Sauces And Seasonings

Zesty Italian Salad Dressing

Name: Zesty Italian Salad Dressing
Prep time: 5 min
Total time: 5 min
Ingredients: 1 tbsp Badia Italian Mediterranean Seasoning; 2 cups Olive OIl; 1 cup Apple Cider Vinegar; 1 tsp Garlic; 1 1/2 tbsp Honey Mustard; 1 tsp Salt; 1/2 tsp Black Pepper-Ground

Total Time: 5 mins Difficulty: Beginner

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From the moment I tasted the tangy burst of flavor from a zesty Italian dressing, I knew it would hold a special place in my eating and cooking habits. Its vibrant medley of herbs and spices danced on my taste buds, igniting a love affair with bold and zestful flavors.

Whether drizzled over crisp salads, used as a marinade for succulent meats, or generously slathered on sandwiches and wraps, zesty Italian dressing became my go-to condiment for adding a punch of flavor to any dish. It was more than just a dressing; it was a versatile companion in my kitchen, elevating ordinary meals to extraordinary eating experiences.

But its versatility didn’t stop there. On lazy afternoons, I found myself dipping warm breadsticks into a bowl of zesty Italian dressing with a sprinkling of grated parmesan cheese, savoring each and every bite. And when game day rolled around, it transformed into the perfect marinade for crispy chicken wings, infusing them with a zesty kick that was a crowd pleaser, keeping party goers coming back for more.

Through every dip, drizzle, and marinade, zesty Italian dressing became not just a condiment but a flavor-packed delight. Whether you’re a salad aficionado, a grilling enthusiast, or simply love to dip and dunk, this zesty Italian dressing is sure to become a beloved staple in your kitchen.

Zesty Italian Salad Dressing

Whether you're a salad aficionado, a grilling enthusiast, or simply love to dip and dunk, this zesty Italian dressing is sure to become a beloved staple in your kitchen.

Author: Rhonda Gillihan Courses: Sauces And Seasonings Recipe Keys: Gluten Free

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Pin Recipe Gluten Free

Prep Time 5 mins Total Time 5 mins Difficulty: Beginner Calories: 163

Ingredients

1 tbsp Badia Italian Mediterranean Seasoning (see notes)

2 cups Olive OIl (extra virgin)

1 cup Apple Cider Vinegar (or white vinegar, red wine vinegar, balsamic vinegar)

1 tsp Garlic (minced)

1 ¹⁄₂ tbsp Honey Mustard (prepared)

1 tsp Salt (more or less per taste)

¹⁄₂ tsp Black Pepper-Ground (more or less per taste)

Instructions

1. In a small bowl, whisk together the Mock Badia Italian Mediterranean Seasoning Blend, apple cider vinegar, minced garlic, honey mustard, and a pinch of salt and pepper until well combined.
2. While whisking continuously, slowly drizzle in the extra virgin olive oil until the dressing is emulsified and smooth.
3. Taste and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper, if needed.
4. Transfer the dressing to a jar or bottle with a tight-fitting lid and store it in the refrigerator until ready to use.
5. Shake well before using, as the ingredients may separate over time.

Nutrition Facts

Amount Per Serving
Calories 163kcal

% Daily Value *
Total Fat 18g28%
Saturated Fat 2.5g13%
Sodium 107mg5%
Potassium 9mg1%
Total Carbohydrate 1g1%

Vitamin A 1 IU
Vitamin C 0.1 mg
Calcium 2 mg
Iron 0.13 mg
Vitamin E 2.59 IU
Vitamin K 10.9 mcg

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Note

If you're unable to find the Mediterranean seasoning blend at your local store, don't worry! You can easily make your own blend using common herbs. Check out my Italian Mediterranean Seasoning blend recipe for a homemade version. Alternatively, look for a store-bought blend that includes ingredients such as basil, oregano, rosemary, thyme, marjoram, and sage. These herbs will add a delicious Mediterranean flavor to your salad dressing.

Keywords: gluten free, italian dressing, salad dressing, marinade

Frequently Asked Questions

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Can I use this dressing as a marinade for meats or vegetables?

Absolutely! Italian dressing can double as a flavorful marinade for a variety of proteins, including chicken, beef, pork, and vegetables. Its combination of herbs, vinegar, and oil adds delicious flavor and helps tenderize the meat while marinating.

To use Italian dressing as a marinade:

Place your protein of choice in a shallow dish or resealable plastic bag.
Pour enough Italian dressing over the protein to completely coat it.
Seal the dish or bag and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or ideally, overnight to allow the flavors to penetrate the meat fully.
When ready to cook, remove the protein from the marinade and discard any excess marinade.
Cook the protein as desired, whether grilling, baking, or pan-searing.

Italian dressing marinade works particularly well with chicken, imparting a zesty and herbaceous flavor. Experiment with different proteins and enjoy the delicious results!

How long will the homemade dressing last in the refrigerator?

When stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, the homemade dressing can last for up to 1-2 weeks. Shake well before each use to recombine the ingredients, as separation may occur over time.

Can I adjust the quantities of the ingredients to suit my taste preferences?

Absolutely! Feel free to adjust the quantities of the ingredients, such as adjusting the amount of vinegar for more tanginess or reducing the amount of sugar for less sweetness, to suit your taste preferences.

Is this dressing suitable for specific dietary preferences or restrictions, such as gluten-free or vegan diets?

The Zesty Italian Salad Dressing recipe is naturally gluten-free and vegan, making it suitable for a wide range of dietary preferences and restrictions.

Can I substitute any of the ingredients if I don't have them on hand?

Yes, you can make substitutions based on the ingredients you have available. For example, you can substitute white wine vinegar or red wine vinegar for the apple cider vinegar, or use maple syrup or agave nectar (1/2 tablespoon) plus dijon mustard (1 tablespoon) instead of honey mustard.

What types of salads or dishes do you recommend pairing with this dressing?

This zesty Italian dressing pairs well with a variety of salads, including mixed greens, pasta salads, or grain salads. It also adds flavor to vegetable dishes, sandwiches, wraps, and more.

How can I adjust the sweetness or tanginess of the dressing to suit my taste?

To adjust the sweetness, you can add a small amount of honey, maple syrup, or another sweetener to taste, taking into account the honey mustard already in the recipe. To adjust the tanginess, you can vary the amount of vinegar used or add a splash of citrus juice, such as lemon or lime, to balance the flavors. Adjust the quantities of these ingredients to achieve the desired sweetness and tanginess level.

Zesty Italian Salad Dressing

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