15 Healthy Italian Dressing Recipe You Must Try Them!

Published on: Mar 14, 2024

If you're a fan of Italian cuisine but are trying to eat healthier, you may have been avoiding Italian dressing. Traditional Italian dressing is often high in fat and calories, but with a few simple substitutions, you can make a healthier version at home. By making your own healthy Italian dressing, you can control the ingredients and tailor it to your taste preferences. In this article, we'll share a delicious and nutritious Italian dressing recipe that you can easily make in the comfort of your own kitchen.

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Grilled Mushrooms

Main Ingredients: Mushrooms, Italian Salad Dressing

Kalyn's Kitchen®: Super Easy Grilled Mushrooms

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Add some earthy goodness to your Beer Can Chicken with these grilled mushrooms. Simply toss them with a bit of olive oil, garlic powder, and thyme before placing them on the grill alongside your chicken. The result is a flavorful and healthy side dish that pairs perfectly with your main course.

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Easy Cold Pasta Salad

Main Ingredients: Rotini Pasta, Broccoli Florets, Red Bell Pepper, Yellow

Nothing says summer like a cold pasta salad, and this recipe is a breeze to make. Cook your favorite pasta according to package directions, then toss with cherry tomatoes, black olives, feta cheese, and a zesty Italian dressing. Serve alongside your Beer Can Chicken for a refreshing and satisfying meal.

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Easy Italian Chicken Marinade

Main Ingredients: Italian Salad Dressing, Salt, Pepper, Boneless Skinless

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This simple marinade is packed with flavor and comes together in minutes. In a small bowl, mix together Italian dressing, garlic, rosemary, and lemon juice. Place your chicken in a resealable bag and pour the marinade over it. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes before grilling for a juicy and flavorful Beer Can Chicken.

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Pasta Salad With Italian Dressing

Main Ingredients: Rotini Pasta, Italian Dressing, Genoa Salami

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Put a twist on the classic pasta salad by using Italian dressing as the star ingredient. Toss your cooked pasta with cherry tomatoes, mozzarella cheese, salami, and a generous amount of Italian dressing. Serve chilled alongside your Beer Can Chicken for a delicious and easy summer meal.

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Balsamic Chicken

Main Ingredients: Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts, Balsamic Vinegar

Balsamic Chicken | Juicy Baked or Grilled Chicken Breasts

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For a tangy and sweet flavor, try this Balsamic Chicken recipe. In a small saucepan, combine balsamic vinegar, honey, garlic, and rosemary. Let it simmer until it thickens, then brush it over your Beer Can Chicken as it grills. The result is a sticky and flavorful chicken that will have your guests raving.

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Insanely Good Pasta Salad With Italian Dressing

Main Ingredients: Rotini Pasta, Red Bell Pepper, Green Bell Pepper, Genoa

This pasta salad recipe is a crowd-pleaser and will have everyone asking for the recipe. Cook your favorite pasta, then toss it with cherry tomatoes, black olives, mozzarella cheese, salami, and a generous amount of Italian dressing. Serve chilled alongside your Beer Can Chicken for a winning combination.

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California Spaghetti Salad

Main Ingredients: Thin Spaghetti, Cherry Tomatoes, Medium Zucchini

California Spaghetti Salad - a delicious spaghetti salad filled with ...

If you're looking for a unique and refreshing side dish, try this California Spaghetti Salad. Toss cooked spaghetti with cherry tomatoes, avocado, cucumber, red onion, and a zesty Italian dressing. This salad is perfect for hot summer days and pairs perfectly with Beer Can Chicken.

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Spaghetti Salad

Main Ingredients: Thin Spaghetti, Roma Tomatoes, Medium Zucchini

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Put a twist on the classic spaghetti salad by using Italian dressing as the main ingredient. Cook your spaghetti according to package directions, then toss it with cherry tomatoes, black olives, mozzarella cheese, salami, and a generous amount of Italian dressing. Serve chilled alongside your Beer Can Chicken for a satisfying and flavorful meal.

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4-Ingredient Chick Pea Salad

Main Ingredients: Chick Peas, Cucumber, Cherry Tomatoes, Salt, Italian

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This simple and healthy salad is the perfect side dish for your Beer Can Chicken. In a bowl, mix together chickpeas, cucumber, red onion, and a zesty Italian dressing. Serve chilled for a refreshing and filling accompaniment to your main course.

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Italian Dressing Chicken

Main Ingredients: Boneless Chicken Breast, Italian Dressing, Italian

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Take your Beer Can Chicken to the next level with this Italian Dressing Chicken recipe. In a small bowl, mix together Italian dressing, garlic, rosemary, and lemon juice. Place your chicken in a resealable bag and pour the marinade over it. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes before grilling for a flavorful and juicy chicken.

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Italian Sauteed Mushrooms

Main Ingredients: Baby Bella Mushrooms, Italian Dressing, Onion, Red Bell

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For a delicious and simple side dish, try these Italian Sauteed Mushrooms. In a skillet, heat some olive oil and butter over medium-high heat. Add sliced mushrooms, garlic, thyme, and Italian seasoning, and sauté until the mushrooms are tender. Serve alongside your Beer Can Chicken for a flavorful and hearty meal.

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Keto Italian Chicken Skillet

Main Ingredients: Avocado Oil, Chicken Breast, Broccoli Florets, Baby

If you're following a keto diet, this Italian Chicken Skillet is the perfect meal for you. In a skillet, cook chicken breast until browned on both sides. Add broccoli, cherry tomatoes, garlic, and Italian seasoning, and cook until the chicken is cooked through and the vegetables are tender. Serve alongside your Beer Can Chicken for a delicious and low-carb meal.

