Zesty Italian Dressing - Don't Waste the Crumbs (2024)

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Zesty Italian Dressing - Don't Waste the Crumbs (1)

By Tiffany Published Last Updated: June 13, 2022 Leave a Comment

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My Zesty Italian Dressing recipe is fresh, herby, spicy and full of zing! It’s super budget-friendly, easy to make, and so much healthier than Kraft Italian dressing! Enjoy on salads – or as a marinade to add kick to your favorite chicken dishes!

Zesty Italian Dressing - Don't Waste the Crumbs (2)

Making your own salad dressings is an EASY way to save TONS of money off your grocery budget.

From homemade ranch dressing to balsamic vinaigrette to cilantro lime dressing, I’ve made so many salad dressings myself that I rarely even buy them anymore!

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Every now and then though, my husband will see a salad dressing at the grocery store and ask if we can buy it.

Have you heard of Kraft Italian Dressing? That was the most recent dressing he requested, but instead of spending $3-4 on a small bottle, I set out to make our own version.

Not only is this version super easy to make, but it’s much healthier too!

Zesty Italian Dressing - Don't Waste the Crumbs (4)

Ingredients for Homemade Zesty Italian Dressing

This recipe is based off my original Italian dressing recipe, with a few minor tweaks to make the flavor a bit brighter and, well, zestier!

Here’s what you need:

  1. Dried Seasonings: garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, parsley, salt, pepper, thyme, and basil
  2. Mustard: I use both regular AND spicy brown mustard in this recipe.
  3. Vinegar: Red wine vinegar is a must if you want that trademark zesty flavor!

Step by Step Instructions

Making your own dressing is as easy as 1-2-3:

Step 1. Combine all the ingredients in a 16 ounce jar.

Step 2. Shake well.

Step 3. Serve over your favorite salads!

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Tips for Making Zesty Italian Dressing

  • To save time, I usually triple or quadruple the dry portion of this recipe and store it in a jar in my spice cabinet.
  • I love using mason jars for homemade dressing and these lids make it super easy to shake and pour!
  • I write “2 Tbsp” on the jar and that’s to let me know I need that much dry seasoning mix to make a batch of dressing.
    • You can always use more or less, depending on how you like your dressing to taste. I also eyeball the mustard measurements, considering a “good hefty squirt” to be good enough!

FAQs

What’s the difference between Italian dressing and zesty Italian dressing?

Regular Italian dressing and zesty Italian dressing use the same base recipe, but the zesty version has added flavor for more zing.

Is zesty Italian dressing healthy?

This recipe is healthy because it is make with real food ingredients. The bottled kind from the store will be filled with additives and sugars that our bodies don’t need.

What does zesty Italian dressing taste like?

It is so delicious with lots of herbs, healthy fats, and spice. It is herby and zingy. Enjoy on salads or even use it as a marinade for chicken!

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More Homemade Dressing Recipes

  • Homemade Italian Salad Dressing (not zingy)
  • Balsamic Vinaigrette Recipe
  • Caesar Salad Dressing
  • Homemade Greek Salad Dressing

Zesty Italian Dressing

Zesty Italian Dressing - Don't Waste the Crumbs (8)
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My Zesty Italian Dressing recipe is fresh, herby, spicy and full of zing! It’s super budget-friendly, easy to make, and so much healthier than Kraft Italian dressing! Enjoy on salads – or as a marinade to add kick to your favorite chicken dishes!

  • Author: Tiffany
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes
  • Total Time: 10 minutes
  • Yield: 16 ounces 1x
  • Category: Sauces/Condiments
  • Method: Mix
  • Cuisine: Italian

Ingredients

Scale

  • 1/2 tablespoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 tablespoon onion powder
  • 1 tablespoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 tablespoon dried parsley
  • 1 tablespoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1 Tbsp yellow mustard
  • 1 Tbsp spicy brown mustard
  • 1 cup olive oil
  • Scant 1 cup red wine vinegar

Instructions

  1. Combine everything above in a 16 oz jar, or larger.
  2. Add all of the ingredients except the red wine vinegar.
  3. Add the red wine vinegar, filling the jar until there’s about a finger-width gap from the top.
  4. Cover the jar and shake well.

Notes

To save time, I usually triple or quadruple the dry portion of this recipe and store it in a jar in my spice cabinet.

I write “2 Tbsp” on the jar and that’s to let me know I need that much dry seasoning mix to make a batch of dressing. You can always use more or less, depending on how you like your dressing to taste. I also eyeball the mustard measurements, considering a “good hefty squirt” to be good enough!

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1
  • Calories: 60

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Zesty Italian Dressing - Don't Waste the Crumbs (2024)

FAQs

What's the difference between Italian dressing and zesty Italian dressing? ›

What's the difference between Italian dressing and zesty Italian dressing? Regular Italian dressing and zesty Italian dressing use the same base recipe, but the zesty version has added flavor for more zing.

