spice Archives - Family Dinners

How To Make Homemade Apple Pie Spice

Andrea + Stef — Wed, 04 Jan 2023 15:42:00 +0000

There is nothing better than the fragrant aroma of a freshly baked apple pie. If you also love everything apple pie, then our homemade apple pie spice mix is the perfect recipe for you. This homemade spice blend is a mixture of cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, ginger and cardamom that comes together in less than 5 minutes. It does not only taste amazing in apple pie, but can also be added to apple crisp, apple turnovers, apple muffins or even fruit salad. This is the best homemade version of apple pie spice that adds just the right amount of cozy fall flavors to your favorite apple recipes.

What is Apple Pie Spice?

Traditionally, apple pie spice is a blend of warm spices such as cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, allspice and cardamom. Even though it is called apple PIE spice, you can use it in many other dishes besides apple pie filling. Apple spice tastes great in apple turnovers, fried apples, apple bread pudding or apple muffins.

Why You’ll Love This

Notable: fragrant spice blend that takes all your favorite fall and apple desserts to the next level
Main Ingredients: cinnamon, ground nutmeg, ground allspice, ground ginger, ground cardamom
Cooking Method: no bake
Cooking Time: 5 minutes prep time
Pairs well with: apple pie, apple cider, apple turnovers, apple crisps or any other apple dessert
Diets: keto friendly, gluten free, dairy free, vegetarian, vegan
Special Equipment Needed: small bowl, small whisk

Ingredients

You may have all of these ingredients for this apple pie spice recipe in your refrigerator or pantry and not need to make a trip to the local grocery store! If this is your first time making this easy homemade apple pie spice you might want to read the possible variations before deciding on your ingredients.

Apple Pie Spice Ingredients

3 tablespoon ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
½ teaspoon ground allspice
1 ground ginger
1 teaspoon ground cardamom

Variations and Substitutions

Ground Cloves: You can also add some ground cloves to this blend of spices if you like.

WHAT TO MAKE NEXT: If you loved this homemade apple pie spice recipe, try adding it to our amazing Fall Fruit Salad. This colorful fruit salad is full of apples and citrus flavors. A homemade dressing adds sweetness and warm fall spices.

Recommended Tools

Links to our favorite tools are affiliate links. If you purchase something through the link we may get a tiny portion of the sale.

Mixing Bowl — For best results use a clean and dry glass or porcelain bowl to mix your own homemade apple pie spice substitute.

Instructions

This section shows how to make apple pie seasoning, with step-by-step photos and details about the technique. For full step-by-step instructions, photos and nutritional information see the recipe in the recipe card below.

MIX SPICES: Firstly, add all the spices to a dry glass mixing bowl and then whisk until blended. Afterwards use directly in a recipe or store in an airtight container or spice jar until ready to use.

WHAT TO MAKE NEXT: If you love scrumptious apple desserts then you’ll love our Apple and Blackberry Crumble. It’s a delicious sweet and tart dessert with a crumble topping.

Andrea says….

I love using this flavorful combination of spices for my delicious Apple Pie Ice Cream!

Recipe Tips

Follow these expert tips to make your own apple pie spice mix.

Tip: Make sure your spices are fresh. Older spices often lose their flavor. In case your spices are discolored or have lost their aroma, toss them and buy new ones.
Tip: Measure amounts carefully to create the perfect combination of flavors.
Tip: Store homemade apple pie spice in a dry, airtight container, so it stays fresh for a long time.

What To Make With Apple Pie Spice

There are countless ways of using this scrumptious substitute for apple pie spice.

We love using it for our favorite apple desserts such as Granny Smith Apple Pie, Apple Crisp without Oats, Apple Turnovers, Dutch Caramel Apple Pie or Apple Blackberry Crumble.

It also tastes great in our Fall Fruit Salad, Andrea’s Apple Pull Apart Bread or Stef’s Apple Cheesecake Bars, Pumpkin Apple Muffins and Fried Apples. You can even use it to flavor our Spiked Apple Cider.

More Homemade Spice Blend Recipes

It is surprisingly easy to make the most delicious homemade spice mixes with pantry staples that you probably already have at home. They are so much better than store-bought versions. Here are some of our favorite seasoning blends:

How To Store

Room Temperature: In case you are not using your own apple pie spice substitute right away, store your own spice blend in an airtight container, ziploc bag, spice jar or other tightly sealed container until ready to use. We recommend keeping your own blend of apple pie seasoning in a dry place such as a spice rack or a dark place such as a spice cabinet. If the spices you used for this recipe were fresh, the apple pie spice blend will last for up to 2 years.

Common Questions

How do I turn this homemade apple pie spice substitute into a gift?

A jar of apple pie spice makes a great gift for family, friends or co-workers during the apple and fall season. Simply make a big batch of substitute apple pie seasoning and fill it in cute little spice jars, small mason jars or other tightly sealed containers. Add a homemade or handwritten label and decorate with a ribbon and cinnamon stick if you like.

Are there other ways to use apple pie spice besides baked goods and apple desserts?

Besides all things apple pie, you can use this blend of ground spices to flavor apple cider, mulled wine, greek yoghurt, oatmeal, ice cream, frostings, streusel topping, bread pudding, French toast as well as pancake batter.

What is the difference between pumpkin pie spice and apple pie spice?

The main difference between pumpkin spice and apple spice is the addition of cloves and cardamom. While pumpkin seasoning includes ground cloves, apple pie spice has cardamom added instead. However, they are very similar otherwise, and can even swap them for each other in a pinch.

How do I store spices to keep them fresh longer?

We recommend storing common spices as well as diy blends in a dry, dark spot like a spice cabinet. It is important to protect spices from direct sunlight, to prevent discoloration.

Homemade Apple Pie Spice Recipe

Perfect spice blend that comes together in a minute and tastes great with all your favorite apple recipes.

Course recipe staple

Cuisine American

Diet Gluten Free, Vegan, Vegetarian

Keyword apple pie seasoning, apple pie spice recipe, apple pie spice substitute, substitute apple pie spice

Prep Time 5

Total Time 5

Author Andrea + Stef

Equipment

small mixing bowl
small whisk

Ingredients

3 tablespoon ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
½ teaspoon ground allspice
1 teaspoon ground ginger
1 teaspoon ground cardamom

Instructions

Combine all ingredients in a mixing bowl.
Whisk together until evenly combined. Then use immediately or store in an airtight container.

