Heart-Healthy Italian Herb Dressing
Embrace the classic Italian flavors with this low sodium, heart-friendly dressing, perfect for enhancing your salads and marinades. Made with a blend of rich olive oil, robust white wine vinegar, and a medley of dried herbs, this dressing offers a delicious taste without compromising your health goals. The inclusion of Mrs. Dash seasoning ensures a flavorful experience without the extra sodium, making it suitable for those following a heart-healthy diet. Enjoy this light and zesty dressing on fresh greens or use it as a marinade for your favorite proteins.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
olive oil
1/2 cup (none)
white wine vinegar
1/4 cup (none)
dried basil
2 teaspoons (none)
Mrs. Dash seasoning mix
1 1/2 teaspoons (none)
artificial sweetener
equivalent to 1 teaspoon of sugar (none)
garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon (none)
light mayonnaise
1 tablespoon (none)
water
3 tablespoons (none)
Instructions
1
Start by gathering all your ingredients to ensure you have everything on hand.
2
In a high-powered blender, add the olive oil, white wine vinegar, dried basil, Mrs. Dash seasoning, artificial sweetener, garlic powder, light mayonnaise, and water.
3
Blend the mixture on high for about 30 seconds or until it's well combined and emulsified.
4
Carefully transfer the blended dressing into a small pitcher or dressing cruet.
5
Cover the container with a lid and refrigerate until you're ready to serve.
6
Before using, give the dressing a good shake or stir to re-emulsify the ingredients.
7
This dressing keeps well in the refrigerator for up to one week, provided it is stored in a sealed container.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Heart-Healthy Italian Herb Dressing?
It is a low-sodium, heart-friendly salad dressing and marinade made with olive oil, vinegar, and a blend of dried Italian herbs.
What ingredients are needed for this dressing?
You will need olive oil, white wine vinegar, dried basil, Mrs. Dash seasoning, artificial sweetener, garlic powder, light mayonnaise, and water.
How long does this dressing last?
This dressing stays fresh in the refrigerator for up to one week when stored in a sealed container.
Is this dressing low in sodium?
Yes, it is specifically designed to be heart-healthy by using salt-free Mrs. Dash seasoning and light mayonnaise.
What type of oil is recommended for this recipe?
The recipe calls for olive oil, which provides a rich flavor and heart-healthy fats.
Do I need a blender to make this?
Yes, using a high-powered blender is recommended to properly emulsify the oil, vinegar, and mayonnaise.
Can I use this dressing as a marinade?
Absolutely, this zesty dressing works perfectly as a marinade for your favorite proteins.
What makes this dressing heart-friendly?
It focuses on healthy fats from olive oil and eliminates added salt by using herb-based seasonings.
How long should I blend the ingredients?
You should blend the mixture on high for approximately 30 seconds or until well combined.
Why is light mayonnaise included in the recipe?
A small amount of light mayonnaise helps to emulsify the dressing and provides a slightly creamy texture.
What type of vinegar is used?
The recipe uses white wine vinegar for its robust and bright flavor profile.
Is there any sugar in this dressing?
No, the recipe uses an artificial sweetener equivalent to one teaspoon of sugar to maintain a healthy profile.
What should I do before serving the dressing?
Always give the dressing a good shake or stir to re-emulsify the ingredients before using.
Can I substitute the dried basil?
While dried basil is recommended for consistency, you can experiment with other dried Italian herbs like oregano.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are a total of 8 ingredients required to make this Italian herb dressing.
What is the role of Mrs. Dash seasoning?
It provides a flavorful experience with a medley of herbs without adding any extra sodium.
How should I store the finished dressing?
Store it in a small pitcher or dressing cruet with a secure lid inside the refrigerator.
Is this dressing suitable for fresh greens?
Yes, its light and zesty profile is ideal for enhancing the flavor of fresh salad greens.
Can I add more garlic to this recipe?
Yes, you can adjust the amount of garlic powder to suit your personal taste preferences.
Why is water added to the recipe?
Water is added to help balance the consistency and tone down the acidity of the vinegar.
Is this dressing gluten-free?
Most ingredients are naturally gluten-free, but you should always check the labels on your light mayonnaise and seasoning mix.
Can I double this recipe?
Yes, you can easily double the ingredients if you need a larger batch for a gathering.
What type of blender is best?
A high-powered blender is best for ensuring the oil and vinegar are completely emulsified.
Is this dressing spicy?
No, it is a zesty and savory herb dressing rather than a spicy one.
Does this recipe require cooking?
No cooking is required; it is a simple 'blend and serve' recipe.
What is the flavor profile of this dressing?
It is a classic Italian flavor profile that is light, zesty, and herb-forward.
Can I use red wine vinegar instead?
Yes, you can substitute white wine vinegar with red wine vinegar, though it will slightly change the color and tanginess.
Is this dressing keto-friendly?
With olive oil and artificial sweetener, it is generally low in carbs, but check the specific mayonnaise brand used.
How much dressing does this recipe make?
Based on the ingredients, it makes approximately 1 cup of dressing.
Can I use this for pasta salad?
Yes, this dressing is an excellent choice for cold pasta salads or Mediterranean-style dishes.