I’m back with a classic sauce recipe that has won many hearts over the years, boasting a vibrant orange hue and a perfect mix of sweetness and tanginess.

Yes, it’s none other than the iconic McDonald’s Sweet and Sour Sauce, a cherished addition to all my McDonald’s meals. Making this dip on my own helped me bring the true taste of McDonald’s right to my kitchen.
This sauce is a staple at all my meals and gatherings, adding a perfect touch of nostalgia and deliciousness. If you’re looking forward to enjoying this awesome sauce, just follow the methods mentioned, which will help you achieve a flavor exactly like McDonald’s.
Equipment Required
- Mixing Bowl: I use a medium-sized bowl for a smooth blend.
- Spoon: I use a medium-sized spoon to mix my ingredients, but you can also use a hand blender if you prefer.
- Measuring Cups: For an accurate measurement of ingredients, use this piece of equipment

McDonald’s Sweet and Sour Sauce Ingredients & Substitutions
Note: The quantities of the ingredients mentioned below are enough to serve five portions, roughly one tablespoon each, of McDonald’s Sweet and Sour Sauce.
- 1 Cup of Apricot Preserves: For a similar fruity, unique flavor, try peach or fig preserves.
- 1 Tablespoon of Heinz 57 Sauce: I also like using Worcestershire sauce or Ponzu sauce for an extra citrusy and umami flavor with a similar tangy taste.
- 3 Teaspoons of Italian Salad Dressing: I prefer using avocado dressing for a creamy texture, which gives an extra sweet and iconic flavor.
- 1 Teaspoon of Soy Sauce: A simple substitute is a salt-and-vinegar mixture, or you can use liquid aminos, which are less salty and taste similar to soy sauce.
Preparation And Cooking Time
| Preparation Time | Cooking Time | Total Time |
|---|---|---|
| 2 Minutes | – | 2 Minutes |
How To Make McDonald’s Sweet & Sour Sauce At Home

Step 1
Add apricot preserves, Heinz 57 sauce, Italian salad dressing, and soy sauce to a bowl.

Step 2
Next, ensure the mixture is blended evenly.

Step 3
Here you go! With your lip-smacking, McDonald’s Sweet and Sour Sauce is ready!
McDonald’s Sweet & Sour Sauce Recipe Video
Expert Tips That I Recommend
- If you enjoy heat in your food, you can add hot sauces like sriracha or Tabasco.
- For a perfectly smooth sauce, I always blend it in a high-speed blender for about 30 seconds.
- I recommend letting the sauce sit overnight in the fridge before serving to let the flavors meld.
- You can even add a teaspoon of liquid glucose to the sauce for a glossy finish.
FAQ’s About McDonald’s Sweet & Sour Sauce Recipe
Nutritional Information Per Serving
McDonald’s Sweet and Sour Sauce is not a very healthy option, as it contains high calories. Hence, it is best to enjoy it in moderation to maintain a balanced diet.
| Calories | 170 kcal |
| Protein | 1 g |
| Fa | 11 g |
| Saturated Fat | 0.1 g |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.5 g |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 0.2 g |
| Sodium | 57 g |
| Potassium | 99 mg |
| Sugar | 36 g |
This McDonald’s Sweet and Sour Sauce is suitable for those on vegan, vegetarian, and dairy-free diets. However, people following ketogenic, gluten-free, and low-fat diets might have to consider altering a few of the ingredients to make them suitable for them.
Recipe Variations For Different Diets
- Ketogenic Diets: I suggest replacing apricot preserves with sugar-free apricot jam or berry extracts to make this recipe suitable for people following a ketogenic diet. Instead of Heinz 57 sauce, use keto BBQ sauce, and use tamari sauce in place of soy sauce to make this recipe keto-friendly.
- Low-fat Diet: To make this recipe suitable for people following a low-fat diet, I recommend using a low-fat Italian seasoning dressing.
- Gluten-Free Diet: To make this recipe suitable for people following a gluten-free diet, I suggest using tamari sauce instead of soy sauce.
Storing This Recipe
- In The Refrigerator: I typically keep my sauce in the refrigerator. You can do the same by transferring it to an airtight container or vacuum-sealed jar and placing it in your fridge. It will stay fresh for about 2-3 months.
- In The Freezer: At times, I even store it in the freezer, so you can do the same by packing the sauce in an airtight container or a vacuum-sealed jar and storing it there. However, do not forget to thaw the sauce before you use it.
What To Serve With This Recipe
This fantastic McDonald’s Sweet & Sour Sauce recipe is perfect for a variety of dishes, whether as a dip or a spread. One delicious option I always enjoy with this sauce is Chicken Stir Fry and Fried Chicken. You can also pair it with Chicken Nuggets, Tenders, and Fries.
Printable Version
McDonald’s Sweet And Sour Sauce Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 Cup Apricot Preserves
- 1 Tablespoon Heinz 57 Sauce
- 3 Teaspoons Italian Salad Dressing
- 1 Teaspoon Soy Sauce
Equipment
- Mixing Bowl
- Spoon
- Measuring cups
Instructions
Video
Notes
-
- If you enjoy heat in your food, you can add hot sauces like sriracha or Tabasco.
- For a perfectly smooth sauce, I always blend it in a high-speed blender for about 30 seconds.
- I recommend letting the sauce sit overnight in the fridge before serving to let the flavors meld.
- You can even add a teaspoon of liquid glucose to the sauce for a glossy finish.
Nutrition
More McDonald’s Recipes that You Can Try






Conclusion
If you want to wow your family, friends, or guests at a quick dinner party or any occasion, I highly recommend incorporating this McDonald’s Sweet and Sour Sauce into your menu. Its bold flavor and glossy look are sure to impress.
This sauce features a distinctive blend of tangy, sour, and sweet tastes that kids absolutely love. Beyond being a simple recipe, it embodies a wonderful culinary tradition and is bound to be very popular at all parties and gatherings.



I made it. Iove it.
Hi Cynthia,
Makes us happy to see you delighted with the recipe. Check our website for more. Happy Cooking!
Thank you for your valuable feedback love to know that you like our recipe.
I just made this for 1/2 a dozen teens from my Sons football team and one works at McDonalds thumbs up from all of us.