The post How To Make Homemade Apple Pie Spice appeared first on Family Dinners.

How To Make Homemade Pumpkin Pie Spice

Andrea + Stef — Mon, 02 Jan 2023 23:35:06 +0000

Have you ever wondered how to make homemade pumpkin pie spice? Then is the recipe for you. No more need for store-bought pumpkin pie spice, with this easy recipe that comes together in less than 5 minutes. This delicious pumpkin spice substitute is the perfect blend of cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, cloves and allspice. It can be added to all your favorite pumpkin dessert recipes, quick breads, breakfasts, ice creams as well as a cup of coffee. It even makes the best pumpkin spice latte. You will want to make this scrumptious homemade spice blend again and again all pumpkin season long.

What is Pumpkin Pie Spice?

Traditionally, pumpkin spice is a blend of warm fall spices such as cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, cloves and allspice. Even though it is called pumpkin PIE spice, you can use it in many other dishes besides pumpkin pie filling, and even drinks. Pumpkin spice tastes great in cookies, quick breads, pancakes, cheesecake and pumpkin muffins. Moreover, you can use this delicious spice to flavor your morning coffee, pumpkin spice lattes as well as pumpkin granola.

Why You’ll Love This

Notable: delicious spice blend that takes all your favorite fall and pumpkin desserts to the next level
Main Ingredients: cinnamon, ground nutmeg, ground ginger, ground cloves, ground allspice
Cooking Method: no bake
Cooking Time: 5 minutes prep time
Pairs well with: traditional pumpkin pie, pumpkin cookies, pumpkin cake or any other pumpkin spice treats
Diets: keto friendly, gluten free, dairy free, vegetarian, vegan
Special Equipment Needed: mixing bowl, small whisk

Ingredients

You may have all of these ingredients for this pumpkin pie spice recipe in your refrigerator or pantry and not need to make a trip to the grocery store! If this is your first time making this pumpkin pie substitute you might want to read the possible variations before deciding on your ingredients.

Pumpkin Pie Spice Ingredients

1 ½ tablespoon ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon ground ginger
¾ teaspoon ground nutmeg
½ teaspoon ground cloves
½ tsp ground allspice

Variations and Substitutions

Black Pepper: In case you want to intensify the flavor of your own pumpkin pie spice add a pinch of ground black pepper to this easy recipe. (about ⅛ tsp) It will not make your favorite pumpkin spice recipes spicy but enhance and bring out their delicious flavor even more.

WHAT TO MAKE NEXT: If you love this fragrant pumpkin pie spice recipe, try our amazing Pumpkin Pie Bars. With a cinnamon cream cheese frosting and a pumpkin and yellow cake mix recipe it’s easy to make and not your average pumpkin cake recipe.

Recommended Tools

Links to our favorite tools are affiliate links. If you purchase something through the link we may get a tiny portion of the sale.

Mixing Bowl — For best results use a clean and dry glass or porcelain bowl to mix your own homemade pumpkin spice.

Instructions

This section shows how to make substitute pumpkin pie spice, with step-by-step photos and details about the technique. For full step-by-step instructions, photos and nutritional information see the recipe in the recipe card below.

WHAT TO MAKE NEXT: If you love everything pumpkin then you’ll love our delicious Pumpkin Bread. This wonderfully light and moist pumpkin bread is the perfect fall dessert and comes together in only 15 minutes.

Stef says….

There is nothing better on a cold morning than the warm and spicy flavor of my delicious Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls. The soft sweet pumpkin dough, covered in cream cheese frosting is just to die for.

Recipe Tips

Follow these tips to make this delicious homemade pumpkin pie spice recipe.

Tip: Make sure your spices are fresh. Older spices often lose their flavor. In case your spices are discolored or have lost their aroma, toss them and buy new ones.
Tip: Measure amounts carefully to create the perfect combination of flavors.
Tip: Store homemade pumpkin spice in a dry, airtight container, so it stays fresh for a long time.

What To Make With Pumpkin Pie Spice

There are countless ways of using this scrumptious substitute for pumpkin pie spice.

We love using it for our favorite pumpkin breads: Pumpkin Bread, Gluten Free Pumpkin Bread or Pumpkin Bread With Chocolate Chips.

It also tastes great in breakfast treats such as Pumpkin Spice Pancakes, Pumpkin Pancakes with Pancake Mix, Oven Baked Pumpkin Spice Donuts, Pumpkin Cinnamon Roll Muffins, oatmeal or pumpkin granola.

The delicious flavor of this homemade pumpkin spice of course also works great with pumpkin desserts like Pumpkin Pie Bars, Pumpkin Pie Cupcakes, Pumpkin Muffins With Cream Cheese, Pumpkin Ice Cream, Mini Pumpkin Cheesecakes or Pumpkin Bread Pudding with Caramel Sauce.

Andrea says….

Pumpkin pie spice tastes good with everything! We love to put some in pancakes, fall drinks or muffins.

More Homemade Spice Blend Recipes

It is surprisingly easy to make the most delicious homemade spice blends with pantry staples that you probably already have at home. They are so much better than store-bought versions. Here are some of our favorite seasoning blends:

How To Store

Room Temperature: In case you are not using your pumpkin spice substitute right away, store your own spice blend in an airtight container, ziploc bag, spice jar or other tightly sealed container until ready to use. We recommend keeping your own blend of pumpkin spice in a dry place such as a spice rack or a dark place such as a spice cabinet. If the spices you used for this recipe were fresh, the pumpkin pie spice blend will last for up to 2 years.

Common Questions

How do I turn this pumpkin pie spice substitute into a gift?

Homemade pumpkin pie spice makes a great gift for family, friends or co-workers during pumpkin spice season. Simply make a big batch of substitute pumpkin pie seasoning and fill it in cute little spice jars or other tightly sealed containers. Add a homemade or handwritten label and decorate with a ribbon and cinnamon stick if you like.

Are there other ways to use pumpkin spice besides baked goods and pumpkin desserts?

Besides all things pumpkin, you can use this blend of ground spices to flavor apple cider, mulled wine, greek yoghurt, oatmeal, ice cream, frostings, streusel topping, bread pudding as well as your morning coffee or even a cold brew.

What is the difference between pumpkin pie spice and apple pie spice?

