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Never buy French Dressing again! This homemade version is made with just a handful of pantry staples and tastes so much better than store bought!

Anyone who knows me knows that I’m a salad dressing LOVER. My fridge is always well-stocked with different types, from Ranch to Blue Cheese to Balsamic Vinaigrette and everything in between.

Which is what makes it so unbelievable that the one time I was looking for French dressing (to make homemade Big Mac Sauce) I didn’t have it! And after JUST getting home from the store, I really didn’t want to drive back.

So instead… I learned how to make homemade French Dressing. And now I can share it with all of you! A sweet, tangy, delicious dressing that couldn’t be easier to make at home… with pantry staples!

what you’ll need for this recipe

Oil – I used 1/2 cup canola oil as the base of this French Dressing recipe. Feel free to substitute light olive oil or another type of oil if you prefer. I wouldn’t suggest extra virgin olive oil, as the distinct flavor might clash with the other flavors in this dressing.

Ketchup – I used 1/4 cup ketchup as the second ingredient in this recipe. Feel free to use whatever ketchup you have on hand (I used Heinz).

Apple cider vinegar – 3 Tablespoons apple cider vinegar gives this dressing a sweet tanginess that is characteristic of French dressing. Feel free to substitute red wine vinegar or white wine vinegar if you prefer.

Sugar – I added 2 Tablespoons of granulated sugar for a bit of extra sweetness. You can adjust this amount according to your tastes.

Lemon juice – In addition to the vinegar, 2 Tablespoons of lemon juice adds necessary brightness and acidity. Feel free to use either fresh squeezed or bottled.

Spices – I kept the seasonings simple with 1/2 teaspoon paprika (regular, not smoked), 1/2 teaspoon onion powder and 1/4 teaspoon salt.

how to make homemade french dressing

Combine the ingredients. Measure and combine the ingredients in a small food processor or blender. We use this Mini Food Processor!

Blend. Blend for 30 seconds to emulsify.

Storage Tips

Homemade French Dressing can be stored in an airtight container (I like using a glass jar) for up to two weeks. To use, simply shake the dressing and pour it over your favorite salad!

Recipe Variations

Make it creamy by adding 1/2 cup mayo to the mix
For a tangier dressing, add more vinegar
For a sweeter dressing, add more sugar
Use dried minced onion OR fresh minced onion in place of onion powder
Add garlic powder or fresh garlic
Add additional seasonings, such as chili powder, dried mustard, or celery seed (1/4 – 1/2 teaspoon)
Add a splash or Worcestershire sauce for a savory kick

french dressing vs. catalina dressing

Now, you may be wondering what the difference is between French Dressing and Catalina Dressing. You can always find them next to each other at the grocery store and they clearly have a similar appearance. Well, the main difference is the ratio of oil to ketchup. French has a higher oil content, while Catalina has a higher ketchup content. As for Creamy French Dressing, it’s basically the same as regular French dressing with the addition of mayo.

What goes with French Dressing?

The most obvious answer is, of course, salad! French dressing has a sweet, tangy flavor that would make a perfect addition to any of these delicious salads!