This 3-ingredient Sweet and Tangy salad dressing recipe has been around for years, so I clearly can't take sole responsibility for its creation.
It's a simple, sweet & tangy "oil and vinegar" dressing on its own, or you can "dress it up" with additional seasonings and herbs.
It's also an excellent marinade for tomatoes, onion, cucumbers and avocado! Just add a little salt and pepper and serve!
My Grandmother used to keep a jar of this sweet and tangy all-purpose salad dressing in the fridge; she'd marinate cucumbers and onions in it and serve them with just about every Southern meal!
Why you'll love this recipe!
- Versatile: serve over crisp greens or a marinade for cucumbers, red onions, or avocados
- Keeps well in the fridge: I like to make a big jar and keep it on hand in the fridge
- All-natural: no mystery ingredients, preservatives or ingredients you can't pronounce
Here's what you'll need: 3-ingredients
Apple cider vinegar, sugar, oil....maybe a pinch of salt, but that's it!
I use olive oil, but you can use vegetable or canola oil. Once you whisk this together, feel free to adjust the flavor to your preference.
The beauty of this all-purpose oil and vinegar dressing is that it's all-natural: no additives, preservatives or yucky stuff!
How to make it:
Heat ingredients in a saucepan on medium until sugar is dissolved. Allow to cool and serve.
Variations
- Want an Italian spin? Add a clove or two of garlic to the mixture while bringing it to a boil, then toss in some fresh or dried Italian herbs (basil, oregano, rosemary) and a little fresh Parmesan. Allow the combination to cool in the fridge before serving.
- Hot Bacon Dressing: Substitute the oil with two tablespoons of hot bacon grease; pour the warm sauce over spinach salad for a Wilted Spinach salad; garnish with bleu cheese and bacon crumbles
- Use as a marinade for red onions, cucumbers, radishes and avocados
How to store it:
This mixture lasts up to three months if properly stored in the fridge. Because oil and vinegar naturally separate, keep it in a shaker jar, so you can shake it up right before using it.
This sweet and tangy salad dressing is nice to have on hand, especially if you're looking for something a little lighter and more natural than jarred salad dressings. Drizzle this while it's warm over fresh greens for a "wilted" salad.
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♥ If you make this recipe, please leave a comment and rating below! I love to hear from you!
📋 Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 tablespoon oil
- pinch of salt
Instructions
- In a small saucepan, add all ingredients and cook on medium heat until sugar dissolves1 cup apple cider vinegar, 1 cup sugar, 1 tablespoon oil, pinch of salt
- Allow to cool; Store in refrigerator or use immediately for wilted salads
Notes
- Greek: add a clove of garlic to the sugar/vinegar mixture; then add dried oregano and black pepper to the mixture, store in fridge
- Italian: add a clove of garlic to the sugar/vinegar mixture: then add a tablespoon of dried Italian seasonings and shredded Parmesan to the mixture; store in fridge
- Marinade: Pour it over red onion, avocado, tomato, sweet yellow onion, radishes and/or cucumbers and allow to chill in fridge; serve as a cold side dish
Sandra Drake says
I made this today and found I should’ve doubled the recipe! I stored it in jars and refrigerated it for tonight and tomorrow!!! Love it!
Anecia says
Thank you! It is a universal dressing, so doubling the recipe is brilliant!!
Sandra Drake says
Wonderful on cucumbers and red onions!!!! Add avocado if you have it.
Anecia says
Thank you!!! I have a recipe just like that!!! Marinated Cucumber and Onion!!