Herbed Tomato Zest Dressing
Elevate your salads with this Herbed Tomato Zest Dressing! It's a quick and easy way to add vibrant flavor to your greens, especially when ripe tomatoes are out of season. This recipe hails from the vintage 1971 Better Homes and Gardens Cookbook and has since become a beloved favorite in many kitchens. The tangy notes from tarragon vinegar blend perfectly with the rich depth of low-sodium tomato sauce, while aromatic herbs like dill and basil provide a delightful herby kick. Perfect for drizzling over mixed greens or as a refreshing dip for vegetables, this dressing is low in calories, making it an ideal choice for health-conscious diners. Keep it handy in your fridge; just remember to give it a good shake before serving!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
low-sodium tomato sauce
8 ounces (none)
tarragon vinegar
2 tablespoons (none)
onion juice
1 teaspoon (freshly squeezed or prepared)
Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon (vegetarian version recommended)
salt
1/2 teaspoon (none)
dill weed
1/2 teaspoon (dried)
dried basil
1/2 teaspoon (crushed)
Instructions
1
In a glass jar with a tight-fitting lid, combine the low-sodium tomato sauce, tarragon vinegar, onion juice, vegetarian Worcestershire sauce, salt, dill weed, and crushed dried basil.
2
Cover the jar and shake vigorously until all ingredients are well mixed and the dressing is smooth.
3
Transfer the dressing to the refrigerator and let it chill for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
4
Before serving, give the jar another good shake to mix the dressing again and enjoy it over your favorite salad!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Herbed Tomato Zest Dressing?
It is a vibrant, tangy salad dressing made with a base of low-sodium tomato sauce, tarragon vinegar, and aromatic herbs.
What is the origin of this recipe?
This recipe comes from the vintage 1971 Better Homes and Gardens Cookbook.
Is this dressing low in calories?
Yes, this dressing is low in calories and an ideal choice for health-conscious diners.
What are the main ingredients?
The main ingredients include low-sodium tomato sauce, tarragon vinegar, onion juice, vegetarian Worcestershire sauce, salt, dill weed, and dried basil.
How much tomato sauce is needed?
The recipe requires 8 ounces of low-sodium tomato sauce.
What kind of vinegar should I use?
The recipe specifically calls for tarragon vinegar to provide its unique tangy flavor.
Is this recipe suitable for vegans?
Yes, as long as you use the recommended vegetarian Worcestershire sauce, this dressing is vegan-friendly.
How do I prepare the onion juice?
You can use either freshly squeezed onion juice or a prepared version from the store.
What herbs are used in the dressing?
The dressing uses 1/2 teaspoon each of dried dill weed and crushed dried basil.
How do I mix the ingredients?
Combine all ingredients in a glass jar with a tight-fitting lid and shake vigorously until smooth.
Does the dressing need to be chilled?
Yes, it should be refrigerated for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld.
Should I shake the dressing before serving?
Yes, you should give the jar a good shake before each use to ensure the ingredients are well mixed.
What can I serve this dressing with?
It is perfect for mixed greens salads or can be used as a refreshing dip for fresh vegetables.
Is there any oil in this dressing?
No, this recipe is oil-free, which contributes to its low-calorie profile.
How many ingredients are required?
There are 7 ingredients in total for this recipe.
Can I use regular tomato sauce?
While you can use regular tomato sauce, low-sodium is recommended to better control the salt content.
What is the preparation for the basil?
The dried basil should be crushed before being added to the jar.
Is this dressing easy to make?
Yes, it is a quick and easy recipe that involves simple mixing and shaking.
What flavor notes can I expect?
Expect tangy notes from the vinegar balanced by the rich depth of tomato and a savory herby kick.
How much salt is in the recipe?
The recipe calls for 1/2 teaspoon of salt.
How much Worcestershire sauce is used?
The recipe requires 1 teaspoon of vegetarian Worcestershire sauce.
Is this a good substitute for fresh tomatoes?
Yes, it is a great way to add tomato flavor to salads when ripe tomatoes are out of season.
What is the prep time for this dressing?
The preparation is very fast, requiring only a few minutes to measure and shake, plus 30 minutes for chilling.
Can I store this in the refrigerator?
Yes, keep the dressing in its glass jar in the refrigerator.
Does it contain cholesterol?
Based on the ingredients like tomato sauce and vinegar, this dressing is naturally cholesterol-free.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
It can be gluten-free if you ensure your vegetarian Worcestershire sauce is certified gluten-free.
How much dill weed is needed?
The recipe uses 1/2 teaspoon of dried dill weed.
Can I make a larger batch?
Yes, you can easily double or triple the ingredients to make a larger quantity.
What makes it 'zesty'?
The combination of tarragon vinegar, onion juice, and Worcestershire sauce provides the zesty profile.
Is this dressing creamy or vinaigrette style?
It is a light, tomato-based dressing that is more similar to a zesty vinaigrette than a creamy dressing.