Italian cuisine is known for its fresh, and deliciously simple ingredients often accentuated by herbs, oils, and spices. With this easy homemade Italian dressing mix recipe, expand distinctive Italian flavors into even more recipes!

pink bowl with spoon filled with homemade Italian seasoning mix

Many slow cooker recipes, marinades, pasta dishes, and casseroles call for easy, simplified ingredients, often including a premade seasoning blend. Many of us can attest to the convenience of grabbing a seasoning packet off of the grocery store shelf. Instead, take a few extra minutes at home to mix up a simple, healthy blend to store and portion for a variety of your home-cooked dishes.

What does Italian seasoning mix contain?

To make your own easy Italian dressing mix, begin with a trip to your pantry for most (if not all) of your ingredients!

Aromatics – These are the components of the herbs that release fragrant smells when cooked into food. You’ll need oregano, parsley, thyme, marjoram, and dried basil.

Salt and pepper – Is there a more dynamic duo?

Garlic powder – Some prefer a more “garlicky” taste than others.

Red pepper flakes – A little extra zing for your tastebuds!

Why You Should Make Your Own Italian Dressing Mix

A huge perk of homemade recipes is that you control the taste and the ingredients.

small ramekins filled with individual dried spices for Italian dressing mix

spices for Italian seasoning in a pink bowl ready to mix

With an easy homemade spice blend, YOU get to customize food for your family and can eliminate added ingredients that are not helpful in pursuing a healthy diet. For example, some dressings and spice blends are marketed as “low-sodium.” To counter that, some brands will add MSG (which can raise a recommended daily intake level).

Added sugars and maltodextrin often appear in other processed foods such as sauces and dressings.

Italian seasoning blend in a tablespoon on a pink background

A homemade mix can also combat many issues from a premade dressing OR a seasoning packet at the store – added sodium, high fructose corn syrup, seed oils, and other preservatives that are unnecessary when you store your spices at home.

One more shout-out to homemade seasoning blends – cost-effectiveness! By purchasing your spices in bulk, you will save in the long run as you create this mix again and again!

What do you do with Italian dressing mix?

Once this mix is prepared in your pantry, the options for bringing this delicious flavor profile into your menu rotation are endless. Try this blend in something new!

small mason jar with green lid filled with Italian dressing

chopped romaine lettuce and chunks of tomato on blue plate with Italian dressing

Salads – A leafy green garden salad or with croutons and parmesan is a classic base for Italian dressing. This homemade blend also makes the perfect dressing to use in a summer pasta salad with fresh ingredients and mozzarella.
Marinades – You may have tried Italian chicken, but these flavors mixed into a marinade also work for steak and pork roasts.
Sandwiches – Try drizzling this dressing over deli meats and cheeses on a toasted roll or in a grilled panini.
Pastas and Casseroles – Many baked dishes with sauces will also use an Italian-themed blend.

More Homemade Seasoning Blends