Best Zesty Italian Dressing Mix (Bulk Recipe) (2024)

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Learn how to make the BEST Dry Zesty Italian Dressing Mix, with this simple bulk mix recipe. Plus, it has directions to make the dressing as well. A full batch of this recipe will fill a pint jar (which means it makes about two cups of dry dressing mix). Whether you want to use it as dressing, or add a little bit of this mix to your favorite dish, it is sure to spice them up just right.

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Lately I’ve been seeing recipes all over the place (cough…Pinterest;) that call for either Zesty Italian Dressing Mix or some of the prepared dressing.

It’s been driving me crazy that I can’t try these recipes due to all the junk in pre-made/ packaged spice mixtures/dressings (I’m on a clean eating kick lately).

However, I found a “from scratch” homemade recipe that has really good reviews so I’ve adapted it to fill a pint jar.

I only made a few minor changes (less sugar, less salt, & one other little change). I hope that you like it.

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So, Now I’m sharing with you my bulk recipe for the Best Homemade Zesty Italian Dressing Mix, plus directions for making the dressing.

Please note that if you’re nervous about making a giant batch of it like me, maybe try making a small batch of the original recipefirst and see what you think before you go crazy and make a large batch.

If I use something a lot, I hate making it from scratch frequently, which is why I’m sharing with you the big batch that I make which can be used as you need it.

Now I’m going to share with you some still pics of the process of making both the dressing and turning the dressing mix into Salad Dressing.

How to make this Zesty Italian Dressing Mix Recipe:

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You guys may not believe it, but this recipe is actually so simple that you literally just put the ingredients in a jar (pint or larger), put a lid on it, and SHAKE… that’s it!

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To make the dressing you literally only mix some vinegar, oil, water, and a bit of the spice mix.

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**Remember, If you like this recipe, you may also like my entire Salads and Dressings section. **

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What’s in Zesty Italian Dressing Mix? Let’s find out!

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Best Zesty Italian Dressing Mix {Bulk Recipe}

Yield: 1 Pint

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Additional Time: 3 minutes

Total Time: 13 minutes

Using dry Zesty Italian Dressing Mix is a great way to spice up your various food dishes or can be used as a dry rub for meat. Or, easily mix it into a tangy dressing. Learn how to make the BEST Zesty Italian Dressing Mix with this simple bulk recipe. Plus it has directions to make the dressing as well.

Ingredients

  • Dry Mix:
  • 2 T Garlic Powder
  • 1/4 C Onion Powder
  • 1/2 C Dried Oregano
  • 1 T+1 tsp Freshly Ground Black Pepper
  • 1 T+1 tsp Dried Thyme
  • 1 T+1 tsp Dried Basil
  • 1 T+1 tsp Dried Parsley
  • 1 to 2 T Sugar
  • 1 T Salt (I used Iodized Sea Salt)
  • 1/2 tsp Celery Seed
  • 1/2 C Cajun Seasoning
  • Dressing:
  • 1/4 cup Red Wine Vinegar (original recipe called for white wine vinegar)
  • 2/3 cup Extra Virgin Olive Oil
  • 2 T Water
  • 2 T mixed spice (above spice mix)

Instructions

How To Make Zesty Italian Dressing Mix (dry):

  1. Layer all of the ingredients into apint sized jar(may be a good idea to use a wide mouth jar…I struggled to keep the mess contained w/the regular mouth jar).
  2. Puta lidon and shake your little heart out (it condenses quite a bit when mixed, otherwise it would fill the jar nearly completely).

How To Make Zesty Italian Dressing (wet):

  1. Place ingredients in a blender and mix well.
  2. Store in an airtight container for up to one week in the refrigerator.

Notes

*Make Sure To ShakeWell Before Each Use*

Use as needed. Can be used as a dry rub on meats or sprinkle it on veggies.

Make sure mix stays tightly sealed, if you live somewhere humid it may be a good idea to addan oxygen absorbing packetif you will be storing it for very long.

**from some of the reviews I've read from the original version of the recipe, it seems that you may want to add a bit more vinegar for more tang.

Did you make this recipe?

Please leave a comment on the blog or share a photo on Pinterest

I love this dry mix when added to my Zesty Italian Chicken recipe…it’s so delicious!

You will easily start finding more and more ways to use it if you end up loving it as much as I do. In fact, I need to mix up another batch this weekend because I use it so much.

Thanks so much for stopping by my blog! If you liked what you saw, please make sure to share it via social media or even send the link via email to your family and friends. Either way, I super appreciate it!

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Here are five of my posts that you’ll also love:

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For those of you that would like other options for a “pinnable” image to share on Pinterest, here you go. Thanks so much for sharing!

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*Reposts: Please note that this idea/post was originally posted to this website on 08/25/2012, but it was in great need of a refresh so it now is more user friendly/shareable and has a free printable recipe card.

Best Zesty Italian Dressing Mix (Bulk Recipe) (2024)

FAQs

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

A: Yes, zesty has a little more garlic and stronger spices. Helpful? Thank you for your feedback!

Is Italian seasoning the same as Italian dressing mix? ›

Is Italian seasoning the same as Italian dressing mix? No, not really. They are similar in that they contain many of the same spices, but the Italian dressing mix will contain a lot of sugar that you won't find in any Italian seasoning.

