Ditch the packets and stock your pantry with this easy, 10 minute Italian dressing mix that does the heavy lifting for dinner.
This Recipe is a Pantry Staple For Good Reason
- Flavor: Perfectly balanced dried herbs and spices give this bold, herb-forward mix a bright pop of lemon pepper and a warm paprika finish.
- Skill Level: This Italian seasoning mix is beginner friendly, just measure and stir!
- Swaps: Homemade mixes are easy to adjust the salt, sugar, and heat to taste.
- Time-Saver: Double the batch for quick dressings and marinades anytime. It’s a lifesaver for busy weeknights! Also cute jars of the mix, tied with ribbon, make wonderful gifts for friends and neighbors.
- Serving: Use as dry seasoning on veggies, potatoes, chicken, or as a meat marinade. Makes a delish dressing for pasta salad.
- Yield: This recipe will make about 7 tablespoons of dry Italian dressing mix. Use two tablespoons of the mix in place of one packet of Italian dressing mix.
Italian Dressing Mix vs. Italian Seasoning
Basically, Italian seasoning is a component of this Italian dressing mix recipe featuring three basic herbs; parsley, basil, and oregano (and sometimes rosemary and thyme). The remaining ingredients make up the dry Italian dressing mix.
Spice-by-Spice Breakdown
- The Herb Base: Earthy and bold oregano should be used sparingly to avoid bitterness, while mild and fresh parsley can be used more liberally. Basil adds a sweet note, while dried thyme has a subtle and savory vibe.
- Savory Aromatics: Smooth garlic powder provides an even garlic flavor. If you swap in garlic salt be sure to reduce added salt. Onion powder adds depth, while dried onion flakes provide a nice texture and a pop of onion flavor.
- Flavor Boosters: Wake up the mix with citrusy lemon pepper plus sharp and spicy black pepper. Be mindful that some lemon pepper contains salt, so adjust to taste.
- Season and Balance: Tie everything together with salt, celery salt, and sugar while providing a balance to the mix. Begin with small amounts then adjust. Paprika provides lovely color, sweetness and warmth.
How to Make Italian Dressing Mix
Mix ingredients in a bowl and transfer to a container with a tight-fitting seal, as described in the recipe card below. Or, simply add all the ingredients to the container, cover, and shake!
Pro Tips for Best Flavor
- If you use fresh herbs, be sure to refrigerate and use quickly. Otherwise dried herbs create a very stable mix with a long shelf life.
- If the dry mix tastes “flat,” add a bit more oregano or lemon pepper. For more spicy heat, add red pepper flakes to the jar which is perfect for pizza or pasta sauce.
- For a smooth texture, pulse the mix a few times in a spice or coffee grinder, or use a mortar and pestle. Shake or stir again before using.
- It is wise to label the jar with a “shake before measuring” note and label with the date for the most consistent and fresh flavor.
- Before using as a dry rub for meat or fish, add a pinch of cornstarch to the Italian dressing mix. This will help the mix adhere better.
Storing Italian Dressing Mix
Store this Italian dressing seasoning mix in an airtight container, like a mason jar with a tight fitting lid. Place in a cool, dark spot and use within 6 months for best flavor. Since humidity causes clumps, keep a dry spoon in the jar and be sure to close the lid quickly.
If used to make dressing, refrigerate and shake before serving. Use within 2 weeks for best quality.
Weeknight Flavor Shortcuts
Have you tried this Italian Dressing Mix recipe? Leave a comment and rating below!
Italian Dressing Mix
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 Tablespoon parsley
- 1 Tablespoon dried oregano
- 1 Tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 Tablespoon onion powder
- 1 Tablespoon lemon pepper
- 1 teaspoon basil
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon celery salt or celery seeds or celery flakes
- 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon dried onion flakes
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, mix together parsley, dried oregano, garlic powder, onion powder, lemon pepper, basil, fresh thyme, paprika, pepper, celery salt, sugar, salt and dried onion flakes.
- Place in a sealed container to store. I love using mason jars with my favorite mason jar caps, but any storage will work.
Notes
- Makes approximately 7 Tablespoons of dry Italian dressing mix.
- Mix may settle, so be sure to stir before measuring.
Nutrition Information
Nutrition information does not include optional ingredients or garnish and is an estimate. It may change based on actual ingredients and cooking methods used.
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Easy enough to make and very tasty. Thanks for sharing!
Lyndy, thank you for commenting. I am glad to hear that you enjoyed the dressing mix.
This recipe looks good (haven’t actually tried it yet), but when I look at packets from the store Xanthan Gum is typically included as a thickening agent/stabilizer. I have found that using homemade mixes without this ingredient causes different results. Since I’m using this mix for a hot dish and not to make a dressing, I assume I could use corn starch for thickening purposes, but I’m not sure how much to use. Any suggestions?
Hi Lauren, I have not added cornstarch, even when using this in hot dishes. If you’d like to add cornstarch, I’d suggest adding about 1/2 Tablespoon per cup of liquid. Hope that helps!
Hello. I’ve used this recipe a few times when making Italian beef sandwiches and it’s very yummy. I’ve always left out the lemon pepper because I didn’t have it but recently I bought some McCormick lemon&pepper spice at the store to add. Once I got home I noticed it is loaded with extra stuff (coloring, preservatives) and just wondered if there was a certain brand of lemon pepper you like? Thank you so much!
Hi Susan. I’m so happy to hear that you love this Italian dressing mix! I personally usually buy whatever spices are on sale or buy them from Costco. Have you tried Lawry’s brand or Simply Organic? I have tried both and like them. Enjoy!
I really need to know can you use liguid italian dressing as a substitute to the dry one and if the recipe calls for one package then how much of the liquid italian dressing mix should I use please help me as soon as possible
One packet is equal to two Tablespoons of this dry mix. Check out the recipe for Italian Dressing. It uses 2 Tablespoons of the dry mix to make the dressing. Hope that helps.
Delicious! Thank You for sharing this great recipe
Great seasoning mix. For dressing and marinating. Thanks! Candace’s husband
A very versatile mix!
Like!! thank you!
Hi. You answered no to the question, “IS ITALIAN SEASONING THE SAME AS ITALIAN DRESSING MIX?” But, I didn’t find you answered why? I am still curious what the difference is with the two. Thanks, 🙂
Hi Brenda, thank you for your question! Italian seasoning is a more simple mix of seasonings, mainly oregano, basil, thyme, and rosemary and is often used for flavoring pizza sauce or tomato sauce. The Italian dressing mix contains more seasonings and flavors and is used to flavor many different dishes, and is a rounded out seasoning to make a simple salad dressing. Hope that helps!
I have to say this is such a simple recipe with using only two measurements! I love using this to season chicken breasts, sprinkle on veggies I am cooking on the BBQ, as well I use in some of my crockpot recipes.
I’m so glad to hear that you love this recipe, Shauna! We use it on everything too!
Do you have a recipe for using it as an actual liquid salad dressing please?
That recipe is coming soon Martha! I’ll message you once it’s up 🙂
Hi Martha, you’ll find the Italian Dressing using this Italian Dressing Mix is ready! Enjoy!