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.
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:
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!
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):
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).
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):
Place ingredients in a blender and mix well.
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.
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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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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Introduction: My name is Duncan Muller, I am a enchanting, good, gentle, modern, tasty, nice, elegant person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.
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