Welcome back to our kitchen! Today, we’re diving into a delightful and zesty creation: Texas Roadhouse Italian Dressing.
This homemade dressing is incredibly easy to make and promises to be even better than anything you can buy at the store. Let’s get started!
Why this Italian Dressing is so Special?
This Texas Roadhouse Italian Dressing is a zesty, homemade delight that surpasses store-bought options. With the perfect blend of fresh lemon juice, fragrant herbs, and a touch of sweetness from maple syrup or honey, it offers a balanced and vibrant flavor profile.
The addition of capers and optional Parmesan cheese adds depth and creaminess, making it an ideal companion for salads or marinades. Easy to make with simple ingredients, this dressing brings a burst of fresh, homemade goodness to your kitchen. Try it once, and you’ll be hooked!
Ingredients Required
- ¼ cup (60 ml) extra-virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons (30 ml) white or red wine vinegar
- 2 tablespoons (30 ml) fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon fresh grated lemon zest
- 1 garlic clove, finely minced or grated
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon capers, drained and minced
- 1 teaspoon maple syrup or honey
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano or 1 tablespoon chopped fresh oregano leaves
- 1 teaspoon dried basil or 1 tablespoon chopped fresh basil leaves
- 1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh parsley or 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- 1 teaspoon chopped fresh thyme or 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
- ¼ teaspoon fine sea salt plus more to taste
- ½ teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
- Pinch crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 tablespoons finely grated Parmesan or Romano cheese (optional)
Kitchen Tools Needed
- Microplate or vegetable peeler
- Medium bowl
- Garlic grater or fine grater
- Whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 0 minutes
Copycat Texas Roadhouse Italian Dressing Recipe
Step-01: Start by zesting a lemon to get about 1 teaspoon of zest. A microplate works best for this, but a vegetable peeler can also be used to peel the yellow skin, which you can then thinly slice. Toss the zest into a medium bowl. Juice the lemon to get 2 tablespoons of fresh lemon juice, roughly half a large lemon.
Step-02: Add 2 tablespoons of white or red wine vinegar to the bowl. Grate 1 small garlic clove into the bowl. Grating helps the garlic blend into the dressing smoothly, but finely mincing works if you don’t have a microplate.
Step-03: Add 1 teaspoon of Dijon mustard to the mixture. Finely mince 1 tablespoon of capers and add them to the bowl. Capers add a lovely brininess and texture to the dressing. To balance the acidity, add 1 teaspoon of maple syrup or honey.
Step-04: Add 1 teaspoon of dried oregano and 1 teaspoon of dried basil. Chop a handful of fresh parsley to get about 1 tablespoon and add it in. Mince 1 teaspoon of fresh thyme leaves (discard the stems or use them for broth).
Step-05: Add 1/2 teaspoon of fine sea salt, 1/2 teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper, and a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes if you like a bit of heat. If you like a slightly creamy texture, add 2 tablespoons of finely grated Parmesan or Romano cheese.
Step-06: Whisk all the ingredients together until well combined. Slowly add 1/4 cup of high-quality olive oil while whisking to help the oil blend in smoothly.
Watch the following video for better understanding
How to Store Leftover Dressing
Store your Texas Roadhouse Italian Dressing in an airtight container or a mason jar in the refrigerator.
It will keep fresh for up to one week. Before using, give it a good shake or stir to re-emulsify the ingredients, as they may separate over time. Enjoy your homemade dressing over salads, as a marinade, or a dip anytime within the week!
What Pairs Well With This Texas Roadhouse Dressing
1. Classic Garden Salad:
The vibrant flavors of this dressing complement a mix of fresh greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, and bell peppers. Add croutons and shaved Parmesan for extra texture and taste.
2. Grilled Chicken Marinade:
Use the dressing as a marinade for grilled chicken breasts. The acidity and herbs will tenderize the meat and infuse it with robust flavor. Serve with a side of roasted vegetables.
3. Antipasto Platter:
Drizzle the dressing over a platter of cured meats, cheeses, olives, artichoke hearts, and roasted red peppers. It’s a perfect appetizer for a gathering.
