20 Italian Dressing Recipe The Gracious Pantry Cook Up Something Special!
Published on: Mar 17, 2024
Italian dressing is a classic and versatile staple in any kitchen. Whether you use it as a marinade, salad dressing, or dip, its tangy and herbaceous flavors add depth and complexity to any dish. But have you ever considered making your own Italian dressing from scratch? Not only is it surprisingly easy to do, but the taste and freshness of homemade dressing far surpasses anything you can buy at the store. Follow this Italian dressing recipe from The Gracious Pantry and elevate your dishes to a whole new level.
Main Ingredients: Zucchini, Sweet Onion, Red Bell Pepper, Vegetable
If you're looking for a simple and delicious side dish to pair with your beer can chicken, look no further than these grilled vegetables. All you need are some fresh veggies, a little bit of seasoning, and a grill. Grilling vegetables brings out their natural flavors and creates a delicious charred crust. Plus, it's a great way to add some healthy options to your meal. Try grilling up some bell peppers, zucchini, squash, and onions for a colorful and nutritious addition to your beer can chicken feast.
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Delicious London broil
Main Ingredients: London Broil, Italian Dressing, Soy Sauce, Honey
For a heartier main course, consider making a delicious London broil to serve alongside your beer can chicken. This tender cut of meat is perfect for grilling and pairs well with the flavors of beer can chicken. To make the perfect London broil, marinate the meat in a mixture of soy sauce, garlic, and rosemary for a few hours before grilling to infuse it with flavor. Then, simply grill to your desired doneness and serve for a delicious and satisfying meal.
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Garden Veggie Pasta Salad
Main Ingredients: Rotini Pasta, Grape Tomatoes, English Cucumber
Pasta salad is a classic summer side dish that goes perfectly with beer can chicken. This garden veggie pasta salad is packed with fresh vegetables and flavor. Simply cook your favorite pasta and toss it with a variety of chopped veggies such as cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, bell peppers, and olives. Then, dress it with a refreshing and light vinaigrette made with olive oil, vinegar, and herbs. This pasta salad is the perfect complement to your beer can chicken and will be a hit at any summer gathering.
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Perfect Chicken Tenders
Main Ingredients: Chicken Tenders, Italian Dressing, Honey, Lime Juice
For a kid-friendly option that adults will also love, try making some perfect chicken tenders to go with your beer can chicken. These tender and juicy chicken strips are easy to make and can be customized with different seasonings and dipping sauces. Simply coat chicken tenders in a mixture of flour, seasonings, and breadcrumbs and bake or fry until crispy and golden brown. Serve with your favorite dipping sauces for a crowd-pleasing side dish that everyone will love.
For a flavorful and filling side dish, try making an Italian pasta salad to serve with your beer can chicken. This colorful and hearty salad is packed with Italian flavors like salami, provolone, and pepperoncini. Simply mix cooked pasta with these ingredients and dress with an Italian dressing made with olive oil, vinegar, and herbs. This pasta salad is perfect for potlucks or family gatherings and is sure to be a hit with everyone.
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Chicken Parmesan Pasta Skillet (ONLY 6 INGREDIENTS!)
Main Ingredients: Italian Dressing, Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts
If you're looking for a quick and easy way to use up leftover beer can chicken, try making this delicious chicken parmesan pasta skillet. With only 6 simple ingredients, this dish is perfect for busy weeknights. Simply sauté some garlic in olive oil, add cooked pasta, diced chicken, marinara sauce, and top with mozzarella cheese. Let it all cook together until the cheese is melted and bubbly. This dish is comforting and satisfying and perfect for using up leftovers.
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Perfect Pasta Salad
Main Ingredients: Spiral Pasta, Italian Dressing, Seasoning Mix, Hard
For a classic and simple pasta salad to serve with your beer can chicken, try this perfect pasta salad recipe. This salad is made with cooked pasta, diced vegetables, and Italian dressing for a delicious and easy side dish. You can add in any extras you like, such as olives, or customize the dressing to suit your taste. This pasta salad is perfect for picnics or barbecues and can be served hot or cold.
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Easy Cold Pasta Salad
Main Ingredients: Rotini Pasta, Broccoli Florets, Red Bell Pepper, Yellow
For a refreshing and light side dish, try making this easy cold pasta salad to serve with your beer can chicken. This salad is made with cooked pasta, chopped vegetables, and a zesty lemon and herb dressing. It's perfect for summer and can be made ahead of time for easy entertaining. You can even add in some grilled shrimp or chicken to make it more substantial as a main course.
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Cowboy Caviar
Main Ingredients: White Shoepeg Corn, Frozen Corn On The Cob, Black
For a savory and flavorful side dish, try making some cowboy caviar to serve with your beer can chicken. This dish is made with a variety of beans, corn, tomatoes, and avocado tossed in a spicy and tangy dressing. It's a refreshing and satisfying side dish that will add some color and spice to your meal. You can even serve it as a snack with tortilla chips.
