Lincoln Highway Salad Dressing: A Taste of Americana

There’s something magical about the taste of nostalgia. For me, it’s a family reunion at my grandmother’s house, the air thick with laughter and the scent of her incredible cooking. While she was a master of many dishes, it’s her salad dressing that truly stands out. I can still picture the vibrant orange hue in her vintage glass cruet and the way it transformed a simple bowl of lettuce into something truly special. She never shared the exact recipe, only hinted at “tomato soup” and “a touch of sweetness,” but I think this recipe captures that same delicious magic.

Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Yields: 3 1/2 cups
• Dietary Type: Vegetarian

Ingredients

• 6 ounces undiluted tomato soup
• 1 cup vegetable oil
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon garlic salt
• 1/2 cup cider vinegar
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon dry mustard
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce

Equipment Needed

• Blender or Food Processor
• Airtight Container for Storage (glass jar or plastic container)

Instructions

1. Begin by gathering all of your ingredients. This will ensure a smooth and efficient blending process.
2. In a blender or food processor, combine the undiluted tomato soup, vegetable oil, granulated sugar, garlic salt, cider vinegar, paprika, dry mustard, and Worcestershire sauce.
3. Blend all of the ingredients together on medium speed until the mixture is completely smooth and emulsified. This typically takes about 30-60 seconds, depending on the power of your blender. Make sure to scrape down the sides of the blender or food processor as needed to ensure that all ingredients are fully incorporated.
4. Taste the dressing and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper to your liking. Remember that the flavors will meld and intensify as the dressing chills, so it’s best to err on the side of slightly under-seasoning at this stage.
5. Pour the Lincoln Highway Salad Dressing into an airtight container. A glass jar with a tight-fitting lid is ideal, but a plastic container will also work.
6. Chill the dressing in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours before serving. This allows the flavors to fully develop and the dressing to thicken slightly.
7. Before serving, give the dressing a good shake or whisk to ensure that the ingredients are well combined, as some separation may occur during chilling.

Expert Tips & Tricks

• Achieving the Perfect Emulsion: For the smoothest possible dressing, slowly drizzle the vegetable oil into the blender while it is running. This helps to create a stable emulsion and prevents the dressing from separating.
• Flavor Boost: If you want to add a bit more complexity to the flavor, try adding a pinch of cayenne pepper for a subtle kick or a teaspoon of onion powder for a savory note.
• Sugar Adjustment: Adjust the amount of sugar to your taste. If you prefer a tangier dressing, reduce the sugar to 1/2 cup.
• Make Ahead: This dressing can be made well in advance and stored in the refrigerator for several weeks. This makes it perfect for meal prepping or for when you need a quick and easy salad dressing option.
• Reviving Separated Dressing: If the dressing separates after being stored in the refrigerator, simply bring it to room temperature and whisk vigorously until it comes back together.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

The Lincoln Highway Salad Dressing is incredibly versatile and pairs well with a variety of salads. It’s delicious on simple green salads, but also works well with salads that contain grilled chicken, vegetables, or fruit.

For an extra touch of elegance, serve the dressing in a cruet or small pitcher. This allows your guests to easily drizzle the dressing over their salads to their liking.

Store any leftover dressing in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep for several weeks, and even up to a month, as long as it is properly stored. There’s no need to freeze this dressing. If separation occurs, just shake well before using.

Nutritional Information

Nutrient	Amount per Serving (2 tablespoons)	% Daily Value*
Calories	150 kcal	8%
Total Fat	14g	22%
Saturated Fat	2g	10%
Cholesterol	0mg	0%
Sodium	60mg	3%
Total Carbohydrate	8g	3%
Dietary Fiber	0g	0%
Sugars	7g
Protein	0g	0%

*Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.

Variations & Substitutions

• Vegan Version: While most Worcestershire sauces contain anchovies, you can easily find vegan versions in many supermarkets or online. Simply substitute the regular Worcestershire sauce with a vegan alternative.
• Oil Variations: Experiment with different types of oil to change the flavor profile of the dressing. Olive oil will add a richer, more robust flavor, while avocado oil will provide a more subtle and neutral taste.
• Vinegar Variations: Try using different types of vinegar, such as white wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar, to customize the tanginess of the dressing.
• Herb Infusion: Infuse the dressing with fresh herbs for an extra layer of flavor. Add a handful of chopped herbs, such as parsley, chives, or dill, to the blender along with the other ingredients.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q: Why is it called Lincoln Highway Salad Dressing?
A: The origin of the name “Lincoln Highway Salad Dressing” is unclear, but it may be a reference to the historic Lincoln Highway, one of the earliest transcontinental highways for automobiles across the United States, suggesting a classic, all-American recipe.

Q: Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of tomato soup?
A: While you could theoretically use fresh tomatoes, the canned tomato soup provides a concentrated flavor and thickness that is essential to the recipe. Using fresh tomatoes would require adjustments to the other ingredients and may not yield the same result.

Q: How long does this salad dressing last in the refrigerator?
A: When stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, this salad dressing can last for several weeks, even up to a month, thanks to the vinegar and sugar acting as preservatives.

Q: Can I freeze this salad dressing?
A: It is not recommended to freeze this salad dressing. The emulsion may break upon thawing, resulting in a separated and less appealing texture.

Q: Can I use a different type of sweetener instead of granulated sugar?
A: Yes, you can experiment with other sweeteners such as honey, maple syrup, or agave nectar. However, keep in mind that these sweeteners will impart their own unique flavors to the dressing, so adjust the amount accordingly.

Final Thoughts

I sincerely hope this recipe brings a bit of sunshine to your salads, just as it has to my family’s table for years. Don’t be afraid to tweak the recipe to perfectly match your own preferences. I encourage you to try this Lincoln Highway Salad Dressing and discover its unique charm. I’d love to hear your feedback and any creative variations you come up with! Pair it with a simple grilled chicken salad for a complete and satisfying meal. Happy blending!