Frequently Asked Questions
What is Herb-Infused Italian Vinaigrette?
It is a zesty, homemade dressing made with a blend of garlic, onion, and aromatic herbs, perfect for salads, marinades, or pasta.
What are the primary ingredients in this vinaigrette?
The key ingredients include cider vinegar, oil, garlic salt, onion powder, sugar, oregano, black pepper, dried basil, dried parsley, and celery salt.
How should I store the leftover dressing?
Store the dressing in a covered container or jar and keep it refrigerated.
How long does this Italian vinaigrette last?
When refrigerated, this homemade vinaigrette can last for up to two weeks.
Can I use this recipe as a marinade?
Yes, its balanced herb and vinegar profile makes it an excellent marinade for meats.
Is this recipe suitable for vegans?
Yes, all the ingredients listed are plant-based, making it a vegan-friendly dressing.
What type of vinegar is recommended?
The recipe specifically calls for 1/4 cup of cider vinegar to provide a refreshing tang.
What type of oil should I use?
You can use either olive oil for a richer flavor or vegetable oil for a more neutral taste.
How many calories are in the total batch?
The entire recipe batch contains approximately 950 calories.
Is there any sugar in this dressing?
Yes, the recipe includes 1 tablespoon of sugar to help balance the acidity of the vinegar.
How much sodium is in this recipe?
The batch contains about 4000mg of sodium, largely due to the salt, garlic salt, and celery salt.
Can I use fresh herbs instead of dried?
Yes, but you should generally triple the amount of fresh herbs when substituting for dried herbs.
Why is water added to the dressing?
Water is used to help achieve the desired consistency and to slightly mellow the intensity of the spices and vinegar.
Do I need a blender to make this?
No, you can simply whisk the ingredients in a bowl or shake them in a sealed jar.
What is the fat content of this dressing?
The entire recipe contains approximately 100g of fat, primarily from the oil.
Is this dressing gluten-free?
The ingredients are naturally gluten-free, but always verify that your specific spice brands are certified gluten-free.
Can I use this on pasta dishes?
Yes, it is a great addition to both cold pasta salads and warm pasta dishes.
What herbs provide the Italian flavor?
The combination of oregano, dried basil, and dried parsley provides the classic Italian herb profile.
Can I adjust the seasoning?
Absolutely. It is recommended to taste the dressing after mixing and adjust the salt or spices to your preference.
What is the preparation method for the spices?
Most spices are used in their dry form, while the black pepper is best when freshly ground.
Is there any protein in this vinaigrette?
No, this recipe contains 0g of protein.
How many total ingredients are needed?
There are 12 ingredients required to complete this recipe.
Does this dressing contain cholesterol?
No, this recipe is cholesterol-free.
Can I replace cider vinegar with white vinegar?
Yes, though it will result in a sharper, more acidic flavor compared to cider vinegar.
How much oregano is used?
The recipe calls for 2 tablespoons of dried oregano.
What category of cuisine does this belong to?
This recipe is categorized as European cuisine.
Can I use this as a dipping sauce?
Yes, it works well as a dip for crusty bread or fresh vegetables.
Is garlic powder a good substitute for garlic salt?
You can use garlic powder, but you may need to add additional salt to compensate for the salt removed.
How much water should I add?
The recipe recommends starting with 2 tablespoons of water.
Is this dressing keto-friendly?
While high in fat, it does contain 1 tablespoon of sugar, so you may want to use a sugar substitute for a strict keto diet.