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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*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 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.

What to use in place of an Italian seasoning packet? ›

Simply use equal parts basil and oregano! These are the main ingredients in Italian seasonings and the ones that have the strongest flavor profile. These are the main herbs that you need to make your own Italian seasoning. Honestly, if you have those two then you've got yourself a great substitute.

How much is in a packet of Good Seasons Italian dressing mix? ›

Good Seasons Italian Salad Dressing Mix 7.6 oz Pouch.

Who makes zesty Italian dressing? ›

We didn't name it Ken's Zesty Italian because it was shy about flavor. 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 makes golden Italian dressing? ›

Ingredients. Soybean Oil, Distilled Vinegar, Water, Sugar, Salt, Contains Less Than 2% Of Garlic,* Xanthan Gum, Onion,* Red Bell Pepper,* Spice, Lemon Juice Concentrate, Natural Flavor, Beta Carotene And Oleoresin Paprika (Color).

Does Kraft zesty Italian 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.

What does McCormick Italian seasoning have in it? ›

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

What spice do Italians use most? ›

Garlic- is arguably one of the most common spices used. This savory flavor is a staple because it compliments cheese so well. Pepper- Fresh ground pepper is all over Italian food. Don't think you will ever find pre-ground pepper at your table, because Italians know the best pepper is the sort that is freshly ground.

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

Our Trader Joe's Italian Style Soffritto Seasoning Blend

You can really add it to anything - it's delicious with roasted meats and veggies, with olive oil as a dipping sauce, added to burgers or meatloaf, in tomato sauce, stirred into hummus or other dips, blended into salad dressings... you get the idea.

What is America's favorite 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.

Why can't I find Newman's own salad dressing? ›

The first response came back quickly and sent a chill down my spine: “We've checked with the team,” said a spokesperson from Foodstuffs, “and Newman's Own salad dressing has been discontinued by the supplier.” “Discontinued” is not a word you want to hear associated with a food you're craving.

What do they call Italian dressing in Italy? ›

Despite its name, Italian dressing is not used in Italy, where salad is normally dressed with olive oil, vinegar or lemon juice, salt, and sometimes balsamic vinegar at the table, and not with a pre-mixed vinaigrette.

Is zesty italian dressing good for you? ›

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.

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 Italian dressing called? ›

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 Olive Garden's dressing called? ›

Our Famous House Salad served with our signature Italian dressing (served on the side).

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