Creamy French Dressing (Vegan, Gluten Free)
If you’re looking for a creamy, tangy French dressing made with simple ingredients you likely already have on hand, you’re in the right place. This vegan French dressing is ready in just 5 minutes and perfect for drizzling over salads, grain bowls, or even as a dip for roasted veggies.
I grew up eating French dressing almost exclusively, it was one of my mom’s favorites, and I always preferred it over ranch. Years later, after reading the ingredient list on a bottle, I knew I could recreate that same flavor at home without the additives. After a few rounds of testing, this homemade version became my go-to, and now it’s even better than the store-bought kind.
If you love making your own salad dressings with simple, better-for-you ingredients, be sure to check out a few of my other favorites. This dairy free dill dressing is fresh and creamy, the creamy basil dressing is vibrant and perfect for summer salads, and the cilantro tahini dressing is bold, zesty, and packed with flavor. They’re all quick to make and so much better than anything store-bought.
Ingredient spotlight and substitutions
- Extra virgin olive oil – this gives the dressing body and the proper texture. Avocado oil could also be used.
- Apple cider vinegar – this gives the perfect tang to the dressing. White wine vinegar would be a good alternative if needed.
- Tomato paste – the real MVP of this recipe, it gives the color and that deep flavor that you expect from french dressing.
- Medjool dates (or maple syrup) – I like the caramel undertones from the dates, but maple syrup would be a great alternative. Use 2-3 tablespoons maple syrup.
- Dried chopped onions – I find these give the dressing the perfect touch of that onion hit without being overpowering. Use onion powder if you can’t find dried chopped onions.
- Coconut aminos (or gluten free tamari or soy sauce) – you don’t need much but a touch adds so much rich flavor.
Instructions
Remove the pits from the dates. Add all the ingredients to a high speed blender. Blend on high for 1-2 minutes until thick and creamy. 
Pour over your favorite salad.
Tips for success
- Remove the pits from the dates before blending, leaving them in can damage your blender and they won’t break down smoothly.
- Use a high-speed blender for the creamiest consistency. If you don’t have one, swap the dates for maple syrup and whisk everything together in a bowl instead.
Vegan French Dressing Recipe
Guided Recipe Video
Ingredients
- ⅓ cup extra virgin olive oil
- ⅓ cup apple cider vinegar
- ⅔ cup water
- ¼ cup tomato paste
- 2 medjool dates, pitted - or 2 tablespoons maple syrup
- 2 teaspoons paprika
- 1 teaspoon coconut aminos
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried chopped onion - or onion powder
- ½ teaspoon sea salt
Instructions
- Remove the pits from the medjool dates. Add the dates to the blender.2 medjool dates, pitted
- Add all the ingredients to the high speed blender and blend on high 1 minute until smooth.⅓ cup extra virgin olive oil, ⅓ cup apple cider vinegar, ⅔ cup water, ¼ cup tomato paste, 2 teaspoons paprika, 1 teaspoon coconut aminos, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon dried chopped onion, ½ teaspoon sea salt
- Store in the fridge for up to 1 week.
Equipment
Recipe Notes
- Like a sweeter dressing? Add 1–2 extra dates or tablespoons of maple syrup to suit your taste.
- Prefer a thicker consistency? Start with half the water and slowly add more until the dressing reaches your desired thickness.
Nutrition Information
Ways to use
- Serve with your favorite salad greens, veggies and toppings.
- Serve a creamy dip with your favorite raw or roasted veggies.
- Serve as a dressing for taco salad (it’s such a great dressing with Mexican flavors)
Best ever French dressing. I can’t imagine doing without it!
Denise I could not agree with you more this really is the best ever french dressing recipe – so glad you love it as much as I do!! Hope you use it on all your salads! Happy cooking – Sam
Fantastic! I like my dressings a little less runny and sweeter too so I halved the water and added an extra date. Was licking it right out of the blender. Soooo good! Thank you!
I really loved the taste of this and it was super easy to make!
Super easy and tasty! I used dried dates and they worked perfectly. Excited for Taco Salad with this dressing!