This oil and vinegar dressing recipe takes only one minute to make and will give you a homemade vinaigrette dressing that’s full of robust flavor! Use only four ingredients and avoid any preservatives with this delicious old-fashioned oil vinegar sugar salad dressing.
This homemade dressing is easy to make but adds a classic flavor to any salad to take it to the next level. Plus, it’s free from preservatives and can be easily customized to suit your preferences. It adds a burst of flavor to any salad, which makes it the perfect go-to dressing for all your salad needs.
If you’re a fan of homemade dressings, you’ll also love my poppyseed dressing, celery seed dressing, and spinach salad dressing recipes. They’re all unique and packed with flavor, just like this classic dressing recipe.
There were many times at my grandma’s home I remember her pulling out her homemade salad dressing, and when I found this recipe and made it, it brought back all those memories. The flavors are sweet with a bit of tartness from the vinegar. It’s my favorite go-to salad dressing.
Table of Contents
Why I Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This recipe is a snap to make – just combine the ingredients in a jar, shake, and you’re done. It takes just one minute!
- Flavor-Packed: Despite its simplicity, this dressing is packed with robust flavor that will elevate any salad.
- Classic: It’s a timeless recipe that has been a staple in kitchens for years, and for good reason. It’s simply the best.
- Long-lasting: This dressing can last for months in the fridge, so you can make a big batch and enjoy it over time. It’s a real time-saver!
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Key Ingredients
- Sugar: This sweetens the dressing, balancing out the acidity of the vinegar.
- Salt: Enhances the overall flavors of the dressing, making them more vibrant.
- Olive Oil: This will give your dressing a rich, smooth flavor.
- Apple Cider Vinegar: Adds a tangy flavor and helps to preserve the dressing.
Equipment
- Pint Canning Jar – You’ll need this to combine all the ingredients and shake them together. It’s important to have a jar with a tight-fitting lid to prevent any leaks.
- Measuring Cups – These are essential to ensure you get the right proportions of ingredients.
How to Make Oil And Vinegar Dressing
Preparation
To start, gather all your ingredients. You’ll need a 1-pint canning jar with a tight-fitting lid, and all the dressing ingredients.
Step 1 – Combine the Ingredients
First, pour all the ingredients into the canning jar. This includes the sugar, salt, olive oil, and apple cider vinegar.
Step 2 – Shake it Up
Next, place the lid tightly on the jar. Now, shake the jar vigorously. This will help all the ingredients to combine and incorporate into a smooth, flavorful dressing.
Step 3 – Final Touches
Once the dressing is fully mixed, remove the lid and give it a quick stir to ensure everything is well combined. Your oil and vinegar dressing is now ready to use! If you’re not using it right away, you can store it in the fridge for later.
Expert Tip
Make a single serving for your salad! To make a single serving you can reduce the ingredients to 1 Tablespoon sugar, 1/4 teaspoon salt, 1 Tablespoon apple cider vinegar, and 1 Tablespoon olive oil. Whisk together in a small bowl and pour over your favorite salad.
Recipe Variations
- Different Sweetener: Substitute the sugar in the recipe with maple syrup for a sweeter, more robust flavor. This variation is perfect for fall salads or as a marinade for grilled chicken.
- More Citrus Flavor: Add a fresh, zesty flavor to your vinaigrette by stirring in a few tablespoons of fresh lemon or lime juice. This variation is a great complement to seafood or a light summer salad.
- Fresh Herbs: Enhance the flavor of your dressing by adding a teaspoon of fresh herbs like oregano, thyme, or chopped shallots. This variation is a great way to add a touch of freshness to your salads or roasted vegetables.
What to Serve With
- For a refreshing summer salad, drizzle this dressing over a mix of crisp lettuce, juicy tomatoes, and crunchy cucumbers. The bright, tangy flavor of the dressing is the perfect complement to the fresh vegetables.
- Looking for a tasty marinade for grilled chicken? This dressing is the answer! Simply marinate the chicken in the dressing for a few hours, then grill to perfection. The apple cider vinegar and olive oil in the dressing add a delicious flavor to the chicken.
- Add a unique twist to your pasta salad by using it as a dressing. The sweet and tangy flavor of the dressing pairs beautifully with the pasta and makes for a refreshing side dish.
- If you’re a fan of bread dips, this dressing is a must-try. Simply serve it in a small bowl alongside a fresh baguette. The combination of olive oil, apple cider vinegar, and sugar in the dressing makes for a tasty dip that everyone will love.
- For a healthy snack, serve this dressing with a platter of crudites. The crisp, fresh vegetables are the perfect vehicle for the sweet and tangy flavor of the dressing.
Recipe FAQs
For this recipe, you can use any type of sugar you prefer. The most commonly used sugar is granulated white sugar, but you can also use brown sugar, honey, or maple syrup for a different flavor profile.
Yes, you can. While this recipe calls for olive oil, you can substitute it with other types of oil such as avocado oil or walnut oil. Keep in mind that different oils will alter the flavor of the dressing, so choose one that complements the other ingredients.
Yes, the recipe uses apple cider vinegar, but you can also use other types of vinegar like red wine vinegar, white wine vinegar, or balsamic vinegar. Each vinegar will give the dressing a unique flavor, so feel free to experiment and find your favorite.
Absolutely! This recipe calls for 1/2 cup of sugar, but you can reduce the quantity if you prefer a less sweet dressing. Just give it a try and adjust to your own personal preference.
Yes, you can customize this dressing by adding fresh herbs like oregano, thyme, or chopped shallots. You can also add spices like black pepper or garlic for an extra flavor boost.
Yes, if you don’t have a canning jar, you can use any other container with a tight-fitting lid. You can also whisk in a bowl, however finding a jar to shake is much easier.
Storing and Reheating
- Refrigerate: After preparing your homemade dressing, any leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to two weeks. The oil will solidify. Let warm at room temperature before shaking to redistribute the dressing.
- Freeze: Unfortunately, due to the nature of the ingredients, this dressing does not freeze well. It’s best enjoyed fresh from the fridge.
More Salad Recipes You’ll Enjoy
Serving Size
- What to Expect: This oil and vinegar dressing recipe yields almost one-pint canning jar full of dressing.
- How to Scale: If you want to make more than one jar of dressing, you can easily double the recipe and follow the instructions as directed. Just make sure to use a larger container to shake the ingredients, or do it in two batches to ensure everything is well mixed.
Oil and Vinegar Salad Dressing
Equipment
- 1 pint mason jar
Ingredients
- 1/2 Cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 Cup olive oil
- 1/2 Cup apple cider vinegar
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients in a one-pint canning jar.
- Place the lid tightly on the jar and shake until fully incorporated. Store in refrigerator.
Comments & Reviews
Elaine Hotchkiss says
I just love this recipe… & I won’t buy store dressings in future… I do cut sugar down … absolutely delicious…
Lynette says
I’m so glad you enjoyed it! It’s one of my favorites as well!
Luisa wender says
Can the sugar be left out ?
Lynette says
Sure, you can leave out the sugar – but the recipe won’t taste as good. 🙂
debbie w says
your recipe is as close as i got to my Grandmothers Oil n Vinegar Recipe!!!! i added
1/2 cup water, 1/4 -1/2 tsp black pepper and i finely chopped 1- tablespoon red onion.
mixed it in my quart jar and poured it over my chopped cucumbers!!! tasted just like my Grandmothers!!!!
Lynette says
Awesome! I’m so glad you enjoyed it!