to hear that, Melanie, thank you so much!
Eric says
will it still be good even if i don’t chill it for the recommended time
Kimberly @ The Daring Gourmet says
Hi Eric, the chill time allows the flavors to have time to meld and is definitely optimal for the best flavor.
Rita Ladd says
I hate French Dressing, but I tried this recipe for someone else and now I like this over my favorite dressing. I have to admit though, I used Surig vinegar over apple cider and it was delicious.
Kimberly @ The Daring Gourmet says
I’m so glad, Rita, thank you for the feedback!
Teresa says
Really good! I generally only like French type dressing but only some of them, not the ones that are like Kraft which I don’t like at all. So I am always trying different ones and I think this is one of the best I’ve tried if not the best. Thanks!
Kimberly @ The Daring Gourmet says
I’m happy to hear that, Teresa, thank you so much!
Laurie says
Just made this dressing. Tastes delicious! Now I have to wait 2 hours in the refrigerator.🤷🏼♀️
Theresa Robl says
It was great, but only had smoked paprika. Made it extra delicious! Added a little lemon juice and a touch of lemon pepper. Excellent!
Barbara says
I had a small family gathering for my sons 50th birthday and had no bottled salad dressing in the fridge. Found this French dressing recipe online and decided to give it a try. It got rave reviews. I split the leftovers for some to take home. I’m still hearing from them how great this French dressing is. Easy to prepare and great tasting. Definitely a keeper.
Kimberly @ The Daring Gourmet says
I’m so happy to hear that, Barbara, thank you!
Susan says
Let’s be clear, we are not French dressing fans. The stuff from the store is cloyingly sweet without any real personality. I made this for guests.. her husband loves French, so I thought I would try this. It was absolutely the biggest hit! Not only did they love it, but so did we! I admit, I cut the sugar back slightly, left all the remaining ingredients the same. I did at a quarter teaspoon of ground mustard and it really made it great. My husband wants me to make again.. I am definitely doing that! Thank you for sharing!
Kimberly @ The Daring Gourmet says
Fantastic, Susan, I’m so happy to hear that, thank you!
Kim says
I went to a local Italian restaurant and their house dressing is french and italian mixed. So I took your recipe and used red wine vinegar instead of apple cider and added some basil, oregano and dry mustard and it turned out amazing. Great recipe thank you
Kimberly @ The Daring Gourmet says
Awesome, Kim, I’m glad you enjoyed this and were able to replicate that French-Italian dressing!
Ali says
Just made it and it’s fabulous! Going to make a few batches for some of my favorite salad loving neighbors.
Kimberly @ The Daring Gourmet says
Fantastic, Ali, and what a great gift! Thanks so much for the feedback!
David Brent says
With just myself and my wife at home, we do not use very much at a time. Is there a way I can water bath can this or addition to help preserve longer than 2 weeks?
Kimberly @ The Daring Gourmet says
Hi David, no, I’m afraid this dressing cannot be canned. I’d recommend just making half a batch by cutting all the ingredients in half.