I grew up having  “Good Seasons” Italian dressing on salads. And my mother used it as a versatile mix for roast chicken, dips, and a host of other dishes. It was her go-to mix that eventually became mine, which is probably why I was so determined to find an alternative. Besides the unmentionable additives in the packaged version, it’s also pricey. A four-pack can run $5.00 that’ll only yield a half-cup if that. Whereas this version— and I have to say that in flavor it comes pretty darn close to the original— yields 3-cups. In doing the math, that would cost $30.00 while the herbs and spices cost only $7.00. That’s a $23.00 savings. But don’t take my word for it. Do a taste test, and let me know your thoughts.

Ingredients:

• ½ cup + 2Tbsp minced onion
• ½ cup +2Tbsp minced garlic
• ¼ cup +2Tbsp Himalayan salt
• 3Tbsp +2tsp black pepper
• 3Tbsp +2tsp dry mustard
• 3Tbsp +2tsp dried bell peppers  or dried mixed vegetables
• 3Tbsp + ¼ tsp paprika
• 2Tbsp +1tsp celery seed
• 3-Tbsp + 1tsp Stevia in the Raw
• 3-Tbsp oregano leaves
• 3-Tbsp parsley flakes
• 3-tsp basil leaves

Preparation:

Combine ingredients, store in an airtight container, yields 3-cups.

For Dressing:

• 2-Tbsp season mix
• ¼ cup red wine vinegar
• 3-Tbsp water
• ½ cup Olive Oil

Preparation:

Combine ingredients in jar or cruet, shake well.