Best Zesty Italian Dressing Mix (Bulk Recipe) (2024)

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Learn how to make the BEST Dry Zesty Italian Dressing Mix, with this simple bulk mix recipe. Plus, it has directions to make the dressing as well. A full batch of this recipe will fill a pint jar (which means it makes about two cups of dry dressing mix). Whether you want to use it as dressing, or add a little bit of this mix to your favorite dish, it is sure to spice them up just right.

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Lately I’ve been seeing recipes all over the place (cough…Pinterest;) that call for either Zesty Italian Dressing Mix or some of the prepared dressing.

It’s been driving me crazy that I can’t try these recipes due to all the junk in pre-made/ packaged spice mixtures/dressings (I’m on a clean eating kick lately).

However, I found a “from scratch” homemade recipe that has really good reviews so I’ve adapted it to fill a pint jar.

I only made a few minor changes (less sugar, less salt, & one other little change). I hope that you like it.

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So, Now I’m sharing with you my bulk recipe for the Best Homemade Zesty Italian Dressing Mix, plus directions for making the dressing.

Please note that if you’re nervous about making a giant batch of it like me, maybe try making a small batch of the original recipefirst and see what you think before you go crazy and make a large batch.

If I use something a lot, I hate making it from scratch frequently, which is why I’m sharing with you the big batch that I make which can be used as you need it.

Now I’m going to share with you some still pics of the process of making both the dressing and turning the dressing mix into Salad Dressing.

How to make this Zesty Italian Dressing Mix Recipe:

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You guys may not believe it, but this recipe is actually so simple that you literally just put the ingredients in a jar (pint or larger), put a lid on it, and SHAKE… that’s it!

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To make the dressing you literally only mix some vinegar, oil, water, and a bit of the spice mix.

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**Remember, If you like this recipe, you may also like my entire Salads and Dressings section. **

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What’s in Zesty Italian Dressing Mix? Let’s find out!

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Best Zesty Italian Dressing Mix {Bulk Recipe}

Yield: 1 Pint

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Additional Time: 3 minutes

Total Time: 13 minutes

Using dry Zesty Italian Dressing Mix is a great way to spice up your various food dishes or can be used as a dry rub for meat. Or, easily mix it into a tangy dressing. Learn how to make the BEST Zesty Italian Dressing Mix with this simple bulk recipe. Plus it has directions to make the dressing as well.

Ingredients

  • Dry Mix:
  • 2 T Garlic Powder
  • 1/4 C Onion Powder
  • 1/2 C Dried Oregano
  • 1 T+1 tsp Freshly Ground Black Pepper
  • 1 T+1 tsp Dried Thyme
  • 1 T+1 tsp Dried Basil
  • 1 T+1 tsp Dried Parsley
  • 1 to 2 T Sugar
  • 1 T Salt (I used Iodized Sea Salt)
  • 1/2 tsp Celery Seed
  • 1/2 C Cajun Seasoning
  • Dressing:
  • 1/4 cup Red Wine Vinegar (original recipe called for white wine vinegar)
  • 2/3 cup Extra Virgin Olive Oil
  • 2 T Water
  • 2 T mixed spice (above spice mix)

Instructions

How To Make Zesty Italian Dressing Mix (dry):

  1. Layer all of the ingredients into apint sized jar(may be a good idea to use a wide mouth jar…I struggled to keep the mess contained w/the regular mouth jar).
  2. Puta lidon and shake your little heart out (it condenses quite a bit when mixed, otherwise it would fill the jar nearly completely).

How To Make Zesty Italian Dressing (wet):

  1. Place ingredients in a blender and mix well.
  2. Store in an airtight container for up to one week in the refrigerator.

Notes

*Make Sure To ShakeWell Before Each Use*

Use as needed. Can be used as a dry rub on meats or sprinkle it on veggies.

Make sure mix stays tightly sealed, if you live somewhere humid it may be a good idea to addan oxygen absorbing packetif you will be storing it for very long.

**from some of the reviews I've read from the original version of the recipe, it seems that you may want to add a bit more vinegar for more tang.

Did you make this recipe?

Please leave a comment on the blog or share a photo on Pinterest

I love this dry mix when added to my Zesty Italian Chicken recipe…it’s so delicious!

You will easily start finding more and more ways to use it if you end up loving it as much as I do. In fact, I need to mix up another batch this weekend because I use it so much.

Thanks so much for stopping by my blog! If you liked what you saw, please make sure to share it via social media or even send the link via email to your family and friends. Either way, I super appreciate it!

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Here are five of my posts that you’ll also love:

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For those of you that would like other options for a “pinnable” image to share on Pinterest, here you go. Thanks so much for sharing!

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*Reposts: Please note that this idea/post was originally posted to this website on 08/25/2012, but it was in great need of a refresh so it now is more user friendly/shareable and has a free printable recipe card.

Best Zesty Italian Dressing Mix (Bulk Recipe) (2024)

FAQs

What is the difference between Italian and zesty Italian dressing? ›

FAQs. What's the difference between Italian dressing and zesty Italian dressing? Regular Italian dressing and zesty Italian dressing use the same base recipe, but the zesty version has added flavor for more zing.