How do I store spices to keep them fresh longer?

We recommend storing common spices as well as diy blends in an airtight container in a dry, dark spot like a spice cabinet. It is important to protect spices from direct sunlight, to prevent discoloration.

How To Make Homemade Pumpkin Pie Spice

Amazingly flavorful spice blend that comes together in less than 5 minutes and tastes great with all your favorite pumpkin recipes.

Course recipe staple

Cuisine American

Diet Gluten Free, Vegan, Vegetarian

Keyword homemade pumpkin pie spice, how to make pumpkin spice, pumpkin pie spice recipe, pumpkin pie spice substitute, substitute pumpkin pie spice

Prep Time 5

Total Time 5

Servings teaspoons

Calories 7kcal

Author Andrea + Stef

Equipment

mixing bowl
whisk

Ingredients

1½ tablespoon cinnamon
1 teaspoon ground ginger
¾ teaspoon ground nutmeg
½ teaspoon ground cloves
½ teaspoon ground allspice

Instructions

Combine all ingredients in a mixing bowl.
Whisk together until evenly combined. Then use immediately or store in an airtight container.

Nutrition

The post How To Make Homemade Pumpkin Pie Spice appeared first on Family Dinners.

Italian Seasoning Substitute

Andrea + Stef — Tue, 27 Dec 2022 19:15:21 +0000

Do you also love Italian food in every shape and form? Then this best homemade Italian seasoning substitute is perfect for you. This amazing combination of dried herbs and spices makes all your Italian recipes taste out of this world good. It comes together in just 5 minutes and only uses household staples. Equal parts of marjoram, rosemary, basil and thyme, as well as parsley, garlic powder and sage, determine the flavor of our delicious Italian seasoning. Add it to pizza, pasta, salad dressings or garlic bread, and your dishes will be bursting with irresistible Italian flavor.

What is Italian Seasoning?

Italian seasoning is a blend of dried herbs and spices that can be used in many of your favorite Italian inspried recipes. Even though its name suggests an Italian origin, Italian seasoning is not really common in Italy. It is in fact more of an Italian American staple. Traditionally its key ingredients are aromatic herbs such as marjoram, basil, rosemary, thyme, sage, parsley or oregano, for example. Additionally flavorful spices such as garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper or cayenne pepper are also added to give it its distinct flavor. It is the best alternative to fresh herbs.

Why You’ll Love This

Notable: flavorful blend of Italian herbs and spices that adds immense flavor to pizza, pasta sauces, salad dressings and more
Main Ingredients: majoram, rosemary, basil, thyme, parsley, garlic powder, sage
Cooking Method: no bake
Cooking Time: 5 minutes prep time
Pairs well with: pizza, calzones, Italian meatballs, pasta dishes, salads
Diets: keto friendly, gluten free, dairy free, vegetarian, vegan
Special Equipment Needed: mixing bowl, small whisk

Ingredients

You may have all of these ingredients for this substitute Italian seasoning recipe in your refrigerator or pantry and not need to make a trip to the grocery store! If this is your first time making this homemade Italian seasoning you might want to read the possible variations before deciding on your ingredients.

Italian Seasoning Ingredients

2¼ teaspoon dried marjoram
2¼ teaspoon dried rosemary
2¼ teaspoon dried basil
2¼ teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon dried parsley
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon dried sage

Variations and Substitutions

Oregano: Another herb that blends well with Italian dishes is oregano. Add 1 teaspoon of oregano to this good Italian seasoning substitute if you prefer.

Dried Lemon Peel: For a slight hint of bright citrus flavor, add ¼ teaspoon of dried lemon peel to your homemade seasoning.

Spicy kick: If you like a bit of spicy kick with your Italian cuisine, then add some black pepper, white pepper, cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to taste. Be careful, however, or your Italian spice will end up having a peppery taste.

WHAT TO MAKE NEXT: If you loved this flavor packed Italian spice blend recipe, use it for our Air Fryer Pizza Bites. These fluffy and delicious pepperoni pizza bites are super easy to make and will sure impress every pizza lover in your life.

Recommended Tools

Links to our favorite tools are affiliate links. If you purchase something through the link we may get a tiny portion of the sale.

Mixing Bowl — For best results use a clean and dry glass or porcelain bowl to mix your own homemade Italian blend of herbs.

Instructions

This section shows how to make Italian seasoning substitute, with step-by-step photos and details about the technique. For full step-by-step instructions, photos and nutritional information see the recipe in the recipe card below.

MIX SPICES: Combine ingredients in a small bowl. Stir together to combine. Pour into a small container with an airtight lid. Close the lid and label.

WHAT TO MAKE NEXT: If you love Italian inspired juicy and tender chicken then you’ll love our Air Fryer Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs. This easy chicken dish is rubbed with olive oil, Italian seasoning and spices, then cooked to perfection in the air fryer.

Stef says….

I love using this amazing substitute for Italian seasoning in my easy Chicken Parmesan Pasta Bake. It has the same traditional flavors, except it’s so much easier to make, and it’s ready in 35 minutes!

Recipe Tips

Follow these tips to make the best replacement for Italian seasoning.

Tip: Make sure your dried herbs are fresh. Older spices often lose their flavor. In case your herbs are discolored or have lost their aroma, toss them and buy new ones.
Tip: Measure amounts carefully to create the perfect combination of flavors.
Tip: Store homemade Italian seasoning substitute in a dry, airtight container, so it stays fresh for a long time.

What to Make with Italian Seasoning

There are countless ways of using this good Italian seasoning substitute.

We love using this excellent and easy substitute for Italian seasoning in salad dressings, like for our Easy Italian Salad or Tortellini Pasta Salad.

This great homemade Italian seasoning additionally tastes great in all our pizza and calzone recipes. Have you tried our White Pizza with Garlic Pizza Sauce, Hot Pizza Dip, Easy Three Meat Calzones, Chicken Pesto Calzones, Meatball Calzones or Pizza Dough Garlic Knots?

Italian Seasoning also adds immense flavor to sandwiches. We love using in for our Air Fryer Three Cheese Bombs, Meatball Sub Sandwich or Meatball Stuffed Biscuits.

Main dishes such as Air Fryer Salmon, Creamy Chicken Bake, Air Fryer Meatballs, or Caprese Chicken Thighs all taste better with a teaspoon of this Italian seasoning.

