Simple Sweet Tangy

My family has passed down this sweet-tangy dressing for ages. It adds unforgettable flavor to even the plainest salad greens. You just can't get this homey taste from store-bought stuff - it's got that perfect sweet-sour balance that brings back memories.

I first threw this dressing together when I was in my first apartment and called mom freaking out about how to make a decent salad. Now, twenty years on, it's the only dressing my kids will touch, and everyone at parties always bugs me for the recipe.

Ingredients

• Grapeseed or vegetable oil: Makes a smooth foundation with a neutral taste
• Granulated sugar: Gives that key sweetness that cuts through the acid
• White vinegar: Brings the zingy tang that every good dressing needs
• Ketchup: Adds rich flavor and nice color while helping everything mix together
• Dried minced onion: Creates extra layers of taste without being too sharp
• Salt: Lifts all the other flavors, try using kosher salt if you can

How To Make Mom's Salad Dressing

Gather Ingredients:

Make sure everything's room temp so it mixes better. Measure carefully your first time until you figure out how sweet or tangy you like it.

Combine Everything:

Put all your stuff in a jar that has a good lid. The jar should be twice as big as what you're mixing to give you enough shaking room. A mason jar does the trick perfectly.

Shake Vigorously:

Get that lid on tight and shake hard for about 30 seconds until the sugar starts breaking down. It'll look cloudy at first but will come together as everything blends.

Test For Sweetness:

Grab a clean spoon and have a taste. Now's when you can add more sugar or vinegar if you want. Just remember the flavors will calm down a bit in the fridge.

Store Properly:

Put it in a clean bottle or jar that seals well. Glass works best since it won't take on flavors and you can see when you need to shake it before using.

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The ketchup is really the hidden gem here. My grandma started using it when fresh tomatoes weren't around, but it adds something special that fresh stuff just can't match. Every time I make this, I think about her clever kitchen wisdom.

Making It Your Own

This dressing works great as a starting point you can tweak however you want. My sister throws in some Dijon mustard for extra kick, while my brother likes to add more vinegar to make it tangier. Some family members mix in crushed garlic or a splash of Worcestershire sauce. What's cool is how it changes but still keeps that nostalgic feel.

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Storage Tips

Don't worry if this dressing splits apart in storage - that's totally normal. Just give it a good shake before you use it to mix everything back together. Keep it in the fridge in something airtight for up to three weeks. It actually tastes better after a day as all the flavors mingle together, so it's great to make ahead for parties or weekly meal planning.

Perfect Pairings

This dressing is awesome on basic green salads, but you can do so much more with it. Try pouring it over cucumber and tomato slices in summer, using it to soak chicken before grilling, or mixing it with cold pasta and veggies for a quick side dish. My family really loves it on a simple mix of iceberg lettuce, sliced radishes, and crunchy croutons for Sunday dinners goes with almost any main course.

Cultural Context

Sweet dressings like this became really popular in American homes during the 50s and 60s when quick cooking took off. You'll find similar recipes in community cookbooks all over the Midwest and South, often called "house dressing" or "special sauce." What makes family recipes like this so cool is how they stick around through different food trends and stay popular across generations.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Which oil works best for this?

Neutral flavors like grapeseed or vegetable oil work best, though olive oil can also work if you prefer.

→ Can I switch the sugar?

Sure, swap it out with honey, maple syrup, or a sugar-free alternative to meet your taste.

→ What's the best way to store it?

Keep it fresh in the fridge inside a tightly sealed container. Don't forget to stir or shake before using since the mix may separate.

→ Can I prepare this ahead of time?

Of course! It stays nice in the fridge for about a week if sealed tightly.

→ What goes well with this dressing?

It pairs amazingly with fresh greens, roasted veggies, or even as a tasty marinade for meats.