What's the difference between Italian seasoning and Italian dressing mix? ›

Is Italian seasoning the same as Italian dressing mix? No, not really. They are similar in that they contain many of the same spices, but the Italian dressing mix will contain a lot of sugar that you won't find in any Italian seasoning.

What to use in place of an Italian seasoning packet? ›

Honestly, if you have those two then you've got yourself a great substitute.
  1. 1 tablespoon of Italian seasoning = ½ teaspoon of basil + ½ teaspoon of oregano. ...
  2. 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning = ½ teaspoon dried oregano, ¼ teaspoon of dried basil and thyme. ...
  3. 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning = ½ teaspoon dried basil.
Jul 4, 2022

What is Olive Garden Italian dressing made of? ›

Water, Soybean Oil, Distilled Vinegar, Sugar, Salt, Eggs, Romano Cheese (Pasteurized Part Skim Milk, Cheese Cultures, Salt, Enzymes), Dehydrated Garlic, Spice, Xanthan Gum, Dextrose, Annatto Color, Calcium Disodium EDTA Added to Protect Flavor, Natural Flavor.

What's in Kraft Zesty Italian dressing? ›

VINEGAR, WATER, BLEND OF VEGETABLE OILS (SOYBEAN OIL, CANOLA OIL), SUGAR, SALT, GARLIC*, CONTAINS LESS THAN 2% OF RED BELL PEPPERS*, ONIONS*, XANTHAN GUM, SPICE, OLEORESIN PAPRIKA (COLOR), POTASSIUM SORBATE AND CALCIUM DISODIUM EDTA (TO PROTECT FLAVOR).

Who makes zesty Italian dressing? ›

We didn't name it Ken's Zesty Italian because it was shy about flavor. Robust and blanced, this dressing adds onion, garlic, red pepper, and oregano to it's oil and vinegar base to create a deliciously bright, memorable and crowd-pleasing flavor.

Is Italian dressing better for you than ranch dressing? ›

Italian dressing makes a better alternative than many other higher-calorie options. It adds taste to salad and offers good fat. Though many calories come from fats, it is better than primarily cream-based dressings like ranch, a thousand island, or blue cheese.

What seasoning is close to Italian seasoning? ›

Dried oregano and basil.

If you have dried thyme, you can throw in a little of that as well. Here are a few ideas: 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning = ½ teaspoon dried oregano and ½ teaspoon dried basil. 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning = ½ teaspoon dried oregano, ¼ teaspoon each dried basil and thyme.

Why is Italian dressing so good? ›

Made with a base of oil, vinegar, and lemon juice the Italian dressing provides a full-bodied flavor to compliment any dish. It is lower in calories and fats and is considered a healthy option as compared to cream-based dressings.

Do they use Italian dressing in Italy? ›

Despite its name, Italian dressing is not used in Italy, where salad is normally dressed with olive oil, vinegar or lemon juice, salt, and sometimes balsamic vinegar at the table, and not with a pre-mixed vinaigrette.

Why add water to Italian dressing? ›

If I were to take an unscientific stab at it, I would say that the water opens up the dressing a little, cutting some of the intensity between the contrast of the unctuous oil and the sharp vinegar. It helps to balance everything out.

Is there sugar in good seasons Italian dressing? ›

Ingredients : Sugar, Salt, Sodium Citrate, Garlic, Onion, Spice, Red Bell Peppers, Carrots, Xanthan Gum, Maltodextrin (From Corn), Parsley, Natural Flavor, Guar Gum, Citric Acid.

How long does homemade Italian dressing last? ›

Homemade Italian Dressing storage

Homemade Italian Dressing can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 weeks, just give it a good stir or shake before using. If you use fresh garlic and fresh herbs (as opposed to powders), it is good for up to three days.

What ingredients are in McCormick Italian seasoning? ›

MARJORAM, THYME, ROSEMARY, SAVORY, SAGE, OREGANO AND BASIL.

What are the ingredients in Kraft Italian dressing and marinade? ›

Water, Vinegar, Sugar, Soybean Oil, Red Bell Pepper Puree, Salt, Tomato Paste, Contains less than 2% of Parmesan Cheese (Part-skim Milk, Cheese Culture, Salt, Enzymes), Dried Garlic, Dried Red Bell Peppers, Spice, Dried Onions, Dried Tomatoes, Xanthan Gum, Lemon Juice Concentrate, Whey, Buttermilk, Natural Flavor, ...

Is Italian dressing a pure substance or a mixture? ›

Italian dressing is an example of a heterogeneous mixture. Its composition can vary because it may be prepared from varying amounts of oil, vinegar, and herbs.

What are the ingredients in no name Italian dressing? ›

Ingredients: Water, Soybean Oil (contains Citric Acid), White Vinegar,sugar, Salt, Dried Garlic, Dried Red Bell Pepper, Garlic Puree (garlic,white Vinegar), Dried Onion, Spices, Xanthan Gum, Potassium Sorbate,concentrated Lemon Juice, Calcium Disodium Edta, Paprika Extract.

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