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Italian Summer Vegetable Salad

Main Ingredients: Green Peppers, Red Pepper, Yellow Pepper, Fresh

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This colorful and flavorful salad is the perfect summer side dish. Toss together grape tomatoes, zucchini, yellow squash, red onion, and a zesty Italian dressing. Serve chilled alongside your Beer Can Chicken for a healthy and delicious meal.

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Vegan Antipasto Kabobs – Healthy Tailgating

Main Ingredients: Tofu, Italian Salad Dressing, Olives, Grape Tomatoes

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These vegan Antipasto Kabobs are perfect for a healthy tailgating option. Skewer grape tomatoes, artichoke hearts, black olives, bell peppers, and red onion on bamboo skewers, then brush them with a zesty Italian dressing. Grill until the vegetables are tender and serve alongside your Beer Can Chicken for a tasty and nutritious meal.

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CopyCat Cracker Barrel Grilled Chicken Tenderloins

Main Ingredients: Chicken Tenderloins, Italian Dressing, Lime Juice, Honey

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Craving that famous Cracker Barrel grilled chicken? Make it at home with this CopyCat recipe. In a small bowl, mix together honey, Italian dressing, and lemon juice. Brush the mixture over your chicken tenderloins as they cook on the grill. Serve alongside your Beer Can Chicken for a delicious and flavorful meal.

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The Best Healthy Ground Turkey Lettuce Wrap

Main Ingredients: Lean Ground Turkey, Eggs, Paprika, Thyme, Oregano, Sea

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If you're looking for a healthy and flavorful alternative to traditional wraps, try these Ground Turkey Lettuce Wraps. In a skillet, cook ground turkey with garlic, ginger, soy sauce, and a touch of honey. Serve the mixture in butter lettuce leaves, and top with your favorite toppings such as avocado, carrots, and cilantro. Serve alongside your Beer Can Chicken for a light and tasty meal.

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Antipasto Salad with Easy Italian Dressing

Main Ingredients: Romaine, Prosciutto, Salami, Artichoke Hearts, Olives

This Antipasto Salad is a perfect starter or side dish for your Beer Can Chicken. Toss together salami, pepperoni, mozzarella cheese, artichoke hearts, black olives, and a zesty Italian dressing. Serve chilled for a flavorful and satisfying salad.

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Italian Marinated Green Beans

Main Ingredients: Green Beans, Onion, Italian Salad Dressing

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Take your green beans to the next level with this Italian marinade. In a small bowl, mix together Italian dressing, garlic, red pepper flakes, and parmesan cheese. Pour the marinade over your green beans and let them marinate for at least 30 minutes before grilling. Serve alongside your Beer Can Chicken for a tasty and healthy side dish.

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Slow Cooker Balsamic Chicken

Main Ingredients: Chicken Breasts, Creole Seasoning, Garlic, Balsamic

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For a hassle-free meal, try this Slow Cooker Balsamic Chicken recipe. In a slow cooker, mix together balsamic vinegar, honey, garlic, and rosemary. Add your chicken and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. The result is a tender and flavorful chicken that goes perfectly with Beer Can Chicken.

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Skillet Chicken, Peppers & Tomatoes

Main Ingredients: Chicken Tenders, Italian Dressing, Olive Oil, Red

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For a quick and easy weeknight meal, try this Skillet Chicken with Peppers & Tomatoes. In a skillet, cook chicken breast until browned on both sides. Add bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, and a zesty Italian dressing. Cook until the chicken is cooked through and the vegetables are tender. Serve alongside your Beer Can Chicken for a flavorful and satisfying meal.

The Benefits of Making Your Own Italian Dressing

Making your own Italian dressing has several advantages over buying pre-made versions from the store. Firstly, you have complete control over the ingredients, ensuring that your dressing is free from preservatives and additives. You can also adjust the seasoning and flavorings to your liking, making it perfect for your taste buds. Additionally, making your own dressing can save you money in the long run, as store-bought dressings can be expensive. Lastly, homemade dressings are often fresher and more flavorful than store-bought versions, making your dishes even more delicious.

Healthier Ingredient Substitutions

To make a healthier Italian dressing, you can swap out a few ingredients for healthier alternatives. Instead of using mayonnaise or heavy cream, you can use Greek yogurt or avocado to add creaminess to your dressing. You can also use olive oil instead of vegetable oil, as it is a healthier source of fat. Another tip is to use fresh herbs and spices instead of pre-made seasoning packets, which often contain added sodium and preservatives. By making these simple substitutions, you can significantly reduce the calorie and fat content of your dressing without compromising on taste.

Flavorful Additions

While traditional Italian dressing typically includes ingredients like olive oil, vinegar, and Italian seasoning, you can add other flavorful ingredients to make your dressing more interesting. For a tangy twist, add a splash of balsamic vinegar or lemon juice. For a savory kick, add some minced garlic or shallots. You can also experiment with different herbs and spices, such as oregano, basil, or red pepper flakes, to create a dressing that is unique to your taste. Don't be afraid to get creative and add your own personal touch to the recipe!

Enjoy Your Homemade Italian Dressing

Italian dressing is a versatile dressing that can be used on salads, as a marinade for meats, or as a dip for vegetables. By making your own healthy version at home, you can enjoy all the flavors of traditional Italian dressing without the guilt. With just a few simple substitutions and additions, you can create a delicious and nutritious dressing that will elevate any dish. So next time you're craving some Italian flavors, try making your own dressing and taste the difference!