Healthy Homemade Italian Dressing

Oh man.  I LOVE Italian dressing.  I do NOT, however, like it from a bottle.  My dear friend who gave this recipe to me once told me that once I start making my own dressings, I will no longer like any from a bottle and boy she was right.  So let's get down to it.

Here's what you'll need:

• 1:3 ratio of white balsamic vinegar
• 2:3 ratio of extra virgin olive oil  (I normally go for 1/3 and 2/3 of a cup as my ratios)
• Pinch of powdered ginger
• Shake of cayenne (more or less to taste)
• 1/2 tsp of the following: basil, oregano, parsley
• Salt and pepper to taste (to be honest, I've never added salt or pepper but I'm sure it would be fine)
• 1 clove of garlic or 1/4 tsp garlic powder.  I use garlic powder because that way I can keep it at room temp.  If you use the garlic, you need to keep it refrigerated

Directions:

1. Place all ingredients in a salad dressing mixer
2. Mix well!  You will also need to mix well before every use as vinegar and water separate (science, kids!)
   

This lasts about 2-3 weeks at room temp.  A serving size is 1 tbsp and here is the nutrition info:

83 calories

9g fat

2mg sodium

1g sugar

FYI, the majority of the calories come from the olive oil - but remember EVOO provides good fats and good calories!  Just take a look at a nutrition label of a bottled dressing next time you go to a grocery store.  They're normally laced with ridiculous ingredients, tons of unnecessary sugar, and artifical colors or flavors.  Stick with this.  Natural and delicious!  I will for sure be trying some more homemade dressings in the future :)