Andrea says….

Mix 2 tablespoons of Italian seasoning with 2 tablespoons of olive oil and 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar as a marinade for chicken.

More Homemade Spice Blend Recipes

How To Store

Room Temperature: In case you are not using your substitute for Italian seasoning right away, store your mix of herbs in an airtight container, ziploc bag, spice jar or other tightly sealed container until ready to use. We recommend keeping your Italian seasoning mix in a dry place such as a spice rack or a dark place such as a spice cabinet. If the spices you used for this recipe were fresh, this blend of Italian herbs will last for a long time. Even up to 2 years.

Common Questions

How do I store spices to keep them fresh longer?

We recommend storing common spices as well as diy blends in an airtight container in a dry and dark spot like a spice cabinet. It is important to protect spices from direct sunlight, to prevent discoloration.

How do I turn this homemade seasoning into a gift?

A jar of amazing Italian seasoning blend makes a great gift for family, friends or co-workers all year around. Simply make a big batch of substitute Italian seasoning and fill it in cute little spice jars, small mason jars or other tightly sealed containers. Add a homemade or handwritten label and decorate with a ribbon and some dry bow tie pasta if you like.

What can I use this great substitute for Italian seasoning for?

Most of us don’t always have fresh herbs, such as fresh basil or fresh oregano, at hand. Therefore, one of the best substitutes is having a jar of Italian seasoning on the spice rack. It is one of the best ways to add Italian flavors to your dishes. It can be used as a pizza seasoning, for pasta dishes, salad dressings, garlic bread, or meat dishes.

Does Italian seasoning have any health benefits?

This unique blend of dry herbs does have many nutrients, such as vitamins, antioxidants, fiber and minerals. Moreover, there are no excessive amounts of sea salt or any other additives in this homemade blend. In addition, it is also gluten free.

Italian Seasoning Substitute

Amazing herb blend that combines all your favorite Italian flavors. It tastes great with pizza, pasta and many other Italian dishes.

Course recipe staple

Cuisine American, Italian

Diet Gluten Free, Low Lactose, Vegan, Vegetarian

Keyword homemade Italian spice blend, replacement for Italian seasoning, substitute for Italian seasoning, substitute Italian seasoning

Prep Time 5

Total Time 5

Calories 23kcal

Author Andrea + Stef

Equipment

small mixing bowl
small whisk

Ingredients

2¼ teaspoon dried marjoram
2¼ tsp dried rosemary
2¼ teaspoon dried basil
2¼ teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon dried parsley
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon dried sage

Instructions

Combine ingredients in a small bowl.
Stir together to combine. Pour into a small container with an airtight lid. Close the lid and label.

Nutrition

The post Italian Seasoning Substitute appeared first on Family Dinners.

Homemade Taco Seasoning Mix (Mild or Spicy)

Andrea + Stef — Mon, 19 Dec 2022 13:24:29 +0000

If you are looking for a great way to make your next taco Tuesday extra special, try our easy recipe for homemade taco seasoning mix. This homemade taco spice is the perfect blend of chili powder, spices and dried herbs. It is ready in only 5 minutes and incredibly versatile. Moreover, our taco seasoning recipe does not contain any sugar or flour and is therefore keto friendly and gluten free. All you need is a pound of ground beef (or other meat of choice) and you are ready to make the best taco meat you have ever tasted.

What is Taco Seasoning?

This Mexican inspired spice blend consists of chili powder, cumin, onion powder, garlic powder, paprika, dried oregano, salt and black pepper. For a spicy seasoning, cayenne pepper, red pepper flakes or spicy chili powder are added. Even though it is called taco seasoning, this flavorful spice blend can be used in many dishes. Season fajitas, chili, burritos as well as Mexican inspired casseroles and bakes with traditional taco spice.

Why You’ll Love This

Notable: this is the absolute best taco seasoning that will take your favorite taco recipe to the next level, it’s ready in only 5 minutes and you can make it as mild or spicy as you like
Main Ingredients: chili powder, ground cumin, onion powder, garlic powder, paprika, dried oregano, salt, black pepper, cayenne pepper (optional)
Cooking Method: no bake
Cooking Time: 5 minutes prep time
Pairs well with: taco meat, Mexican casseroles, fajitas, chilis
Diets: keto friendly, gluten free, dairy free, vegetarian, vegan
Special Equipment Needed: small bowl, small whisk

Ingredients

You may have all of these ingredients for this authentic taco seasoning recipe in your refrigerator or pantry and not need to make a trip to the grocery store! If this is your first time making this homemade taco seasoning mix you might want to read the possible variations before deciding on your ingredients.

Mild Taco Seasoning Ingredients

2 teaspoon red chili powder
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon dried oregano
½ tsp salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper

Variations and Substitutions

Make it Spicy : Add ½ teaspoon of cayenne pepper or chipotle powder to this homemade taco seasoning for a spicy kick. Moreover, you can also add some red pepper flakes to taste.

Paprika: In case you like a bit of a smokey flavor, use smoked paprika instead of regular.

WHAT TO MAKE NEXT: If you love this amazing taco seasoning mix recipe, try our Air Fryer Taco Stuffed Pasta Shells. Carnitas and cheese stuffed into tender pasta shells and cooked in an air fryer to crispy, flavor-bursting perfection.

Recommended Tools

Links to our favorite tools are affiliate links. If you purchase something through the link we may get a tiny portion of the sale.

Mixing Bowl — For best results use a clean and dry glass or porcelain bowl to mix your own homemade taco seasoning mix.

Instructions

This section shows how to make this mild or spicy homemade taco seasoning mix, with step-by-step photos and details about the technique. For full step-by-step instructions, photos and nutritional information see the recipe in the recipe card below.

WHAT TO MAKE NEXT: If you love Mexican inspired dishes then you’ll love our Easy Ground Beef Taco Casserole. It is everything you love about tacos in a quick and easy Mexican lasagna with ground beef.

Stef says….

Instead of a store-bought taco seasoning packet I use about 2 tablespoons of this taco mix recipe for my Taco Salad Shells. They are just to die for!

Recipe Tips

Follow these tips to make the best substitute for taco seasoning.

Tip: Make sure your spices are fresh. Older spices often lose their flavor. In case your spices are discolored or have lost their aroma, toss them and buy new ones.
Tip: Measure amounts carefully to create the perfect combination of flavors.
Tip: Store homemade taco spice in a dry, airtight container, so it stays fresh for a long time.