What is in good seasons Italian salad dressing mix? ›

ingredients
  • Dry Mix.
  • 1 tablespoon garlic salt.
  • 1 tablespoon onion powder.
  • 1 tablespoon sugar.
  • 2 tablespoons oregano.
  • 1 teaspoon pepper.
  • 14 teaspoon basil.
  • 1 tablespoon parsley.

What can I substitute for Italian seasoning packet? ›

Honestly, if you have those two then you've got yourself a great substitute.
  • 1 tablespoon of Italian seasoning = ½ teaspoon of basil + ½ teaspoon of oregano. ...
  • 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning = ½ teaspoon dried oregano, ¼ teaspoon of dried basil and thyme. ...
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning = ½ teaspoon dried basil.
Jul 4, 2022

What is zesty Italian dressing made of? ›

Distilled Vinegar, Vegetable Oil (Soybean And/Or Canola), Water, Sugar, Salt, Contains Less Than 2% Of Garlic,* Garlic, Red Bell Pepper,* Onion,* Onion, Spice, Xanthan Gum, Monosodium Glutamate, Natural Flavor, Lemon Juice Concentrate, Calcium Disodium EDTA (To Protect Flavor), Annatto Extract (Color).

What's in Kraft Zesty Italian dressing? ›

VINEGAR, WATER, BLEND OF VEGETABLE OILS (SOYBEAN OIL, CANOLA OIL), SUGAR, SALT, GARLIC*, CONTAINS LESS THAN 2% OF RED BELL PEPPERS*, ONIONS*, XANTHAN GUM, SPICE, OLEORESIN PAPRIKA (COLOR), POTASSIUM SORBATE AND CALCIUM DISODIUM EDTA (TO PROTECT FLAVOR).

What is in McCormick's Italian seasoning? ›

MARJORAM, THYME, ROSEMARY, SAVORY, SAGE, OREGANO AND BASIL.

What spice is close to Italian seasoning? ›

Dried oregano and basil.

If you have dried thyme, you can throw in a little of that as well. Here are a few ideas: 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning = ½ teaspoon dried oregano and ½ teaspoon dried basil. 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning = ½ teaspoon dried oregano, ¼ teaspoon each dried basil and thyme.

What is Trader Joe's version of Italian seasoning? ›

Our Trader Joe's Italian Style Soffritto Seasoning Blend includes crispy onions, sun-dried tomatoes, sea salt, garlic, red peppers, parsley, rosemary, and sage.

What is the number 1 salad dressing? ›

Ranch Dressing

The ranch is hands down America's most beloved salad dressings. It is made from a number of ingredients such as buttermilk, mayonnaise, mustard, garlic, onion, chives, salt, and pepper. A creamier and richer version often features sour cream or yogurt for enhanced taste.

What is the most important seasoning in salad? ›

Salt and pepper!

Now for perhaps the most important part of a well-dressed salad: Salt and pepper. This is what that flaky salt in your cupboard is for. As you toss the salad with your hands or forks, sprinkle on salt and pepper. Taste and adjust as needed.

What is the most popular salad dressing in the world? ›

Most Famous Dressings in the World
  1. Ranch Dressing. The ranch is a salad dressing or dip made with buttermilk, salt, garlic, onions, herbs (dill, parsley, chives, etc.), and spices (mustard seeds, black pepper, paprika, etc.) ...
  2. Fry Sauce. ...
  3. Chermoula. ...
  4. Blue Cheese Dressing. ...
  5. Thousand Island Dressing. ...
  6. Italian Dressing.

What is homemade Italian seasoning made of? ›

In a small bowl, stir together the dried oregano, basil, marjoram, rosemary, and thyme. Sprinkle onto roasted vegetables, or try any of the serving suggestions listed in the blog post above. Leftover Italian seasoning will keep in an airtight container or lidded spice jar at room temperature for up to 6 months.

What spices do Italians use? ›

8 Herbs & Spices Every Italian Cook Needs in Their Kitchen
  • Basil. Basil is an aromatic herb essential to many Italian dishes, especially pesto. ...
  • Thyme. Thyme is one of the main herbs in Italian cooking with a subtle minty flavor and a sweet and strong scent. ...
  • Oregano. ...
  • Rosemary. ...
  • Sage. ...
  • Bay Leaves. ...
  • Parsley. ...
  • Marjoram.
Dec 8, 2020

What is a substitute for basil in Italian seasoning? ›

Substitutes for Basil:

Basil substitutes can include its mint cousins: Greek oregano, mint, and thyme. Tarragon and savory are also suitable alternatives to basil. Because basil is included in Italian seasoning, that is also a good alternative for basil when called for in an Italian-style recipe.

What does zesty italian dressing taste like? ›

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

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.

What does Italian dressing taste like? ›

Italian dressing is a zesty, tangy dressing that gets its flavor from bold ingredients like red wine vinegar, raw garlic and lemon juice. Traditional dried herbs found in most Italian dishes, like oregano and basil, are also included. Sugar adds a touch of sweetness, while neutral olive oil brings it all together.

Is zesty italian dressing good? ›

Kraft Zesty Italian Dressing

Italian dressing is a must for making the cold pasta salads that accompany picnics and potlucks. The best dressing for these recipes, according to our Test Kitchen, is Kraft Zesty Italian Dressing. Opening up a bottle, you'll find it's a classic grocery store-style Italian dressing.

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