Zippy Italian Dressing
A vibrant Italian dressing with fresh herbs, Parmesan, garlic, and tangy vinegar, perfect for salads and vegetables, offering bold flavor and zesty freshness.
Ingredients
- 1 1/3 cup vegetable oil ⓘ
- 1/2 cup tarragon vinegar ⓘ
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese ⓘ
- 10 pimento-stuffed olives ⓘ
- 2 green onions, chopped ⓘ
- 3 or 4 cloves garlic ⓘ
- 2 teaspoons ground pepper ⓘ
- 1 1/2 teaspoons anchovy paste ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon dried whole basil ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon dried whole oregano ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice ⓘ
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients in the container of an electric blender.
- Blend well until smooth.
- Cover and chill for at least 1 hour before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier dressing, consider adding a tablespoon of mayonnaise or Greek yogurt. If you prefer a milder flavor, reduce the garlic or use less anchovy paste. You can substitute red wine vinegar for tarragon vinegar if needed. This dressing can be customized with additional herbs like thyme or rosemary for a personal touch.
Serving Suggestions
This zippy Italian dressing is perfect for drizzling over salads or marinating grilled vegetables. It pairs beautifully with Shrimp Pasta Medley or can be used as a dipping sauce for fresh bread. Consider serving it alongside Italian Haddock for a delightful meal that showcases its flavors.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover dressing in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. The flavors will develop further as it sits. Shake well before using, as separation may occur. Reheat lightly if desired, but it's typically served cold or at room temperature.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Zippy Italian Dressing contains roughly 475 calories, with 20g protein, 100g carbohydrates, and 10g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (127% of the Daily Value), iron (119% of the Daily Value), and calcium (79% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1813mg per serving (79% 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 make this dressing ahead of time?
Absolutely! This dressing is best when made ahead, allowing the flavors to meld. Prepare it a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just give it a good shake before serving.
Is there a vegetarian substitute for anchovy paste?
Yes, you can replace anchovy paste with a teaspoon of miso paste or simply omit it for a vegetarian version. Adjust the seasoning with a bit more salt or umami-rich ingredients like nutritional yeast.
How can I adjust the spiciness of the dressing?
To control the spiciness, you can reduce the amount of ground pepper or omit it entirely. Alternatively, add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a milder heat that can easily be adjusted to your taste.
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).