What To Make With Taco Seasoning

We love using our own taco seasoning mix for making Ground Beef Taco Filling, Easy Ground Beef Taco Casserole, Frito Pie with Ground Beef, Air Fryer Taco Stuffed Pasta Shells or Stef’s Crockpot Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup.

In case you are looking for the best side dishes to serve with these scrumptious dinners, try one of these delicious recipes:

Sides: We love serving Mexican dishes with homemade Air Fryer Taco Shells, Instant Pot Black Beans, or Instant Pot Refried Beans. Our delicious Cilantro Lime Rice or Mexican Rice can also be served alongside Mexican dinners.

Dips and Sauces: Pair your favorite Mexican recipes with our homemade Guacamole, Mild Pico de Gallo, Salsa with Canned Tomatoes, Mango Habanero Salsa, Queso Blanco ,or Cilantro Lime Sour Cream.

More Homemade Spice Blend Recipes

How To Store

Room Temperature: In case you are not using your substitute for taco seasoning right away, store your own spice blend in an airtight container, ziploc bag, small mason jar, spice jar or other tightly sealed container until ready to use. We recommend keeping your own taco mix in a dry place such as a spice rack or a dark place such as a spice cabinet or spice drawer. If the spices you used for this recipe were fresh, the diy taco seasoning mix will last for up to 6 months.

Andrea says….

I always make my own taco seasoning. Having this on hand makes taco night even quicker! We use our Taco Filling recipe with this taco seasoning every week!

Common Questions

How many tablespoons of seasoning are in store-bought packets of taco spice?

Generally, there is 1 ounce or about 2 tablespoons of store-bought taco seasoning blend in those little packets. Our recipe yields about 2 ½ tablespoons of homemade seasoning and can therefore be substituted for 1 packet.

Is taco seasoning healthy?

While there are no considerable health benefits from eating taco spice, making your own taco seasoning undoubtedly has its advantages. Firstly, there is way less added sodium in this homemade mild taco seasoning, and secondly there are no added preservatives. Our homemade taco seasoning mix is also gluten free, dairy free, vegan and keto friendly.

Can you use taco seasoning for fajitas?

This Mexican inspired blend of spices does not only taste great with taco meat. You can in fact use it for all your favorite Mexican recipes, such as fajitas, chili, or burritos, for example.

How do I use this Mexican blend of spices to make taco meat?

It doesn’t matter what type of meat you like to use for your taco night. Simply brown a pound of meat (ground beef, chicken, turkey…), then add ¼ cup of water and one batch of your own seasoning. Cook until the meat is coated and cooked through.

How do I store spices to keep them fresh longer?

Homemade Taco Seasoning Mix (Mild or Spicy)

Amazingly delicious taco spice that can be made mild or spicy and will add immense flavor to your taco meat.

Course recipe staple

Cuisine American, Mexican

Diet Gluten Free, Vegan, Vegetarian

Keyword homemade taco seasoning, replacement for taco seasoning packet, substitute for taco seasoning, taco seasoning substitute

Prep Time 5

Total Time 5

Servings tablespoons

Calories 16kcal

Author Andrea + Stef

Equipment

small bowl
small whisk

Ingredients

2 teaspoon chili powder
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 tsp garlic powder
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon dried oregano
½ teaspoon salt
¼ tsp black pepper

Optional:

½ teaspoon cayenne pepper or chipotle powder

Instructions

Combine all ingredients in a mixing bowl.
Whisk together until evenly combined. Then use immediately or store in an airtight container for up to 6 months.

Notes

This recipe makes about 2½ tablespoons of homemade taco seasoning mix, which equals approximately one packet.

To Use: Cook meat (ground beef, chicken, steak) in a skillet. Add ¼ cup of water and 1 serving of taco seasoning. Stir to combine over medium heat for a few minutes until the meat is coated.

Nutrition

The post Homemade Taco Seasoning Mix (Mild or Spicy) appeared first on Family Dinners.

Au Jus Seasoning Mix Recipe

Andrea + Stef — Fri, 16 Dec 2022 17:41:12 +0000

Making delicious and flavorful gravy is incredibly easy with our quick and easy au jus seasoning mix recipe. It only takes 5 minutes and a handful of ingredients to mix up this versatile seasoning blend. It is so much better than a store-bought au jus packet. Once mixed it lasts for up to 6 months on the spice rack. No matter if you are cooking a chuck roast, whole chicken or prime rib, the perfect gravy is only 15 minutes away. Combine this delightful French dip recipe with your favorite roast beef sandwich for the best French dip sandwich you have ever had.

What is Au Jus Seasoning?

“Au Jus” is a French term meaning “with juice”. It refers to the flavorful drippings of a pot roast, that can be turned into a thin gravy by boiling them down or thickening them with a cornstarch slurry. With au jus seasoning mix you can make flavorful gravy even without roasting any meat. Serve au jus gravy with roasts, turkey, chicken or French dip sandwiches.

Why You’ll Love This

Notable: amazing spice blend that can be used to whip up a quick scrumptious gravy for roasts, chicken, turkey or French dip sandwiches
Main Ingredients: powdered beef granules, cornstarch, onion powder, dried parsley, ground black or white pepper, garlic powder
Cooking Method: stovetop, no bake
Cooking Time: 5 minutes prep time, 15 minutes cook time
Pairs well with: French dip sandwiches, pot roast, pork roast, roast chicken, prime rib
Diets: gluten free, dairy free
Special Equipment Needed: small bowl, small whisk, small saucepan

Ingredients

You may have all of these ingredients for this au jus seasoning mix recipe in your refrigerator or pantry and not need to make a trip to the grocery store! If this is your first time making this easy au jus recipe you might want to read the possible variations before deciding on your ingredients.

Au Jus Seasoning Mix Ingredients

2 tablespoon powdered beef bouillon granules
2 tablespoon cornstarch
2 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon dried parsley
⅛ teaspoon ground black pepper or white pepper
⅛ teaspoon garlic powder

Variations and Substitutions

Beef Bouillon Granules: The color of your bouillon granules will determine the color of your gravy, if you don’t use beef pan drippings. If your bouillon is lighter or yellower your gravy will be yellower. It will still taste delicious! You can also substitute chicken bouillon granules in a pinch.