4. Pasta Salad:
Toss cooked pasta with the dressing, diced vegetables (like bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, and cucumbers), olives, and mozzarella balls. This makes a refreshing and tangy pasta salad.
5. Roasted Vegetable Salad:
Roast your favorite vegetables such as zucchini, eggplant, and bell peppers. Once cooled, toss them in the Italian dressing for a hearty and flavorful side dish.
6. Caesar Salad:
Enhance a classic Caesar Salad by drizzling the dressing over slices of ripe tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and basil leaves. The dressing adds an extra layer of flavor to this simple dish.
7. Grilled Shrimp Skewers:
Marinate shrimp in the dressing before grilling. The herbs and acidity will complement the shrimp perfectly, making it a great main course or appetizer.
8. Quinoa Salad:
Combine cooked quinoa with diced cucumbers, tomatoes, red onions, and chickpeas. Toss with the dressing for a healthy and satisfying salad.
9. Italian Sub Sandwich:
Use the dressing as a spread on an Italian sub sandwich. Layer with deli meats, provolone cheese, lettuce, tomatoes, and banana peppers for a sandwich bursting with flavor.
10. Greek Salad:
Add the dressing to a mix of romaine lettuce, Kalamata olives, feta cheese, cucumbers, and red onions. The herbs in the dressing pair wonderfully with the Greek-inspired ingredients.
Some Tips that will Make this Recipe Perfect
1. Use Fresh Ingredients:
Fresh herbs and freshly squeezed lemon juice can make a significant difference in the flavor of the dressing. If possible, opt for fresh over dried herbs for a more vibrant taste.
2. Quality Olive Oil:
Invest in a good-quality extra-virgin olive oil. The richness and depth of flavor in high-quality olive oil will elevate the overall taste of your dressing.
3. Microplate for Garlic:
Using a microplate to grate the garlic ensures it blends seamlessly into the dressing, providing a more even distribution of flavor compared to minced garlic.
4. Adjust Sweetness:
Depending on your preference, adjust the amount of maple syrup or honey. Start with a teaspoon and add more if you prefer a sweeter dressing.
5. Balance the Acidity:
If the dressing is too acidic for your taste, add a bit more olive oil or a pinch of sugar to balance it out.
6. Let It Sit:
Allow the dressing to sit for at least 15-30 minutes before serving. This resting time helps the flavors meld together, enhancing the overall taste.
7. Emulsify Properly:
When adding the olive oil, whisk continuously to ensure the dressing emulsifies properly. This creates a smooth, well-blended dressing.
8. Taste and Adjust:
Always taste the dressing before serving. Adjust the seasoning with more salt, pepper, or herbs as needed to suit your palate.
Trader Joe’s Green Bean Casserole Recipe
Bring the flavors of Trader Joe’s Green Bean Casserole to your home with this simple recipe! Combine fresh green beans with a delicious mix of mushrooms, crispy onions, and a creamy sauce. Perfect for holiday gatherings or a cozy dinner, this dish delivers that classic Trader Joe’s taste every time.
Ingredients
- Green Beans: 2 cans (14 oz each) or 2 (9 oz) bags of thawed frozen green beans
- Cream of Mushroom Soup: ½ cup
- Milk: ¾ cup
- Black Pepper: ¼ teaspoon (freshly ground)
- Fried Onions: 1⅓ cups
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F. Lightly oil a 1-1/2 quart baking dish and set it aside.
- Prepare the Mushroom Sauce: In a medium mixing bowl, combine the mushroom soup, fresh black pepper, and milk. Whisk these ingredients together until the mixture is smooth and well-blended.
- Mix in the Green Beans and Onions: Add the drained green beans and 2/3 cup of fried onions to the mushroom mixture. Use a spatula to gently fold the beans into the sauce until they are evenly coated.
- Assemble the Casserole: Pour the green bean mixture into your prepared baking dish. Spread it out evenly. Sprinkle the remaining 3/4 cup of fried onions over the top.
- Bake the Casserole: Place the casserole in your preheated oven and bake for 15 minutes. Then, cover the dish with aluminum foil and continue baking for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the casserole is hot and bubbly.