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Baked Parmesan Garlic Chicken
Main Ingredients: Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts, Italian Dressing
For a delicious and flavorful main course, try making some baked parmesan garlic chicken to serve with your beer can chicken. This dish is made with chicken breasts coated in a delicious and crispy parmesan crust. Simply mix together breadcrumbs, garlic, and parmesan, and coat the chicken before baking. It's a simple and satisfying dish that will be a hit with the whole family.
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Slow Cooker Olive Garden Chicken Pasta
Main Ingredients: Boneless Skinless Chicken Breast, Italian Salad
If you're a fan of Olive Garden's famous chicken pasta, you'll love this slow cooker version that you can make at home to serve with your beer can chicken. This dish is made with chicken breasts, Italian dressing, cream of chicken soup, and seasonings for a creamy and flavorful meal. Simply let it cook in the slow cooker all day and serve over your favorite pasta for a satisfying and easy meal.
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Crock Pot Lemon Chicken
Main Ingredients: Flour, Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts, Butter
For a light and flavorful main course, try making some crock pot lemon chicken to serve with your beer can chicken. This dish is made with chicken breasts, lemon, and fresh herbs to create a zesty and delicious meal. Simply let it cook in the crock pot all day and serve with some roasted vegetables for a complete and satisfying dinner.
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Classic Pasta Salad
Main Ingredients: Rotini Pasta, Carrot, Peppers, Sliced Olives, Cheese
For a simple and classic side dish, try making this classic pasta salad to serve with your beer can chicken. This salad is made with cooked pasta, diced vegetables, and a creamy mayonnaise dressing. It's perfect for picnics or barbecues and can be made ahead of time for easy entertaining. You can add in some crispy bacon or chopped hard-boiled eggs for some extra flavor.
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Simple Pasta Salad
Main Ingredients: Rotini Pasta, Italian Salad Dressing, Cucumbers
For a quick and easy side dish, try making this simple pasta salad to serve with your beer can chicken. This salad is made with cooked pasta, chopped vegetables, and Italian dressing for a light and refreshing meal. You can customize the vegetables to your liking and add in some protein like chopped chicken or shrimp to make it a complete meal.
Italian dressing is a classic and versatile staple in any kitchen. Whether you use it as a marinade, salad dressing, or dip, its tangy and herbaceous flavors add depth and complexity to any dish. But have you ever considered making your own Italian dressing from scratch? Not only is it surprisingly easy to do, but the taste and freshness of homemade dressing far surpasses anything you can buy at the store. Follow this Italian dressing recipe from The Gracious Pantry and elevate your dishes to a whole new level.
The Ingredients
Gather Your Fresh Ingredients
The key to a delicious Italian dressing is using fresh ingredients. This includes olive oil, red wine vinegar, garlic, fresh herbs, and spices. Using fresh ingredients not only enhances the flavor but also ensures that your dressing is free from any preservatives or additives. Plus, it's a great way to use up any leftover herbs you may have in your fridge.
The Flavors
When it comes to Italian dressing, the flavor profile is what sets it apart from other dressings. The combination of oregano, basil, thyme, and garlic gives it that signature Italian taste. You can also add in some onion powder, parsley, and black pepper for an extra boost of flavor. Don't be afraid to experiment and adjust the seasonings to your liking.
The Process
Blend it Up
Once you have all your ingredients, simply blend them together in a food processor or blender until well combined. You can also whisk them together in a bowl, but blending will give you a smoother and more consistent dressing. If the consistency is too thick, you can add a bit of water to thin it out.
Let it Rest
For the best flavor, let your dressing rest in the fridge for at least an hour before using. This allows the flavors to fully develop and meld together. You can also make a big batch and store it in the fridge for up to a week, making it a convenient and time-saving option for busy weeknights.
The Versatility
Marinade
Italian dressing is a perfect marinade for meats, especially chicken and fish. Simply coat your protein in the dressing and let it sit in the fridge for a few hours or overnight. The acidity in the dressing will help tenderize the meat, and the herbs and spices will infuse it with delicious flavor.
Salad Dressing
Of course, Italian dressing is a classic salad dressing. Toss it with your favorite greens, tomatoes, and cucumbers for a refreshing and flavorful salad. You can also add in some feta cheese or olives for a Mediterranean twist.
Dip
For a quick and easy dip, mix some Italian dressing with cream cheese and serve it with crackers or vegetables. This makes for a great appetizer or snack for any occasion.
In conclusion, making your own Italian dressing is not only simple and cost-effective but also allows you to control the ingredients and customize it to your liking. Give this Italian dressing recipe a try and take your dishes to a whole new level of flavor.
