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State Fair Salad Dressing

State Fair Salad Dressing - recipe card

This creamy, tangy dressing captures the nostalgic flavor of state fair condiments, blending sweet and savory notes with a rich, velvety texture. Its balanced sweetness and subtle acidity make it perfect for coleslaw, potato salad, or drizzling over grilled vegetables.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground
  • 1/4 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/8 teaspoon garlic powder

Instructions

  1. In a medium mixing bowl, combine 1/2 cup mayonnaise, 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar, and 1 tablespoon granulated sugar. Whisk thoroughly until the sugar is fully dissolved, about 30 seconds, ensuring a smooth base without graininess.
  2. Add 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard, 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, 1/4 teaspoon paprika, and 1/8 teaspoon garlic powder. Whisk again until the dressing is uniform and all spices are evenly incorporated, about 20 seconds.
  3. Taste the dressing and adjust seasoning if needed—add more salt for savoriness, more sugar for sweetness, or more vinegar for tang. The dressing should be creamy with a balanced sweet-tangy profile.
  4. Transfer the dressing to an airtight container or jar. For best flavor, cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving, allowing the flavors to meld and the dressing to thicken slightly.
  5. If the dressing thickens too much after refrigeration, stir in 1 to 2 teaspoons of water or milk to restore a pourable consistency. Use as a dressing for coleslaw, potato salad, or as a dip for fresh vegetables.

Notes

Store the dressing in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. Do not freeze, as the emulsion may break. Before using, whisk or shake vigorously to recombine. This dressing is best served chilled; no reheating is required.

Nutrition

Keywords: state fair salad dressing, creamy dressing, sweet and tangy dressing, no-cook dressing, state fair recipe, American condiment, coleslaw dressing, potato salad dressing, mayonnaise-based dressing, picnic dressing