This sweet salad dressing is a perfect example of an old-fashioned recipe that doesn’t require a long list of ingredients or complicated instructions. Made with just three simple pantry staples, it is an easy homemade dressing that comes together in minutes.
Brown sugar, white vinegar, and vegetable oil create a sweet and tangy dressing that is especially delicious over fresh leafy lettuce with sliced green onions. It is simple enough for an everyday family meal but has that nostalgic homemade flavor that makes a basic salad feel a little more special.
This is also a handy recipe to have during the gardening season when fresh lettuce and green onions are plentiful. Sometimes the best salad is the simplest one.
Why You’ll Love This Old-Fashioned Salad Dressing
Just three ingredients. You probably already have everything you need in your pantry.
Quick and easy. There is no cooking involved. Just mix, shake, and serve.
Sweet and tangy. Brown sugar balances the sharpness of the vinegar for a delicious sweet-and-sour flavor.
Perfect for garden lettuce. Tender leafy lettuce and fresh green onions are a wonderful combination with this dressing.
A simple farmhouse favorite. This is the kind of uncomplicated recipe that fits right in with everyday home cooking.
Old-Fashioned Sweet Salad Dressing
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Equipment
Ingredients
- ½ Cup Brown Sugar
- ½ Cup White Vinegar
- ¾ Cup Vegetable Oil
Instructions
How to Make Old-Fashioned Sweet Salad Dressing
- Add the brown sugar, white vinegar, and vegetable oil to a bowl or jar.½ Cup Brown Sugar, ½ Cup White Vinegar, ¾ Cup Vegetable Oil
- Whisk the ingredients together until the brown sugar is mostly dissolved and everything is well combined.
- For an easy method, place the ingredients in a jar with a tight-fitting lid and shake until combined.
- The dressing will naturally separate as it sits, so give it a good shake or stir before serving.
Nutrition
A Simple Garden Salad
This dressing doesn’t need an elaborate salad to make it shine.
For a simple farmhouse-style salad, start with fresh leafy lettuce and add thinly sliced green onions. Drizzle the sweet dressing over the top and toss gently.
If you have more vegetables from the garden, feel free to add them. Fresh cucumber, tomatoes, radishes, shredded carrots, or herbs would all be delicious.
However, there is something to be said for keeping it simple. Fresh lettuce, green onion, and homemade dressing make a wonderful side salad for just about any meal.
Helpful Tips
- Shake before serving. The oil and vinegar naturally separate.
- Use a jar. It makes mixing and storing the dressing especially easy.
- Wash garden greens well. If using homegrown lettuce and onions, wash and dry them thoroughly before making the salad.
- Adjust the sweetness if desired. If you prefer a sweeter dressing, add a little additional brown sugar.
- Start with a simple salad. You can always add more vegetables, but lettuce and green onion are a delicious place to start.
How to Store Sweet Salad Dressing
Store the prepared dressing in a covered container in the refrigerator. A glass jar with a tight-fitting lid works especially well.
The ingredients will separate while the dressing sits, so simply shake or whisk it again before serving.
Can I make this dressing ahead of time?
Yes. This dressing can be prepared ahead and kept refrigerated until you are ready to use it. Shake it well before serving.
What lettuce is best for this dressing?
Any fresh leafy lettuce works well. Tender garden lettuce is especially good because its mild flavor pairs nicely with the sweet and tangy dressing.
What can I add to the salad?
Sliced green onion is a wonderful addition. You can also add cucumbers, tomatoes, radishes, carrots, or fresh herbs depending on what you have available.
Can I use this dressing on other salads?
Absolutely. While it is delicious on a simple lettuce and green onion salad, try it with your favorite combination of fresh salad vegetables.
Simple Recipes Are Often the Best
You don’t always need a complicated recipe to make a delicious meal. This old-fashioned sweet salad dressing is proof that a few everyday ingredients can come together to make something worth keeping in your recipe box.
The next time you pick fresh lettuce and green onions from the garden, skip the bottled dressing and give this simple homemade version a try. It is quick, inexpensive, and brings a sweet-and-tangy flavor to a simple bowl of garden greens.
Stay connected with Hobby Homestead
Add Hobby Homestead as a preferred source in Google Search to make it easier to find our articles when you're searching for recipes, gardening tips, preserving ideas, and more.
It’s amazing how scrumptious three ingredients can be.