Add More Flavor: Additionally you can try adding some white wine, red wine, dark beer or Worcestershire sauce, for example, to season your prepared au jus sauce.

Bay Leaf: Add a bay leaf when you are boiling your gravy to thicken. This will add some extra savory and aromatic flavor.

WHAT TO MAKE NEXT: If you love this au jus seasoning mix recipe, try our easy oven-baked French Dip Sandwiches. You’ll love them because they are warm, comforting and absolutely delicious. And best of all, they are ready in only 20 minutes.

Recommended Tools

Links to our favorite tools are affiliate links. If you purchase something through the link we may get a tiny portion of the sale.

Mixing Bowl — For best results use a clean and dry glass or porcelain bowl to mix your own homemade au jus seasoning mix.

Instructions

This section shows how to make au jus mix, with step-by-step photos and details about the technique. For full step-by-step instructions, photos and nutritional information see the recipe in the recipe card below.

ADD WATER AND SPICES: In a small saucepan over medium-high heat, heat 2 cups of water or beef drippings leftover from cooking a roast. Then, add 5 teaspoons of the homemade au jus mix to the liquid and whisk until combined.

BOIL AND FINISH: Afterwards, bring to a boil then simmer for 15 minutes on low heat until it begins to thicken. Remove from heat and serve in a cup with a french dip sandwich.

WHAT TO MAKE NEXT: If you love dipping sandwiches in sauce then you’ll love our Easy Baked Cheesy Meatball Sub Sandwich. This meatball stuffed sandwich bake is cheesy and full of flavor and tastes divine dipped into marinara sauce.

Recipe Tips

Follow these tips to make the best powdered au jus seasoning mix.

Tip: Make sure your spices are fresh. Older spices often lose their flavor. In case your spices are discolored or have lost their aroma, toss them and buy new ones.
Tip: Measure amounts carefully to create the perfect combination of flavors.
Tip: Store replacement for au jus in a dry, airtight container, so it stays fresh for a long time.

What To Serve With Au Jus Gravy

We love to eat au jus gravy with our perfect French Dip Sandwich. But you can also serve this flavorful beef gravy with other roasted meats. Try one of these delicious recipes:

Meat Dish: Serve with Dutch Oven Pot Roast, Convection Oven Roast Chicken, Instant Pot Pork Roast, Slow Cooker Turkey or Stef’s Classic Pot Roast.

Sides: Au jus gravy tastes amazing over Creamy Mashed Potatoes, Noodles, Instant Pot Brown Rice or Instant Pot Jasmine Rice.

Stef says….

Leftovers from my Copycat Chipotle Steak recipe are perfect for beef sandwiches with french dip sauce.

More Homemade Spice Blend Recipes

How To Store

Room Temperature: In case you are not using your substitute for au jus seasoning right away, store your own spice blend in an air-tight container, ziploc bag, small mason jar, spice jar or other tightly sealed container until ready to use. We recommend keeping your homemade au jus mix in a dry place such as a spice rack or a dark place such as a spice cabinet or spice drawer. If the spices you used for this recipe were fresh, the beef au jus seasoning mix will last for up to 6 months.

Refrigerate: Store prepared au jus gravy leftovers in an airtight container or ziploc bag in the fridge for 3-4 days.

Freeze: Firstly make sure your au jus gravy has cooled completely. Then transfer it to a freezer safe container or freezer bag and store in the freezer for up to 6 months. For easy portion control, we recommend freezing the au jus sauce first in an ice cube tray. As soon as the gravy cubes are solid, move them to a freezer safe bag for longer storage in the freezer.

Defrosting: A great way to thaw au jus sauce is in the refrigerator overnight.

How To Reheat

Reheat defrosted au jus gravy in a saucepan on the stove or in a covered microwave save dish in the microwave.

Common Questions

How do I store spices to keep them fresh longer?

Is this French dip au jus recipe gluten free?

Yes! Our classic au jus recipe only uses cornstarch to thicken and does not contain any all-purpose flour. It is therefore, in its original form, gluten free.

What is a French dip sandwich?

For a French dip sandwich you need a bread roll, such as a French roll, crusty French Bread, hoagie roll or any toasted bun. You could even use crescent rolls. Slice them in half and then layer tender beef slices from a beef roast, leftover roast beef or leftover prime rib onto the roll. Afterwards top with sliced cheese, such as Swiss cheese or provolone cheese, for example. Close the sandwiches, toast them in the oven and then dip them in au jus dipping sauce. For detailed instructions and tips take a look at our French Dip Sandwich Recipe.

What are beef/meat drippings?

While roast beef (roast chicken, or other meat) cooks juices or fat drippings gather at the bottom of the roasting pan. These juices that gather during the cooking process can be referred to as beef drippings, meat drippings, fat drippings, cooking liquid or pan juices.

Au Jus Seasoning Mix Recipe

Amazingly flavorful spice blend that makes the best French dip sauce and gravy in only minutes.

Course condiment, recipe staple

Cuisine American

Diet Gluten Free

Keyword au jus packet substitute, au jus recipe for French dip, au jus substitute, au just packet replacement, powdered au jus seasoning mix

Prep Time 5

Cook Time 15

Total Time 20

Servings servings

Calories 33kcal

Author Andrea + Stef

Equipment

small bowl
whisk
small saucepan

Ingredients

2 tablespoon powdered beef bouillon granules
2 tablespoon cornstarch
2 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon dried parsley
⅛ teaspoon ground black or white pepper
⅛ teaspoon garlic powder

Instructions

In a small bowl, combine ingredients.
Whisk to mix thoroughly. Store in an airtight container in a cool dry place for up to 6 months.
In a small saucepan over medium-high heat, heat 2 cups of water or beef drippings leftover from cooking a roast. Add 5 teaspoons of the homemade au jus mix to the liquid and whisk until combined.
Bring to a boil then lower temperature to simmer for 15 minutes until it begins to thicken.
Remove from heat and serve in a cup with a french dip sandwich.

Notes

Note: The color of your bouillon granules will determine the color of your gravy, if you don’t use beef drippings. If your bouillon is lighter or yellower your gravy will be yellower. It will still taste delicious!

Nutrition

The post Au Jus Seasoning Mix Recipe appeared first on Family Dinners.

