For those embracing a ketogenic lifestyle, finding suitable condiments can sometimes feel like a challenge. Many store-bought salad dressings are laden with hidden sugars and unnecessary carbohydrates, making them unsuitable for a keto diet. However, that doesn't mean you have to forgo flavor and enjoyment when it comes to salads. This keto French dressing recipe offers a delicious, sugar-free alternative that's quick, easy, and customizable.
Why Make Your Own Keto French Dressing?
There are several compelling reasons to whip up a batch of homemade keto French dressing:
- Control Over Ingredients: When you make your own dressing, you have complete control over what goes into it. This allows you to avoid unwanted ingredients like sugar, high fructose corn syrup, artificial colors and flavors, and unhealthy oils.
- Superior Taste: Homemade dressings simply taste better! The fresh, vibrant flavors shine through, creating a more satisfying culinary experience.
- Customization: You can tailor the dressing to your specific preferences. Adjust the sweetness, tanginess, or spice level to create a flavor profile that perfectly complements your salads.
- Quick and Easy: This recipe takes just minutes to make, making it a convenient option for busy weeknights.
Understanding French Dressing
Despite its name, French dressing is a classic American salad dressing known for its sweet-tart flavor. Traditionally, it's made with a combination of oil, vinegar, sugar, and spices. This recipe recreates that beloved flavor profile without the added sugar, making it a perfect fit for a keto lifestyle.
Ingredients for Keto French Dressing
Here's what you'll need to make this delectable dressing:
- 1/2 cup Neutral Flavored Oil: Avocado oil or light olive oil are excellent choices. Avoid extra virgin olive oil, as its strong flavor can overpower the other ingredients. Canola Vegetable Oil may also be substituted for the canola oil
- 1 tablespoon Keto-Friendly Sweetener: Liquid allulose is recommended, as it helps thicken the dressing. However, you can also use granular sweeteners like erythritol or powdered Swerve (confectioners). Adjust to taste. Xylitol can also be used.
- 1/4 cup Vinegar: Red wine vinegar is standard in French dressing, but apple cider vinegar can be used as a substitute.
- 1/2 cup Unsweetened Ketchup: You can use store-bought keto ketchup or make your own using tomato paste and spices.
- 1/4 teaspoon Garlic Powder: If you don't have garlic powder, crush one garlic clove with the flat side of a chef's knife and add it to the dressing; remove and discard the garlic before serving or storing.
- 1/2 teaspoon Salt
- 1/8 teaspoon Red or Cayenne Pepper
- Dijon Mustard: A touch of Dijon mustard helps emulsify the dressing and keep the oil from separating.
- Tomato paste: Classic French dressing takes ketchup, and you could make or purchase some sugar free ketchup. But it’s even easier to simply add tomato paste and some of the spices directly into the dressing.
- Seasonings: French dressing typically takes celery seed, garlic, onion, and paprika. I also added a touch of allspice to mimic the ketchup flavor, as well as a little herbes de Provence.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Making this keto French dressing is incredibly simple:
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- Place all ingredients in a jar with a tight-fitting lid.
- Shake vigorously until well combined.
- Taste and adjust seasoning as desired. Add more sweetener if you prefer a sweeter dressing, or more vinegar for a tangier flavor.
Tips for Success
- Sweetener Selection: Choose a sweetener that dissolves easily. Granular erythritol sweeteners like Swerve may require more shaking to dissolve completely. Powdered Swerve (confectioners) or liquid allulose are good options.
- Emulsification: Dijon mustard helps to emulsify the dressing and prevent the oil from separating. If you're making a large batch, consider using an electric whisk to ensure proper emulsification.
- Adjusting the Flavor: Don't be afraid to experiment with the ratios of ingredients to find your perfect balance of sweet and tangy.
- Homemade Ketchup Alternative: To mimic the flavor of ketchup without the added sugar, use tomato paste and a blend of spices like allspice, paprika, and a touch of herbes de Provence.
Serving Suggestions
This versatile keto French dressing can be used in a variety of ways:
- Salad Dressing: Drizzle it over your favorite green salads. It pairs well with various lettuces, spinach, or kale.
- Vegetable Dip: Serve it as a dip for raw vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower, cucumbers, sliced peppers, or radishes.
- Condiment: Use it as a condiment to top burgers or keto wraps.
Storage Instructions
Store the dressing in a jar in the refrigerator for up to a week. Shake well before each use, as the ingredients may separate over time.
Can You Freeze Keto French Dressing?
Yes, you can freeze leftover dressing for up to 6 months. Place it in a shallow container and let it thaw completely before whisking and using.
Is French Dressing Keto-Friendly?
Classic French dressing is typically high in added sugars and carbohydrates, making it unsuitable for a keto diet. A typical 2 tablespoon serving of Catalina has 9g of carbs, so it is not considered keto friendly. However, this sugar-free version has only a few grams of carbs and is appropriate for low-carb and keto diets.
Nutritional Information
Nutritional information is provided as a courtesy and is calculated with the assistance of a third-party service. Values are approximate, can’t be guaranteed, and should be considered as estimates only. Values differ according to types and brands of foods used. When used in a recipe, erythritol has been removed from the carb count as it is a sugar alcohol. Always calculate nutritional information on your own before relying on them.
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