Strange story: For some reason, almost every time I’m making something myself that could be store bought, I always think of this scene from the movie Napoleon Dynamite:
Napoleon: “There’s nothing to eat!”
His grandma: “Knock it off Napoleon, make yourself a dang quesadilla!” (But she says it kay-suh-dill-uh, instead of kay-suh-dee-uh)
And then I laugh to myself every time because there are so many things that are as easy to make as that dang quesadilla. If you’ve never seen that movie, pardon my reference and just keep reading.
MYO = MAKE YOUR OWN
It is ridiculously easy to make certain condiments yourself. Take salad dressing for instance, you need oil, something acidic (vinegar, lemon juice, etc.) and some spices. I know…you were expecting some really long list of things you would never have in your pantry. But it’s really not that hard and if you’re like me and you would be happy to make your own dressing instead of taking all 4 of your kids to the store to buy some, this recipe is for you.
Bonus: when you use this dressing in the salad that is shown below, it will taste a whole lot like you just got served unlimited salad at a certain restaurant (with the initials O.G.) add soup and bread sticks and you’ve got an incredible meal!
ITALIAN DRESSING
Printable Recipe Here
1/4 cup WHITE, RICE or WHITE WINE VINEGAR
1/4 cup LEMON JUICE
2 teaspoons SUGAR
1 teaspoon DRY MUSTARD
1/2 teaspoon SEASONING SALT
1/2 teaspoon RED PEPPER FLAKES
1/4 teaspoon BLACK PEPPER
4 cloves GARLIC
1 cup CANOLA OIL
1/3 cup GRATED PARMESAN CHEESE (either fresh or from a can)
3/4 teaspoon ITALIAN SEASONING
In a blender, combine vinegar, lemon juice, sugar, dry mustard, seasoning salt, red pepper flakes, black pepper and garlic.
Take off the small lid that is in the middle of the main lid of your blender, while the blender is running pour oil into blender in a slow, steady stream. Stop the blender after the oil is fully incorporated.
Add Parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning. Pour into a storage container (I love to use a jar!) and refrigerate for at least 4 hours before serving. Can be stored for up to 2 weeks.
Recipe Source for Dressing: Our Best Bites Cookbook
To make the O.G. Salad:
Green Leaf Lettuce
Grape Tomatoes
Black Olives
Pepperoncini Peppers, sliced
Croutons
Sliced Onion
FRESHLY Grated Parmesan Cheese (THE KEY INGREDIENT!)
Put all ingredients in a large bowl. When ready to serve, add drizzle on Italian Dressing. Toss with tongs and serve immediately.
Recipe Source for Salad: Crumbs and Chaos
I have had the privledge of tasting this dressing and it is amazing