- Serve and Enjoy: Once your Trader Joe’s Green Bean Casserole is done baking, remove it from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. The warm, creamy casserole with its crunchy onion topping is sure to be a hit at any meal.
Notes
1. Go Fresh: Use fresh green beans instead of canned or frozen for a crisper texture.
2. Boost Umami: Add a splash of soy sauce to the mushroom sauce for extra depth of flavor.
3. Rich & Creamy: Swap milk for half-and-half to give your casserole a richer taste.
4. Add Depth: Toss in some sautéed mushrooms or onions to enhance the flavor profile.
5. Cheese It Up: Sprinkle shredded cheddar on top before adding the fried onions for a cheesy twist.
6. Drain Well: Make sure to drain the green beans thoroughly to avoid a watery casserole.
7. Healthier Option: Opt for reduced-fat mushroom soup and baked onion rings for a lighter version.
8. Season Smart: Experiment with seasonings like garlic powder or thyme to personalize your dish.
9. Rest Time: Let the casserole sit for 5-10 minutes after baking to let the flavors meld.
10. Double Up: Feeding a crowd? Double the recipe—this dish disappears quickly!
Common Queries About This Texas Roadhouse Italian Dressing Recipe
We’ve gathered the most common questions people have about this recipe and provided clear, helpful answers for you.
1. What kind of salad dressing does Texas Roadhouse have?
Texas Roadhouse offers a variety of salad dressings, including their signature Italian dressing, ranch, honey mustard, blue cheese, thousand island, and low-fat ranch. The Italian dressing is particularly popular for its zesty and flavorful profile.
2. What is Italian dressing made of?
Italian dressing typically consists of a blend of olive oil, vinegar (such as red or white wine vinegar), lemon juice, garlic, Dijon mustard, and a mix of herbs like oregano, basil, and parsley. It may also include capers, sweeteners like honey or maple syrup, and grated cheese such as Parmesan or Romano.
3. Why is Italian dressing so good?
Italian dressing is loved for its bright, tangy, and herbaceous flavors. The combination of acidic vinegar and lemon juice with aromatic herbs and spices creates a refreshing and versatile dressing that enhances the taste of salads, marinades, and more.
4. What comes on a Texas Roadhouse salad?
A Texas Roadhouse salad typically includes fresh greens (such as romaine and iceberg lettuce), cherry tomatoes, red onions, hard-boiled eggs, croutons, cheddar cheese, and sometimes bacon bits. It is often served with a choice of dressings, including their zesty Italian dressing.
5. Can I use this Italian dressing as a marinade?
Yes, this Italian dressing works wonderfully as a marinade for meats, poultry, seafood, and vegetables. The acidity from the vinegar and lemon juice helps tenderize the meat, while the herbs and spices infuse it with rich flavors.
6. How long can I store homemade Italian dressing?
Homemade Italian dressing can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. Shake or whisk it well before each use, as the oil and vinegar may separate over time.
7. Can I make this dressing vegan?
To make this Italian dressing vegan, simply use maple syrup instead of honey and omit the Parmesan or Romano cheese. The dressing will still be delicious and full of flavor.
8. Can I substitute fresh herbs with dried herbs in this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute fresh herbs with dried herbs. Use one-third of the amount of dried herbs in place of fresh herbs. For example, if the recipe calls for 1 tablespoon of fresh oregano, use 1 teaspoon of dried oregano.
9. Is this Italian dressing gluten-free?
Yes, this Italian dressing is naturally gluten-free. Just ensure that all the ingredients you use, such as Dijon mustard and Parmesan cheese, are certified gluten-free if you have dietary restrictions.
10. Can I add other ingredients to this dressing?
Absolutely! Feel free to customize the dressing to your taste. You can add ingredients like finely chopped sun-dried tomatoes, roasted red peppers, or a dash of balsamic vinegar for a different flavor profile.
And there you have it, an easy and ultra-flavorful Texas Roadhouse Italian Dressing that will undoubtedly surpass any store-bought version.
Give it a try, and you might find it becomes a new favorite in your recipe collection. Enjoy!
For more delicious recipes and extra tips, be sure to check out Inspired Taste. Happy cooking!
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