Mamma'S Italian Dressing
Mamma's Italian Dressing offers a zesty, herb-infused flavor perfect for salads and marinades, appealing to those who enjoy fresh, Mediterranean-inspired tastes.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a bowl, combine salt and seasonings (thyme, basil, oregano, pepper).
- Add salad oil (olive oil recommended) and mix well.
- Slowly add wine vinegar while continuing to mix.
- Taste and adjust seasonings as desired.
Tips & Substitutions
For a zesty twist, consider adding a teaspoon of minced garlic or a squeeze of lemon juice to the dressing. If you're out of wine vinegar, apple cider vinegar is a good substitute. For a thicker consistency, blend in a bit of Dijon mustard along with the dry mustard. This dressing pairs wonderfully with salads or drizzled over Italian Pepper Biscuits.
Serving Suggestions
This Italian dressing is perfect for drizzling over fresh greens or as a marinade for grilled vegetables. It also complements pasta dishes like Twistin' Pasta Salad (Makes 6 To 8 Servings.) beautifully. For a hearty meal, serve it alongside grilled chicken or fish, enhancing your main dish with its robust flavors.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover dressing in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. Shake well before using, as the oil and vinegar may separate. If it thickens in the cold, let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes to return to a pourable consistency.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Mamma'S Italian Dressing contains roughly 13 calories, with 0g protein, 1g carbohydrates, and 1g fat. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1753mg per serving (76% of the Daily Value).
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 herbs instead of dried?
Absolutely! Fresh herbs can add a vibrant flavor to your dressing. If using fresh thyme, basil, or oregano, use about three times the amount compared to dried herbs, as fresh herbs are less concentrated.
How can I make this dressing vegan?
This recipe is already vegan-friendly as it contains no animal products. However, ensure you use a vegan-friendly mustard and check that your olive oil is pure without additives.
What types of salads work best with this dressing?
This dressing is versatile and suits a variety of salads, particularly those with mixed greens, tomatoes, and cucumbers. It also enhances the flavors of pasta salads, like Pasta Aglio-Olie E' Pomidori Freschi (Pasta With Garlic And Oil With Fresh Tomatoes).
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).