Are you craving that familiar, vibrant taste of Pepperidge Farm herb dressing but want to create a healthier, fresher version at home? Look no further! This recipe delivers the same delicious herbaceous flavor you love, but with the satisfaction of knowing exactly what ingredients went into your bowl. It's a quick and easy recipe, perfect for those busy weeknights when you still want a delicious and healthy meal. This homemade dressing is far more versatile than store-bought, transforming simple salads into culinary masterpieces.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup packed fresh parsley leaves
- ½ cup packed fresh chives, chopped
- ¼ cup packed fresh dill, chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh tarragon leaves, chopped (or 1 tablespoon dried)
- ¼ cup red wine vinegar
- ½ cup extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- Salt to taste
Instructions:
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Combine Herbs: In a food processor or blender, combine all the fresh herbs: parsley, chives, dill, and tarragon. Pulse until finely chopped but not completely pureed; you want to retain some texture.
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Whisk Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the red wine vinegar, olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, onion powder, and black pepper.
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Blend it all Together: Add the chopped herb mixture to the wet ingredients. Pulse a few times to combine, or whisk vigorously for a slightly chunkier texture.
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Season and Taste: Taste the dressing and adjust seasoning with salt to your liking. Remember, you can always add more salt, but you can't take it away!
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Serve & Enjoy: Your homemade Pepperidge Farm-inspired herb dressing is now ready. Drizzle it over your favorite salad, use it as a marinade for chicken or fish, or even as a delicious addition to roasted vegetables.
Tips and Variations:
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Herb Variations: Feel free to experiment with other herbs! Basil, oregano, or thyme would all be delicious additions or substitutions.
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Spice it Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a touch of heat.
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Make it Creamy: For a creamier dressing, whisk in 2-3 tablespoons of plain Greek yogurt or mayonnaise.
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Storage: Store leftover dressing in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Nutritional Information (per 2 tablespoons):
- Calories: Approximately 150
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Sodium: (Varies depending on salt added)
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Fiber: 0g
- Sugar: 1g
- Protein: 1g
This recipe is a fantastic addition to your repertoire of easy recipes and healthy meals. It's a great example of homemade cooking at its finest, delivering a delicious dish quickly and efficiently. Elevate your quick dinner ideas with this versatile dressing; it's one of the best recipes you'll ever make! Enjoy!