Italian Dressing Mix is incredibly easy to make at home and far more flavorful than store-bought packets. It uses simple pantry ingredients and keeps well so you always have it on hand.
How Much of This Mix is Equivalent to a Store-Bought Italian Dressing Mix Packet?
- Use two tablespoons plus two teaspoons of this Italian Dressing Mix to equal one 0.7-ounce packet of store-bought Italian dressing mix.
- If you want a ready-to-use dressing, try combining this mix with olive oil and vinegar, or use it in copycat recipes like Olive Garden salad dressing or a classic Italian vinaigrette.
Ingredients Needed for this Recipe
This homemade Italian dressing mix uses recognizable pantry staples for a bright, balanced seasoning. Make a batch and store it for quick use on salads, marinades, and more.
- Onion powder: Provides a mild, savory base.
- Sugar: Balances salt and acidity when the mix is turned into a vinaigrette.
- Salt: Enhances and rounds the flavors.
- Oregano: Earthy, pungent, and classic in Italian blends.
- Garlic: Adds warm, savory depth.
- Black pepper: Gives a touch of heat and sharpness.
- Thyme: Subtle minty and floral notes to round the blend.
- Celery salt: Mildly savory with a hint of celery flavor.
- Basil: Sweet and aromatic, it ties the herbs together.
How to Make
- Combine all dry ingredients—onion powder, sugar, salt, oregano, garlic, black pepper, thyme, celery salt, and basil—in a small bowl. Stir until evenly mixed, then transfer to an airtight container. Store in a cool, dry place for best freshness.
Tips for Homemade Italian Dressing Mix
This mix saves money and gives you control over flavor. A few simple tips make it even better.
- Don’t skip the sugar: It helps balance acidity when you mix the dry blend into a vinaigrette.
- Adjust to taste: Customize herb quantities—add more basil or oregano if you prefer a stronger herb profile.
- Make it zesty: Add red pepper flakes for a zesty Italian variation.
- For extra garlic: Increase the garlic or use dried minced garlic for a bolder garlicky flavor.
- Storage: Keep the mix in a labeled glass jar with a tight lid in a cool, dry place. Properly stored, it can keep up to six months.
How to Use This Mix
This Italian dressing mix is not the same as Italian seasoning, which is a simple blend of herbs without sugar. Use this mix wherever a recipe calls for Italian dressing mix: make vinaigrettes, toss with pasta salads, use it as a marinade, sprinkle over roasted vegetables, or season potatoes, chicken, and beef. A teaspoon or two stirred into olive oil and vinegar creates a quick dressing—adjust proportions to taste.
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Italian Dressing Mix
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 Tablespoon salt
- 2 Tablespoons Oregano
- 1 teaspoon garlic
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon thyme
- 1/4 teaspoon celery salt
- 1 teaspoon basil
Instructions
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In a small bowl, combine onion powder, sugar, salt, oregano, garlic, black pepper, thyme, celery salt, and basil. Stir until evenly mixed, then store in an airtight container.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated and should be used as an approximation.