Description

Italian dressing is a vinaigrette-type salad dressing consisting of a mixture of water, oil, vinegar or lemon juice, pepper, minced onions and bell peppers, often sugar, or high fructose corn syrup, and a variety of herbs and spices including garlic, oregano, fennel, salt and dill. It is often bought bottled or prepared by mixing oil and vinegar with a packaged flavoring mix consisting of dehydrated vegetables and herbs.

How to select

Always check the expiry date and look out for any discoloration or gas formation (bubbles) in the bottle, especially near the tip. Italian dressing mix or powder is also available in the market which just needs to be mixed with vinegar and olive oil to get an instant Italian dressing.

Culinary uses

· The primary culinary use of Italian dressings is as a salad dressing.
· The dressing may be added to beans, vegetables or meats to give a characteristic Italian flavour to the preparations.
· Italian dressings can be used to marinade chicken and as a dip with nachos, tacos, tortillas and stir fry vegetables.
· Add Italian dressings to lettuce, cucumbers and tomatoes and place the mixture between the breads

How to store

Store the Italian dressings in the fridge and add a teaspoon to your next dish for its delectable taste.

Health benefits

· The Italian dressing is usually high in calories and sodium content.
· The Italian dressings is rich in heart friendly olive oil.
· And since its creamy, tangy taste enhances food so uniquely, it can easily replace fattier condiment options such as mayonnaise, butters and sugary ketchups.