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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Here are five of my posts that you’ll also love:
Grandma’s Famous Cold Shrimp Dip Recipe
Crock Pot Spaghetti
Lemon Berry Fluff Salad
The Best Cranberry Lemon Muffins
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!
*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.
The two dressings use the same base of ingredients. However, zesty Italian dressing contains more garlic powder and a little more spice for a bolder taste.
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.
Adding freshly ground black pepper can often be an easy way to up your dressing game, but also freshening up any ingredient listed on the bottle can be useful. An extra dollop of mustard in your Dijon vinaigrette, or pinch of oregano in your Italian dressing can make a world of difference.
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.
A few of the unhealthiest salad dressings include creamy Caesar, creamy Italian, ranch, and Russian dressing. For example, two tablespoons of store-bought creamy Caesar dressing contains 190 calories and 20 grams of fat,4 as compared to 90 calories and 9 grams of fat in the same serving of balsamic vinaigrette.
The ranch is hands down America's most beloved salad dressings. It is made from a number of ingredients such as buttermilk, mayonnaise, mustard, garlic, onion, chives, salt, and pepper. A creamier and richer version often features sour cream or yogurt for enhanced taste.
Ranch Dressing. The ranch is a salad dressing or dip made with buttermilk, salt, garlic, onions, herbs (dill, parsley, chives, etc.), and spices (mustard seeds, black pepper, paprika, etc.) ...
Now for perhaps the most important part of a well-dressed salad: Salt and pepper. This is what that flaky salt in your cupboard is for. As you toss the salad with your hands or forks, sprinkle on salt and pepper. Taste and adjust as needed.
Since vinegar is denser than oil, it will settle down at the bottom and oil will float on the top. Oil and vinegar are like oil and water, they resist each other. In order to have them mix together and form and emulsion, as in mayonnaise, one needs an emulsifier.
Italian dressing is a must for making the cold pasta salads that accompany picnics and potlucks. The best dressing for these recipes, according to our Test Kitchen, is Kraft Zesty Italian Dressing. Opening up a bottle, you'll find it's a classic grocery store-style Italian dressing.
All store-bought salad dressings are manufactured with the intent of having a long shelf life. That means they tend to be full of additives homemade salad dressings don't need. Homemade dressing is an ideal solution for anyone trying to reduce the amount of sugar, preservatives, and unhealthy fats in their diet.
A step up from there is Kraft Zesty Italian. With bright, almost pinkish hue, this thick dressing really sticks to your salad. The bottle says this stuff is 'bright and rustic' but Phantom says it's garlicky and oily with very little sweetness, balance, or complexity.
Italian dressing is a must for making the cold pasta salads that accompany picnics and potlucks. The best dressing for these recipes, according to our Test Kitchen, is Kraft Zesty Italian Dressing. Opening up a bottle, you'll find it's a classic grocery store-style Italian dressing.
Introduction: My name is Jonah Leffler, I am a determined, faithful, outstanding, inexpensive, cheerful, determined, smiling person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.
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