Getting away from the high-salt, high-fat, high-sugar SAD diet isn’t easy today. Even if you replace one meal a day with a salad, the ingredient lists on store-bought dressings look like a metabolic assault with a deadly weapon.
Reclaim the sanctity of your salad bowl with this homemade Fat-Free Italian Dressing. This recipe is perfect for those who love the zest and flavor of traditional Italian dressing but prefer a healthier, oil-free alternative. Infused with an array of herbs and spices, this dressing is not only delicious but also adds a nutritional punch to the prepared produce of your choosing.
Fat-Free Italian Dressing
This Fat-Free Italian Dressing is a burst of flavors – from the earthy and herby to the tangy and sweet. Its vibrant aroma and refreshing taste make it the perfect replacement for sugary and oily store bought.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar (adds tang and aids digestion)
- 1/4 cup water (for consistency)
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice (fresh for zesty flavor)
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano (for classic Italian flavor)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder (for a hint of spice)
- 1 teaspoon onion powder (for subtle sweetness)
- 1 teaspoon dried basil (aromatic herb)
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme (earthy flavor)
- 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary (piney aroma)
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (for zest and emulsification)
- 1-2 tablespoons agave nectar or maple syrup (natural sweetener, adjust to taste)
- Salt and pepper to taste (for seasoning)
Directions
- Step 1 In a bowl or jar, whisk together the apple cider vinegar, water, and lemon juice.
- Step 2 Add the dried oregano, garlic powder, onion powder, dried basil, thyme, and rosemary, whisking until well combined.
- Step 3 Stir in the Dijon mustard and agave nectar or maple syrup. Mix well to ensure the mustard is fully incorporated and the dressing is slightly thickened.
- Step 4 Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Step 5 For the best flavor, let the dressing sit for about an hour before serving to allow the flavors to meld.
- Step 6 Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. Shake well before each use.
Estimated Nutritional Label per Serving (1 tablespoon):
- Calories: 10
- Total Fat: 0g (Saturated Fat: 0g, Trans Fat: 0g)
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Sodium: 10mg
- Total Carbohydrate: 2g (Dietary Fiber: 0g, Total Sugars: 1g, Includes 0g Added Sugars)
- Protein: 0g
- Vitamin D: 0mcg
- Calcium: 5mg
- Iron: 0.1mg
- Potassium: 15mg
Enjoy this Fat-Free Italian Dressing on your favorite salads, as a marinade, or as a dip for a healthy and flavorful addition to your whole plant food meals!
Dr. John McDougall has a different take on this classic here.
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