Creamy French Dressing
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This homemade Creamy French Dressing recipe whips up in just 5 minutes, is WAY better than store-bought, and is a guaranteed winner at your dinner table!

Homemade Creamy French Dressing
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, takes all of 5 minutes and is made with ingredients you likely already have on hand. Get ready to take your chef and side salads to the next level!
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!
Sugar Free French Dressing
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.

Creamy 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.

How to Use It
This homemade dressing is deliciously versatile and there are a number of ways you can use it to boost your dishes. Here are few ideas to get you started:
- On leafy green salads.
- As a dip for vegetables, potato chips, oven baked French fries, Cajun fries, baked potato wedges and sweet potato fries.
- Drizzled over baked potatoes and baked sweet potatoes.
- As a spread for sandwiches or wraps.
- For hamburgers and hot dogs.
- For a flavor twist add it to your potato or pasta salads like this classic potato salad and macaroni salad or even creamy coleslaw.
Enjoy!

Be sure to also try my recipes for the BEST homemade:
- Ranch Dressing
- Catalina Dressing
- Thousand Island Dressing
- Russian Dressing
- Strawberry Poppy Seed Dressing
- Blue Cheese Dressing
- Italian Dressing
- Creamy Cilantro Dressing
- Asian Salad Dressing
- Lemon Dill Mustard Dressing
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Creamy French Dressing
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup good mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup ketchup
- 1/2 cup neutral tasting oil
- 1/3 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- or alternative sweetener (for sugar free/low carb option)
- 1 small yellow onion, roughly chopped
- 1 teaspoon sweet 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
Originally published on The Daring Gourmet September 16, 2018
Second time using this recipe. It’s so good i categorized it under “A cut above” the best of the best, on my Pinterest page.
Oh thank you so much, Dorothy, I’m thrilled to hear that! <3
I can’t wait to try this! Would substituting the granulated sugar with honey totally throw off the flavor?
Hi Laurie, it will change the flavor but not necessarily in a bad way :) Let us know what you think if you try it!
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 🥰
Yay, I’m thrilled that you found and enjoyed this, LeeAnn, thanks so much for the feedback!
this is delicious and finally has my husband enjoying salad again. sooo yummy
Wonderful! I’m so glad you both enjoyed it, Kelly, thank you!
Too much vinegar for me. Next time I’m cutting it.
Absolutely delicious. Thank you for posting the recipe.
You’re welcome, Kim, I’m so glad you enjoyed it, thank you!
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
I’m absolutely thrilled to hear that, Melanie, thank you so much!
will it still be good even if i don’t chill it for the recommended time
Hi Eric, the chill time allows the flavors to have time to meld and is definitely optimal for the best flavor.