Zesty Mediterranean Herb Dressing
This Zesty Mediterranean Herb Dressing is a versatile and flavorful addition to any salad or marinade, boasting a rich blend of olive oil, aromatic herbs, and sharp parmesan cheese. Perfect for those who love a tangy kick, this dressing enhances the taste of fresh greens, pasta salads, or grilled vegetables. Make a large batch, as it stores wonderfully in the refrigerator for up to two weeks, allowing you to enjoy its delightful flavors time and again. Remember to prepare in advance, as chilling is required to meld the vibrant tastes.
20 (approximately 2 1/2 cups in total)
Servings
N/A
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
olive oil
1 1/2 cups
red wine vinegar
1/2 cup + 2 tablespoons
sugar
1 teaspoon
oregano
1 1/2 tablespoons
basil
1 1/2 tablespoons
seasoned salt
2 teaspoons
onion powder
1 tablespoon
fresh garlic clove
1 tablespoon (minced)
Dijon mustard
1 1/2 tablespoons
parmesan cheese
1/3 cup (optional, grated)
fresh ground black pepper
1/2-1 teaspoon (to taste)
Instructions
1
In a large glass jar or mixing bowl, combine olive oil, red wine vinegar, sugar, oregano, basil, seasoned salt, onion powder, minced garlic, Dijon mustard, and parmesan cheese if using.
2
Whisk together until the ingredients are thoroughly mixed. Alternatively, use a blender or food processor for a smoother texture.
3
Taste and adjust sugar, salt, and pepper according to personal preference.
4
Refrigerate the dressing for at least 2 hours to allow the flavors to blend and develop.
5
Before serving, shake the jar vigorously to re-emulsify the dressing.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Zesty Mediterranean Herb Dressing?
It is a versatile and flavorful dressing or marinade featuring olive oil, aromatic herbs, and sharp parmesan cheese.
How long can I store this dressing?
The dressing stores wonderfully in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.
Does the dressing require chilling before use?
Yes, it should be refrigerated for at least 2 hours to allow the vibrant flavors to blend and develop.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe makes approximately 20 servings, totaling about 2 1/2 cups of dressing.
Is a blender required to make this dressing?
No, you can whisk it in a jar or bowl, but a blender or food processor can be used if you prefer a smoother texture.
Can I use this dressing as a marinade?
Yes, it is excellent as a marinade for grilled vegetables or meats.
What kind of oil is used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for 1 1/2 cups of olive oil.
Is the parmesan cheese mandatory?
No, the 1/3 cup of grated parmesan cheese is optional.
Which herbs provide the Mediterranean flavor?
The primary herbs used in this dressing are oregano and basil.
What should I do before serving the dressing?
Shake the jar or container vigorously to re-emulsify the ingredients before serving.
What kind of vinegar is best for this recipe?
The recipe specifically uses red wine vinegar for its tangy flavor profile.
Can I adjust the sweetness of the dressing?
Yes, you can taste and adjust the amount of sugar according to your personal preference.
How much garlic is in the dressing?
The recipe includes 1 tablespoon of minced fresh garlic cloves.
Is this dressing suitable for pasta salads?
Yes, it is perfect for enhancing the flavor of pasta salads and fresh greens.
Does the dressing contain onion?
Yes, the recipe uses 1 tablespoon of onion powder for flavor.
What type of salt is used?
The recipe calls for 2 teaspoons of seasoned salt.
Is mustard an ingredient in this dressing?
Yes, it contains 1 1/2 tablespoons of Dijon mustard.
Can I make this recipe in advance?
Yes, it is a great make-ahead recipe as it needs time to chill and keeps well for weeks.
How much black pepper should I add?
You can add 1/2 to 1 teaspoon of fresh ground black pepper depending on your taste preference.
What is the total yield of the recipe?
The recipe yields approximately 2 1/2 cups of dressing.
Can I use a food processor?
Yes, a food processor is a great alternative to whisking if you want a more integrated texture.
Is this dressing considered tangy?
Yes, the combination of red wine vinegar and Dijon mustard gives it a sharp, tangy kick.
Can I use this for grilled vegetables?
Yes, it is specifically noted as a great addition to grilled vegetables.
What containers are best for mixing?
A large glass jar or a mixing bowl is recommended for combining the ingredients.
Does it contain any sugar?
Yes, it contains 1 teaspoon of sugar to help balance the acidity.
How much oregano is used?
The recipe requires 1 1/2 tablespoons of oregano.
How much basil is used?
The recipe requires 1 1/2 tablespoons of basil.
Is the garlic fresh or powdered?
The recipe calls for fresh garlic cloves that have been minced.
Can I substitute the olive oil?
While olive oil provides the classic Mediterranean flavor, you could technically use other oils, though the taste profile will change.
Is this recipe beginner-friendly?
Yes, it is an easy-to-follow recipe that mainly involves combining and mixing ingredients.