Goal

Learn the tangy orange-red American diner classic — genuinely nothing like actual French vinaigrette.

The tangy orange-red American diner classic — genuinely nothing like actual French vinaigrette, despite the name.

Makes about 4 servings

Ingredients

• ½ cup ketchup
• 1/3 cup vegetable oil
• 3 tbsp apple cider vinegar
• 3 tbsp sugar
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp paprika
• ½ tsp salt

Steps

1. Combine the base — Whisk ketchup, vinegar, sugar, onion powder, paprika, and salt until the sugar dissolves.
2. Emulsify the oil — Slowly whisk in the oil until smooth and well combined.

Tip: Has essentially no connection to actual French cuisine — the name is a historical quirk. Real French dressing is just a classic vinaigrette.