Quick And Healthy Apple Cider Vinegar Italian Dressing

Italian dressing may fool you with its name as it is a type of salad dressing commonly used in American cuisine, and not in Italy! It’s made with a mix of vinegar or lemon juice, vegetable oil, chopped bell peppers, sugar, and various herbs and spices like oregano, fennel, dill, and salt. Sometimes, onions and garlic are added as well. The creamy version includes milk products and stabilizers. 

Instead of being used in Italy, where salads are typically dressed with olive oil, vinegar or lemon juice, salt, and occasionally balsamic vinegar, Italian dressing is more popular in North America. It’s not only used as a salad dressing but also as a marinade for meat or vegetables, in stir-fry, and on sandwiches. Pasta salads are sometimes made with Italian dressing, too. The history of Italian dressing dates back to 1941. It became so popular that it was eventually bottled and sold commercially in different varieties.

Healthier Twist: Highlighting the Benefits of Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple cider vinegar is a great choice for salad dressings because it adds a tangy taste without overpowering the flavors of the salad. It’s also lower in calories and fats than richer dressings like Thousand Island or Ranch. Using apple cider vinegar in your dressing can help with blood sugar control and may even kill harmful bacteria. It’s easy to use, and you can customize it with other ingredients like olive oil, mustard, honey, and herbs. So, if you’re looking for a healthier salad option, give apple cider vinegar a try!

Essential Ingredients: Gathering the Components for Homemade Italian Dressing

For this Italian salad dressing, the focus is on healthy ingredients and not skimping on taste. Along with the apple cider vinegar, we have lemon juice, raw organic honey, extra virgin olive oil, raw garlic, Dijon mustard, and a blend of Italian herbs such as fresh parsley, dried oregano, and thyme! This unique combination of herbs adds a depth of flavor to the dressing that cannot be matched by any store-bought alternative.

Step-by-Step: Creating Your Own Apple Cider Vinegar Italian Dressing

You will need:

• ¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil
• 2 tablespoons of fresh lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• 1 tablespoon of chopped fresh parsley
• 1 teaspoon of raw, organic honey
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• ½ teaspoon thyme
• ½ teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1 garlic clove, finely chopped or grated
• Ground black pepper and Himalayan or sea salt to taste

Method: 

Step 1: In a jar, add ¼ cup of olive oil.

Step 2: Add 2 tablespoons of fresh lemon juice.

Step 3: Add 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar.

Step 4: Add 1 tablespoon of chopped fresh parsley.

Step 5: Add 1 teaspoon of raw, organic honey.

Step 6: Add 1 teaspoon of dried oregano.

Step 7: Add ½ teaspoon of dried thyme.

Step 8: Add ½ teaspoon Dijon mustard.

Step 9: Finely chop or grate one garlic clove and add it to the mix!

Step 10: Season to taste with salt and pepper.

Step 11: Close the jar and shake well to combine.

Splash it over your choice of salad, and enjoy!

Customizing Flavors: Variations and Additions

Enhance the flavor of your dressing with grated or shredded Parmesan cheese. A mere teaspoon or two can add a layer of savoriness, though it will make it a bit less healthy. For those who enjoy a bit of heat, a pinch of red pepper flakes will provide a fun and spicy kick.

Storage and Serving Suggestions for Fresh, Zesty Italian Dressing

You can store your dressing in the refrigerator for 3 days, but it is best used the same day as it is made, or the garlic flavor develops and overpowers it.

Aside from using it on salads, Italian dressing can be used as a marinade for meats and a drizzle for cooked vegetables, or even as a dipping sauce for bread!

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