Zesty Italian Dressing Dry Mix
Crafted from my favorite flavors, this Zesty Italian Dressing Dry Mix captures the essence of classic Italian salads with a unique twist. Unlike store-bought mixes, my recipe incorporates a delightful blend of dehydrated red bell peppers and a hint of lemony brightness from citric acid, creating a robust flavor profile that’s hard to resist. Use this mix to enhance salads, marinades, or as a seasoning in various recipes. Easy to prepare and perfect for those looking to elevate their home cooking without the preservatives, this dry mix delivers authentic taste in just one convenient container!
N/A
Servings
37
Calories
13
Ingredients
Ingredients
Dehydrated red bell peppers
3 tablespoons (dehydrated)
Dried chives
1 tablespoon (dried)
Dried parsley
1 tablespoon (dried)
Garlic powder
2 teaspoons (ground)
Onion powder
2 teaspoons (ground)
Dried oregano
1 teaspoon (dried)
Celery seed
1/2 teaspoon (whole)
Dried mustard
1/2 teaspoon (ground)
Stevia or sugar
3 tablespoons (to taste)
Salt
2 tablespoons (fine)
Black pepper
1 1/2 teaspoons (ground)
Citric acid
2 teaspoons (granulated)
Dry pectin
1/4 cup (optional)
Instructions
1
Combine all the ingredients in a high-speed blender or food processor.
2
Pulse until the mixture is well incorporated and has a uniform consistency.
3
Transfer the dry mix to an airtight container, ensuring it is sealed properly to preserve freshness.
4
For Italian Dressing, mix 2 tablespoons of the dry mix with 1/4 cup vinegar, 2 tablespoons of water, and 1/2 cup of olive oil. Shake or stir well to combine.
5
Use 2 tablespoons of this mix in any recipe that calls for an Italian dressing packet for added flavor.
Nutrition Information
0g
Fat
8g
Carbs
1g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Zesty Italian Dressing Dry Mix?
It is a homemade seasoning blend made from herbs and spices that can be stored in your pantry and used to create fresh salad dressing or flavor various dishes.
How do I prepare the dry mix?
Combine all dry ingredients in a high-speed blender or food processor and pulse until the mixture reaches a uniform consistency.
What are the ingredients for the liquid dressing?
To make the dressing, mix 2 tablespoons of the dry mix with 1/4 cup vinegar, 2 tablespoons of water, and 1/2 cup of olive oil.
How much dry mix replaces a store-bought packet?
You can use 2 tablespoons of this dry mix in any recipe that calls for one standard Italian dressing seasoning packet.
How should I store the dry mix?
Store the mix in an airtight container in a cool, dry place to ensure maximum freshness and prevent clumping.
What makes this Italian dressing zesty?
The zesty flavor comes from a combination of dehydrated red bell peppers, dried mustard, and a hint of lemony brightness from citric acid.
What is the purpose of citric acid in this recipe?
Citric acid provides a sharp, tangy flavor that mimics fresh lemon, giving the dressing its signature 'zest' without adding liquid.
Is the dry pectin necessary?
No, the dry pectin is optional. It acts as a stabilizer to help the oil and vinegar stay emulsified once the liquid dressing is mixed.
Can I use sugar instead of stevia?
Yes, you can use 3 tablespoons of either stevia or granulated sugar depending on your dietary preferences.
What type of oil is best for this dressing?
Olive oil is recommended for an authentic Italian flavor, though other neutral oils like avocado oil can also be used.
Which vinegar should I use?
Red wine vinegar or white distilled vinegar are the best choices for a traditional zesty Italian taste.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, all the ingredients listed, including the herbs, spices, and pectin, are naturally gluten-free.
Is this dressing mix vegan?
Yes, this dry mix contains only plant-based ingredients and is suitable for a vegan diet.
Can I use this as a meat marinade?
Absolutely! This mix is excellent as a marinade for chicken, pork, or seafood when combined with oil and vinegar.
How many calories are in the dry mix?
There are approximately 37 calories per serving of the dry mix.
Does this mix contain preservatives?
No, this homemade version is free from the artificial preservatives and additives often found in store-bought packets.
Can I use fresh herbs instead of dried?
This specific recipe is designed as a 'dry mix' for shelf storage; using fresh herbs would require immediate use and refrigeration.
How do I ensure the mix is well incorporated?
Using a high-speed blender or food processor is key to breaking down the larger flakes like dehydrated peppers into a uniform powder.
Can I use this to season roasted vegetables?
Yes, you can sprinkle the dry mix directly onto vegetables before roasting for an Italian-style flavor boost.
What is the serving size for the dry mix?
The nutritional information provided is based on the quantity used to make a standard batch of dressing, roughly 2 tablespoons.
Is there any fat in the dry mix?
The dry mix itself contains 0g of fat; fat is only added when you combine it with oil to make the liquid dressing.
Can I reduce the salt content?
Yes, you can easily adjust or reduce the 2 tablespoons of salt to meet your specific dietary needs.
What kind of container is best for storage?
A glass mason jar or any airtight spice container works best to keep moisture out and flavors in.
Does the recipe contain onion and garlic?
Yes, it uses 2 teaspoons each of garlic powder and onion powder for a robust, savory base.
How long will the dry mix stay fresh?
When stored properly in an airtight container, the dry mix should remain flavorful for up to 6 months.
Can I add red pepper flakes for heat?
Yes, if you prefer a spicy Italian dressing, you can add a half teaspoon of red pepper flakes to the blender.
Is this recipe suitable for a keto diet?
If made with stevia, the mix is very low in net carbs and can be included in a ketogenic lifestyle.
What does the dehydrated red bell pepper add?
It adds a subtle sweetness and a beautiful visual element that differentiates it from standard herb mixes.
Can I make the dressing without a blender?
You can whisk the ingredients by hand, but the dehydrated peppers may remain in larger pieces compared to using a blender.
Can I use this mix in pasta salad?
Yes, once prepared with oil and vinegar, this dressing is the perfect addition to a cold Italian pasta salad.