Homemade Ranch Seasoning

Andrea + Stef — Thu, 15 Dec 2022 14:33:27 +0000

If you love everything ranch flavored, try our quick and easy homemade ranch seasoning. It is a delicious combination of buttermilk powder, dried herbs and spices. It can be used to make ranch dip for chips and veggies, salad dressing, or to season meat, vegetables or even popcorn. Ready in only 5 minutes, it keeps for up to 2 years. There is therefore no more need for running to the store to pick up little packets of ranch. This is the best ranch dressing mix recipe and you never want to use another one.

What is Ranch Seasoning?

Ranch seasoning is the dry, powdered version of the popular salad dressing. It is traditionally a mixture of dried herbs and spices such as garlic powder, parsley, onion powder, dill, chives, salt, black pepper and tarragon. This spice blend can also be mixed with powdered buttermilk, however, the spice is then no longer vegan or dairy free. This pantry staple can be used as a substitute in recipes that call for a hidden valley ranch packet. Moreover, it’s a great seasoning for meat, veggies and even popcorn.

Why You’ll Love This

Notable: incredibly flavorful ranch seasoning, that is easy to make and super versatile
Main Ingredients: powdered buttermilk, garlic powder, dried parsley, onion powder, dried dill, dried chives, sea salt, ground black pepper, dried tarragon
Cooking Method: no bake
Cooking Time: 5 minutes prep time
Pairs well with: dips, salad dressing, chicken, vegetables
Diets: keto friendly, gluten free, vegetarian
Special Equipment Needed: small bowl, small whisk

Ingredients

You may have all of these ingredients for this ranch seasoning substitute recipe in your refrigerator or pantry and not need to make a trip to the grocery store! If this is your first time making this ranch mix you might want to read the possible variations before deciding on your ingredients.

Ranch Seasoning Ingredients

¼ cup dry buttermilk powder
2 teaspoon garlic powder
2 teaspoon dried parsley
2 teaspoon onion powder
2 teaspoon dried dill
2 teaspoon dried chives
1 teaspoon sea salt
½ teaspoon ground black pepper
½ teaspoon dried tarragon

Variations and Substitutions

Make it vegan and dairy free: If you prefer, you can skip the powdered milk. You will still get the ranch flavor but the spice mix is dairy free and therefore also vegan.

No chunks: In case you prefer a smooth powder form of ranch seasoning, add all the ingredients to a small spice grinder and pulse until smooth. Smooth homemade ranch seasoning can also be sprinkled over popcorn.

WHAT TO MAKE NEXT: If you love this homemade ranch seasoning recipe, try Stef’s Mississippi Pot Roast. You’ll love it because ranch seasoning and pepperoncinis add an unbelievable punch of flavor to this crockpot roast.

Recommended Tools

Links to our favorite tools are affiliate links. If you purchase something through the link we may get a tiny portion of the sale.

Mixing Bowl — For best results use a clean and dry glass or porcelain bowl to mix your own homemade ranch seasoning.

Instructions

This section shows how to make this ranch seasoning substitute recipe, with step-by-step photos and details about the technique. For full step-by-step instructions, photos and nutritional information see the recipe in the printable recipe card below.

MIX SPICES: Firstly, add all the spices to a dry glass mixing bowl and then whisk until blended. Afterwards use directly in a recipe or store in a sealed container or spice jar until ready to use.

WHAT TO MAKE NEXT: If you love zesty ranch flavor then you’ll love our Easy Homemade Ranch Dip. With only 3 ingredients, this dip is ready in only 5 minutes and can be served with chips and vegetables.

Stef says….

I love using this perfect homemade ranch seasoning mix for my irresistible Dill Pickle Dip. It makes it out of this world delicious!

Recipe Tips

Follow these tips to make the best dry ranch seasoning mix.

Tip: Make sure your spices are fresh. Older spices often lose their flavor. In case your spices are discolored or have lost their aroma, toss them and buy new ones.
Tip: Measure amounts carefully to create the perfect combination of flavors.
Tip: Store homemade ranch dressing mix in a dry, airtight container, so it stays fresh for a long time.

More Homemade Spice Blend Recipes

It is surprisingly easy to make the most delicious homemade seasoning mixes with pantry ingredients that you probably already have at home. They are so much better than store-bought versions. Here are some of our favorite seasoning blends:

More Condiment Recipes

If you love making your own condiments, try one of our delicious and easy to follow recipes:

How To Store

Room Temperature: In case you are not using your ranch seasoning substitute right away, store your own homemade ranch spice blend in an airtight jar, ziploc bag, spice jar, mason jar or other tightly sealed container until ready to use. We recommend keeping your own ranch mix in a dry place such as a spice rack or a dark place such as a spice cabinet. If the spices you used for this recipe were fresh, this traditional ranch blend will last for up to 2 years.

Common Questions

How much ranch seasoning do I substitute for a store-bought packet of hidden valley ranch seasoning?

In order to replace store-bought seasoning packets use 2 tablespoons of dry homemade ranch dressing mix.

How do I store spices to keep them fresh longer?

What can I use dry ranch mix for?

Use this homemade ranch seasoning substitute in any recipe that calls for a packet of ranch seasoning. Two tablespoons of this spice mix replace one packet. Additionally, you can season meat, such as chicken breasts or chicken strips, or veggies with it. Mix with ½ cup of sour cream and ½ cup mayonnaise for an easy and delicious homemade ranch dip to serve alongside chips or veggies. You can also use this dry mix as a base for ranch salad dressing.

Homemade Ranch Seasoning Recipe

Dry ranch mix is easy to make and can be used in dips, salad dressing and much more.

Course recipe staple

Cuisine American

Diet Gluten Free, Vegetarian

Keyword homemade ranch seasoning, how to make ranch seasoning, ranch seasoning packet substitute, ranch seasoning substitute recipe

Prep Time 5

Total Time 5

Calories 191kcal

Author Andrea + Stef

Equipment

small bowl
small whisk

Ingredients

¼ cup dry buttermilk powder
2 teaspoon garlic powder
2 teaspoon dried parsley
2 teaspoon onion powder
2 teaspoon dried dill
2 teaspoon dried chives
1 teaspoon sea salt
½ teaspoon ground black pepper
½ teaspoon dried tarragon

Instructions

Combine all ingredients in a small bowl.
Whisk to mix all the seasonings together. Store in an airtight container in a cool, dry place.

