Italian dressing is a vinaigrette made with oil, vinegar, and herbs like oregano, basil, and dill. Garlic, onion, and red pepper can also be added. It can be bought in stores or made at home with different types of oil and vinegar. It can be used in salads, as a marinade, or to flavor burgers, stir-fries, and pasta salads.
Italian dressing is a vinaigrette dressing that is most frequently used in salads, but it can also be a valuable addition to a variety of recipes and cooking techniques. Vinaigrettes are typically made by combining three parts oil with one part vinegar and flavoring it with various dressings. In an Italian dressing, vinaigrette is flavored with numerous fresh or dried herbs. While there are no hard and fast rules about which herbs should be used, oregano, basil and dill are popular ingredients in this style of dressing.
In addition to fresh herbs, garlic and onion are both used frequently to add an extra depth of flavor to an Italian dressing. Red pepper, black pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes can also be added to increase the spicy heat of the dressing. Lemon juice can also be added to the dressing with or instead of the vinegar.
Italian dressing can be purchased at most grocery stores and is usually available in low-fat and reduced-sodium versions. The regular Italian dressing has about 70 calories per tablespoon (about 14 mL) and accounts for about five percent of your daily fat allotment and six percent of your daily sodium allotment. Fat-reducing and sodium-reducing versions, however, can reduce the amounts to two percent and zero percent, respectively. It’s important to note that when made with olive oil, the shortening is a monounsaturated fat and, as such, has many health benefits.
Italian dressing can also be made quickly and easily at home, often in less than five minutes. Although many recipes call for white wine vinegar and olive oil, the type of oil and vinegar used can vary based on individual taste. Replacing white wine vinegar with red wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar can significantly alter the flavor, and replacing olive oil with a low-calorie oil, such as vegetable or canola oil, can reduce fat and calories. Dairy products such as mayonnaise or buttermilk can be added to create a creamy Italian dressing with a richer texture and texture. This tends to add to fat and calories, however.
Though most frequently used in salads, Italian dressing can also make an excellent sauce or marinade for meats. Additionally, it can be used to moisten and flavor a burger when preparing it for the grill. It’s also a delicious addition to a stir-fry and can be brushed onto bread to add a unique twist and flavor to sandwiches. It can also be an excellent addition to a pasta salad.
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