Pulcinella’s Zesty Italian Dressing
Elevate your salads and marinades with Pulcinella’s Zesty Italian Dressing, a vibrant blend of fresh vegetables, tangy vinegar, and rich olive oil. This homemade dressing combines the crunchiness of bell peppers and celery with the sweetness of tomatoes and a hint of saltiness from Greek olives, creating a flavor explosion that transforms any dish. Perfect for drizzling over crisp greens, marinating meats, or as a dip, this dressing is quick to prepare and will surely impress your family and friends. Serve it fresh for the best taste, and enjoy the bright, balanced flavors of Italy right at home!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
green bell pepper
1/2 (diced)
small onion
1 (diced)
small tomatoes
1 (diced)
stalk of celery
1 (sliced)
Greek olives
2-3 (pitted)
red wine vinegar
5 tablespoons
ketchup
3 tablespoons
extra virgin olive oil
1 1/2 cups
salt
to taste
pepper
to taste
Instructions
1
Begin by preparing your vegetables: dice the green bell pepper, onion, and tomato, and slice the celery. Pitting the Greek olives will also be necessary if they aren’t pre-pitted.
2
In a food processor or blender, combine the diced bell pepper, onion, tomato, sliced celery, and pitted olives. Pulse the mixture until finely chopped, but ensure it does not become smooth; you want a nice texture.
3
Once the vegetables are finely chopped, add the red wine vinegar and ketchup to the processor. Blend briefly to combine.
4
With the motor running, gradually pour in the extra virgin olive oil in a slow, steady stream until the mixture is fully emulsified and smooth.
5
Taste the dressing and season with salt and pepper as desired. Blend again briefly to mix in the seasoning.
6
Transfer the dressing to a jar or airtight container and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Pulcinella’s Zesty Italian Dressing?
It is a vibrant homemade dressing featuring a blend of fresh vegetables, tangy red wine vinegar, and extra virgin olive oil.
What vegetables are included in this recipe?
The recipe includes green bell pepper, a small onion, a small tomato, and a stalk of celery.
How many Greek olives are needed?
You will need 2 to 3 Greek olives for this dressing.
Do the olives need to be prepared in a specific way?
Yes, the Greek olives should be pitted before you add them to the mixture.
What type of vinegar is used in Pulcinella’s Zesty Italian Dressing?
The recipe calls for 5 tablespoons of red wine vinegar.
How much olive oil is required?
You will need 1 1/2 cups of extra virgin olive oil.
Is there ketchup in this Italian dressing?
Yes, the recipe uses 3 tablespoons of ketchup to add sweetness and tang.
What equipment do I need to make this dressing?
You can use either a food processor or a blender to combine the ingredients.
Should the vegetable mixture be perfectly smooth?
No, you should pulse the vegetables until finely chopped but still textured.
How do I incorporate the olive oil?
Pour the extra virgin olive oil in a slow, steady stream while the motor is running to ensure it emulsifies.
How should I season the dressing?
You should season the dressing with salt and pepper to taste.
Does the dressing need to be chilled before serving?
Yes, it should be refrigerated for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Why is refrigeration recommended for 30 minutes?
Chilling allows the fresh flavors of the vegetables and spices to meld together properly.
Can I use this dressing as a marinade?
Yes, it is excellent for marinating meats as well as dressing salads.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 10 ingredients in total, including the salt and pepper.
What is the first step in the instructions?
The first step is to prepare your vegetables by dicing the bell pepper, onion, and tomato, and slicing the celery.
How much green bell pepper is needed?
The recipe requires 1/2 of a green bell pepper, diced.
What type of onion should I use?
The recipe specifies using one small onion.
How do I store the finished dressing?
Transfer the dressing to a jar or airtight container and keep it in the refrigerator.
What is the flavor profile of this dressing?
It is described as zesty, vibrant, tangy, and rich with a hint of saltiness from the olives.
Can this be used as a dip?
Yes, the recipe description mentions it is perfect for use as a dip.
How much celery is used?
The recipe uses 1 stalk of celery, which should be sliced.
Is the tomato used large or small?
The recipe calls for 1 small tomato.
What kind of oil is best for this recipe?
Extra virgin olive oil is recommended for the best flavor and texture.
How do I ensure the dressing is fully emulsified?
By pouring the oil in very slowly while the processor or blender is running.
Is this dressing quick to prepare?
Yes, it is a quick preparation that mainly involves chopping and pulsing in a blender.
What is the texture of the vegetables after pulsing?
The vegetables should be finely chopped but not a smooth puree.
Is this a traditional Italian dressing?
It is a zesty, vegetable-forward variation known as Pulcinella’s style.
What does 'pulsing' the mixture mean?
Pulsing means using short bursts of the blender or processor to chop ingredients without over-processing them.
Does this recipe include salt?
Yes, salt is added to taste at the final stage of mixing.