Herb-Infused Italian Dressing Mix
Elevate your culinary creations with this versatile Herb-Infused Italian Dressing Mix. Perfectly balanced and bursting with flavor, this dry seasoning blend enhances everything from classic spaghetti sauce and savory chicken and dumplings to refreshing pasta salads and delectable Caprese dishes featuring fresh tomatoes. With the ability to double as a zesty Italian salad dressing, simply mix with vinegar and olive oil for a delightful dressing or marinade. Whether you're cooking for friends or enjoying a quiet meal at home, this mix is an essential addition to your pantry. Feel free to adjust the salt according to your taste preferences, making it a low-cholesterol choice for health-conscious individuals.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
garlic powder
1.5 teaspoons (none)
onion powder
1 tablespoon (none)
oregano
2 tablespoons (ground or leaves)
dried parsley
1 tablespoon (none)
granulated sugar
1 tablespoon (none)
salt
2 tablespoons (or salt substitute)
black pepper
1 teaspoon (none)
ground basil
1 teaspoon (or leaves)
ground thyme
1/4 teaspoon (or leaves)
dried celery leaves
1/2 teaspoon (or flakes)
Instructions
1
In a mixing bowl, combine all the dry ingredients: garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, dried parsley, sugar, salt (or salt substitute), black pepper, ground basil, thyme, and celery leaves.
2
Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
3
Transfer the mixture to an airtight container and store it in a cool, dry place.
4
For an Italian salad dressing, whisk together 2 tablespoons of the seasoning mix with 1/4 cup vinegar, 2 tablespoons of water, and 1/2 to 2/3 cup of olive oil or canola oil until well blended.
5
Shake well before each use to ensure all ingredients are combined.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Herb-Infused Italian Dressing Mix?
It is a versatile dry seasoning blend featuring a balance of herbs and spices that can be used for salad dressings, marinades, or as a flavoring for various cooked dishes.
What are the primary ingredients in this mix?
The mix includes garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, dried parsley, granulated sugar, salt, black pepper, ground basil, ground thyme, and dried celery leaves.
How do I turn the dry mix into a liquid salad dressing?
Whisk 2 tablespoons of the seasoning mix with 1/4 cup vinegar, 2 tablespoons of water, and 1/2 to 2/3 cup of olive oil or canola oil until well blended.
Can I use this mix as a marinade?
Yes, once mixed with oil and vinegar, it serves as a flavorful marinade for meats or vegetables.
What types of dishes can I enhance with this seasoning?
It is excellent for spaghetti sauce, chicken and dumplings, pasta salads, and Caprese dishes with fresh tomatoes.
Is this dressing mix healthy for low-cholesterol diets?
Yes, it is considered a low-cholesterol choice, especially since it is homemade and allows for controlled ingredients.
Can I adjust the amount of salt in the recipe?
Absolutely. You can adjust the salt according to your taste preferences or use a salt substitute if needed.
How should I store the dry seasoning mix?
Transfer the mixture to an airtight container and store it in a cool, dry place to maintain freshness.
What kind of oil is best for the dressing?
You can use olive oil for a classic flavor or canola oil for a more neutral taste.
Should I shake the dressing before using it?
Yes, you should shake the prepared dressing well before each use to ensure all ingredients are properly combined.
Does the recipe call for ground or leaf herbs?
The recipe allows for flexibility, suggesting ground or leaves for oregano, basil, and thyme, and leaves or flakes for celery.
How much garlic powder is used?
The recipe requires 1.5 teaspoons of garlic powder.
Is there sugar in this Italian dressing mix?
Yes, the recipe includes 1 tablespoon of granulated sugar to help balance the acidity and herbal flavors.
What is the preparation method for the dry mix?
Simply combine all dry ingredients in a mixing bowl and stir thoroughly until they are evenly incorporated.
Can I use this in chicken and dumplings?
Yes, it is recommended as a savory addition to enhance the flavor of chicken and dumplings.
How much oregano is in the recipe?
The recipe calls for 2 tablespoons of oregano.
What can I substitute for salt?
You can use any standard salt substitute if you are looking to reduce sodium intake.
Does this mix contain black pepper?
Yes, it includes 1 teaspoon of black pepper for a bit of spice.
Is the mix gluten-free?
Based on the ingredients listed (herbs, spices, sugar, salt), this mix is naturally gluten-free.
How many tablespoons of the dry mix are used per batch of dressing?
You should use 2 tablespoons of the dry seasoning mix for one batch of liquid dressing.
What provides the onion flavor in this mix?
The onion flavor comes from 1 tablespoon of onion powder.
Is there celery in the mix?
Yes, it contains 1/2 teaspoon of dried celery leaves or flakes.
Can I use the mix in pasta salad?
Yes, it is specifically noted as a great way to flavor refreshing pasta salads.
What herb provides the base for the 'Herb-Infused' title?
The blend uses a combination of oregano, parsley, basil, and thyme to create its distinct herb-infused profile.
Is this mix vegan?
Yes, all ingredients listed (spices, herbs, sugar, salt) are plant-based and vegan-friendly.
How much water is added when making the dressing?
You should add 2 tablespoons of water to the liquid mixture.
Can I use this for Caprese salad?
Yes, it is a delectable addition to Caprese dishes featuring fresh tomatoes and mozzarella.
How much basil is needed?
The recipe requires 1 teaspoon of ground basil or basil leaves.
Does the mix contain any preservatives?
No, because it is a homemade dry mix, it contains only the herbs and spices you add, with no artificial preservatives.
What is the quantity of thyme used?
The recipe calls for 1/4 teaspoon of ground thyme or thyme leaves.