Does zesty italian dressing have to be refrigerated after opening? ›

Unopened jars of mayonnaise and salad dressing may be stored in the pantry. After opening, keep refrigerated up to 2 months. For more information, you may call the Food and Drug Administration's toll-free at 1-888-723-3366 or go to FDA's website.

Does Kraft Zesty Italian dressing go bad? ›

Typically, an unopened bottle of Kraft salad dressing can last well past the expiration date, staying fresh for several months if stored properly at room temperature. Once opened, however, the dressing's longevity is reduced, and it should be consumed within a shorter time frame to ensure its quality and safety.

Why do you have to shake Italian dressing before you serve it? ›

Rather, the disordered existence of water on one side of the bottle and oil on the other side is more desirable for the water molecules. And that's why you will always have to shake that bottle of Italian Salad Dressing before pouring it on your salad.

What does Italian dressing do to meat? ›

Italian dressing is one of the best steak marinades you can use, and it's a flavorful shortcut to perfectly juicy and flavorful steaks. The combination of oil and vinegar with herbs and spices makes it a delicious and powerful tenderizer. The dressing is especially handy when you're dealing with tough cuts of beef.

Is zesty Italian dressing healthy? ›

Italian dressing is often considered a healthy option when compared with creamy dressings because it's lower in calories and fat. But because it can be high in sodium and the calories quickly add up if you use more than the serving size, it's still important to watch the amount you eat.

Is it OK to leave Italian dressing out overnight? ›

Salad Dressing

It may be obvious to store creamy ranch dressing on your refrigerator's shelf, but oily dressings such as Italian or a vinaigrette should be kept cold after opening too. That's because their key ingredients—think things such as shallots and citrus juice—will go rancid without refrigeration.

Can you freeze zesty Italian dressing? ›

Freezing: while salad dressing can be frozen, it will 'break' in the freezer and probably won't mix back into a smooth dressing when thawed.

How to tell if Italian dressing is bad? ›

According to Reader's Digest, oil-based salad dressings, such as a balsamic vinaigrette or Italian dressing, tend to last longer than mayo-based dressings. In general, these dressings can last for up to a few weeks (via Know Your Pantry). However, once they've expired, they will give off a noticeable rancid smell.

Is ranch ok if left out overnight? ›

Ranch should be refrigerated after opening because it contains perishable ingredients like buttermilk, which has a high moisture content and is prone to spoilage. Since perishable ingredients can become unsafe to eat after two hours at room temperature, refrigerating this dressing is essential to keep it fresh.

Can you eat unopened expired Italian dressing? ›

If it's unopened and it's past its best-by date, I would try tasting a little bit,” Schaffner said. “If it tastes OK, then it's good to go! Because of the way these products are processed and formulated, I think it's highly unlikely that you would find any mold upon opening.

Can Olive Garden Italian dressing go bad? ›

Store Olive Garden dressing in an airtight container and always keep refrigerated when not actively serving. Kept refrigerated, it'll last you for up to a week — if you don't use it all before then!

Why add water to Italian dressing? ›

If I were to take an unscientific stab at it, I would say that the water opens up the dressing a little, cutting some of the intensity between the contrast of the unctuous oil and the sharp vinegar. It helps to balance everything out.

What does Italian dressing do to your body? ›

Classic Italian Vinaigrette Health Benefits
  • Easy to use ! ...
  • High Quality. ...
  • Rich in Monounsaturated Fats. ...
  • Contains Polyphenols. ...
  • High Antioxidant Content. ...
  • Contains Polyphenols. ...
  • Supports Blood Sugar Regulation. ...
  • Rich Mineral Content.
May 16, 2023

Do Italians eat their salad before or after dinner? ›

Serving salad after the main course of a meal is an older tradition in Italy, and nowadays it is usually observed at large and formal dinners rather than during everyday meals. Eating a salad after a meal can help digestion, while eating one before a meal may help discourage overeating.

What does zesty Italian dressing taste like? ›

Robust and balanced, this dressing adds onion, garlic, red pepper, and oregano to its oil and vinegar base to create a deliciously bright, memorable, and crowd-pleasing flavor.

What is Italian dressing also known as? ›

In American cuisine, Italian dressing is a vinaigrette-type salad dressing in that consists of water, vinegar or lemon juice, vegetable oil, chopped bell peppers, sugar or corn syrup, herbs and spices (including oregano, fennel, dill and salt) and sometimes onion and garlic.

What is the most common salad dressing in Italy? ›

Instead, salads are typically dressed very simply with what many call "olio e aceto," which translates to oil and vinegar. The oil is almost invariably extra virgin olive oil, prized for its health benefits and flavor. The vinegar is usually red wine vinegar, balsamic vinegar, or sometimes simply lemon juice.

What is mod zesty roma dressing? ›

Zesty Roma: Flavorful and vibrant vinaigrette with golden balsamic vinegar, soybean and extra virgin olive oils, lemon, garlic, shallots, tomato, chipotles in adobo and seasoned with blue agave.

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