Easy Italian Dressing

Prep: 10 min Cuisine: Italian

A vibrant and tangy Italian dressing with a blend of apple cider vinegar, lemon juice, and herbs, perfect for brightening salads and adding flavor to any meal.

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Ingredients

  • 1 cup apple cider vinegar
  • 1 cup lemon juice
  • 1 cup frozen apple juice concentrate
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced fine
  • 1 tablespoon basil
  • 1 tablespoon oregano
  • 1 tablespoon tamari

Instructions

  1. Combine all ingredients in a bowl or jar.
  2. Chill the mixture for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
  3. Serve over green salad.

Tips & Substitutions

For a tangier dressing, consider increasing the apple cider vinegar or lemon juice. You can substitute fresh herbs like parsley or thyme for the dried basil and oregano. If you're looking for a gluten-free option, ensure that the tamari is certified gluten-free. This dressing also works well as a marinade for grilled vegetables or proteins.

Serving Suggestions

Drizzle this dressing over a crisp green salad, or use it to dress pasta salads for a refreshing twist. It pairs beautifully with Italian recipes like Best Chicken Cacciatore or can be used as a zesty dip for fresh vegetables. For a complete meal, serve alongside crusty bread or Italian Freselle.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftover dressing in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. The flavors may intensify, so taste before serving. If it thickens, simply whisk in a little water or additional lemon juice to reach your desired consistency.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Easy Italian Dressing contains roughly 218 calories, with 6g protein, 53g carbohydrates, and 3g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (125% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (92% of the Daily Value), and calcium (75% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C and protein. It also contributes 26g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.

218 kcal 11% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 6.5g 13% DV
Total Fat 3.3g 4% DV
Carbs 53.4g 19% DV
Fiber 25.7g 92% DV
Sugar 3.5g 7% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 266.7mg 12% DV
Potassium 917.8mg 20% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 55.5mcg 6% DV
Vitamin C 16.7mg 19% DV
Vitamin D 0mcg
Calcium 971.3mg 75% DV
Iron 22.5mg 100% DV
Diet fit High-fiber Under 400 cal Low-fat
Contains Soy

Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.

* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use fresh juice instead of frozen apple juice concentrate?

Yes, you can use fresh apple juice, but the concentrate adds a sweeter flavor and thicker consistency. If using fresh juice, you might want to adjust the sweetness by adding a little sugar or honey.

How long can this dressing be stored in the fridge?

The dressing can be stored in the refrigerator for up to one week. Just make sure to keep it in an airtight container to maintain freshness and flavor.

Can I make this dressing vegan?

Yes, this recipe is already vegan-friendly as it contains no animal products. Feel free to experiment with different herbs to enhance the flavor while keeping it aligned with vegan recipes.

Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).

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