Skip the Packet
When it comes to adding flavor to salads, there’s nothing quite like a zesty Italian dressing. The classic Good Seasons packet has been a pantry staple for years because it makes preparing dressing quick and easy. But you can make your own mix at home with familiar herbs and spices—and have it ready whenever you need it.
Making your own Italian dressing mix gives you control over every ingredient. You choose the salt, sugar, herbs, and oil that go into the finished dressing without relying on the gums, maltodextrin, natural flavor, or other additives found in the packet.
Why Make Your Own Dressing Mix?
Homemade Italian dressing mix is simple to prepare with pantry staples such as oregano, parsley, basil, garlic powder, onion powder, sweet paprika, and crushed red pepper.
It is also easy to customize. Add more crushed red pepper for a zestier blend or leave it out for a milder dressing. You can reduce the salt or sugar to suit your taste without changing the basic method.
One batch makes approximately ½ cup of dry mix, which is enough to replace four individual dressing packets. Once it is made, you can keep it in your spice cabinet and measure out what you need.
Homemade Mix = Healthy + Convenient
Creating your own dressing mix supports a health-conscious lifestyle. You can choose high-quality, organic herbs, reduce the sodium if needed, and skip the hidden ingredients you find in pre-packaged blends.
Plus, it’s a huge time-saver. Make a batch once and keep it in your pantry to quickly whip up a flavorful vinaigrette, marinade, or seasoning mix for vegetables and meats.
Uses Beyond Salad
This mix does far more than dress a bowl of greens. Use it to make:
- Italian vinaigrette
- Pasta salad dressing
- Marinades for chicken, pork, or beef
- Marinades for grilled or roasted vegetables
- Seasoning for roasted potatoes
- A dry seasoning for meats
- A creamy dip or sandwich spread mixed with mayonnaise and yogurt
Because the dry mix already contains salt, taste the finished dish before adding any additional salt.
Homemade Good Seasons Italian Dressing Mix
Ingredients
- 1 Tbsp Garlic powder
- 1 Tbsp Onion powder
- 1 Tbsp Sugar
- 2 Tbsp Oregano
- 1 Tbsp Dried parsley
- 1 Tbsp Kosher salt
- 1 tsp Dried basil
- 1/4 tsp Dried thyne
- 1/4 tsp Celery salt
- 1 tsp Dried red pepper flakes optional
Instructions
Make the Italian Dressing Mix
- Add all the ingredients to a clean, dry spice grinder. Pulse in short bursts until the herbs and crushed red pepper are broken down and the mixture has a fine, evenly blended texture.Wait several seconds before removing the lid to allow the spice dust to settle. Transfer the mixture to an airtight spice jar. Shake or stir before measuring.
To Make Italian Vinaigrette
- Add 2 tablespoons Italian dressing mix, ¼ cup red wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar, and 2 tablespoons water to a jar. Cover tightly and shake well to dissolve the salt and sugar.
To Make Pasta Salad Dressing
- Add 2 tablespoons Italian dressing mix, ⅓ cup red wine vinegar, and 2 tablespoons water to a jar. Cover tightly and shake well to dissolve the salt and sugar.Add ½ cup extra-virgin olive oil or avocado oil. Cover and shake again until thoroughly combined.Pour about half of the dressing over 12 to 16 ounces of warm, cooked pasta and toss to coat. Once the pasta has cooled and absorbed the first portion, add the remaining dressing along with the other pasta salad ingredients.
To Make an Italian Marinade
- Add 2 tablespoons Italian dressing mix, 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar or lemon juice, and 1 tablespoon water to a jar. Cover tightly and shake well to dissolve the salt and sugar.Add ⅓ cup extra-virgin olive oil or avocado oil. Cover and shake again until thoroughly combined.Pour the marinade over approximately 2 pounds of chicken, pork, beef, or vegetables. Marinate meat in the refrigerator for 2 to 8 hours or vegetables for 30 minutes to 2 hours.Discard any marinade that has come into contact with raw meat.