Nutrition

The post Homemade Ranch Seasoning appeared first on Family Dinners.

How To Make Fruit Salad Dressing

Andrea + Stef — Mon, 24 Oct 2022 21:11:59 +0000

Have you ever wondered how to make fruit salad dressing? Our delicious fall fruit salad dressing is super quick and easy to make and adds immense flavor to any fresh fruit salad blend. Spiced fruit salad dressing is a combination of orange juice, sugar, orange and lemon zest as well as apple pie spice. Simply combine the ingredients, simmer, strain and cool. This is the best fruit salad dressing. It will bring your fruit salads to the next level and make even the harshest fruit critics go for seconds and thirds.

Fall Fruit Salad

What is Fruit Salad Dressing?

Fruit salad dressing is generally a blend of three main ingredients. Firstly, a sweetener, such as sugar, honey or maple syrup. Secondly, freshly squeezed citrus juice, such as lemon juice, lime juice or orange juice. And thirdly, citrus zest and spices, such as cinnamon, apple pie spice or ginger. Fruit salad dressing adds incredible flavor to a summer fruit salad or fall fruit salad and even makes it last longer. Whip up this easy fruit salad recipe with for favorite combination of fruit and this easy dressing.

Why You’ll Love This

Notable: sweet, citrusy and full of warm fall spices
Main Ingredients: orange juice, sugar, apple pie spice, lemon zest, orange zest
Cooking Method: stovetop
Cooking Time: 5 minutes
Pairs well with: all kinds of fruit salad blends — pour over your favorite fruit salads
Diets: gluten free, dairy free, vegetarian, vegan
Special Equipment Needed: small saucepan, zester, whisk

Ingredients

You may have all of these fall fruit salad dressing ingredients in your refrigerator or pantry and not need to make a trip to the grocery store. See recipe card below for ingredient amounts and print the recipe.

Pantry Ingredients: sugar
Refrigerated/Frozen Ingredients: orange juice
Produce Ingredients: orange zest and lemon zest
Spices: apple pie spice
Fruit Mixture: For best results use your favorite fruits, enough to fill a large bowl. We suggest cutting fruits into bite sized pieces. Use ripe fruits for a fresh flavor. Suggested fruits include: stone fruits like peaches or nectarines, apples, red grapes, green grapes, pears, oranges, fresh strawberries, fresh blueberries, mangoes, pineapple chunks, papaya or avocado.

Variations:

Orange Juice: Substitute the orange juice for fresh lime juice, pineapple juice or apple juice.

Sugar: Substitute white sugar for brown sugar (light brown sugar or dark brown sugar will work).

Spices: Try a pumpkin pie spice instead of apple pie spice.

Zest: Substitute for lime zest.

WHAT TO MAKE NEXT: This flavorful fruit salad dressing pairs really well with our Fall Fruit Salad for Thanksgiving and Christmas. A nutrient-dense fruit blend with apples, oranges, grapes, pecans and dried cranberries.

Recommended Tools

Links to our favorite tools are affiliate links. If you purchase something through the link we may get a tiny portion of the sale.

Fine-mesh strainer – This helps remove any small spice particles that you don’t want in your finished fruit salad.

Instructions

This section shows how to make fruit salad dressing on the stovetop, with step-by-step photos and details about the technique. For full step-by-step instructions, photos and nutritional information see the recipe in the recipe card below. You can print the recipe with or without photos.

COMBINE INGREDIENTS: In a small saucepan, mix orange juice, sugar, apple pie spice, zest of 1 lemon and zest of 1 orange.

COOK: Place over medium heat. Whisk to combine. Bring to a low boil and simmer for 3-4 minutes.

STRAIN: Strain in a fine mesh strainer and cool completely.

WHAT TO MAKE NEXT: Fruit salad doesn’t always have to be sweet. Stef’s delicious Peach Burrata Salad with Cherries, Pistachios and Berries combines refreshing flavors from berries, cherries, fresh peaches, and creamy burrata cheese!

Make Ahead

This delicious fruit salad dressing can be made up to 3 days ahead of time. Cool it completely, transfer to an airtight container or jam jar and store in the fridge until ready to use.

How To Pick Fruit For A Fruit Salad

When you are choosing fruit for a fruit salad make sure you pick lots of different colored fruit. The more colorful a fruit salad is the more scrumptious it looks. Different textures are also a plus, such as crunchy apples, soft berries or juicy oranges. Moreover, combining lots of different kids of fruit ensures a great variety of nutrients, such as vitamins, minerals and fiber. Tip: Use your favorite fresh fruit! Or try to stick to seasonal fruit. Cut enough to fill a big bowl.

Some good choices for our favorite fresh fruits for fruit salad are:

apples and pears
oranges and mandarin oranges
berries (strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, blackberries)
seedless grapes
melons (watermelon, cantaloupe, honeydew)
peaches and nectarines
tropical fruit (pineapple, kiwi, mango, papaya)

Additionally, you can add toasted nuts for some crunch. We like using pecans, walnuts or almonds. Dried cranberries, poppy seeds, chia seeds or fresh herbs, like basil or fresh mint, for example, are also popular add-ins for fruit salad.

Stef says….

Mangos are a sweet, tropical super fruit packed with over 20 different vitamins and minerals. While I love eating it plain, it also tastes fantastic in a fruit salad. If you ever wondered how to cut a mango, then take a look at my post and you will be an expert in no time.

Recipe Tips

Follow these tips to make the best fall fruit salad dressing.

Tip: Use organic oranges for zest. To avoid ingesting harmful pesticides or additives try to use organic citrus fruits for zesting.
Tip: Use freshly squeezed orange juice. Freshly squeezed orange juice produces the best dressing.
Tip: Don’t skip straining the dressing. This way you wont end up with bigger spice parts or zest in your finished salad. Those might make it look unappetizing.

How To Store

Room Temperature: You can leave the ready made dressing on the counter if you are planning on using it within a couple of hours.

Refrigerate: If you are not using the dressing right away, or in case you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container or jam jar in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Leftover fruit salad that is already mixed with the dressing will store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days though the fruit will lose freshness after 1-2 days. It is best to eat the next day.

Where To Serve Fruit Salad

Fruit salads are easy to make ahead or take to your next event. Consider making it for one of these:

Showers: Bridal showers or baby showers are a great place to serve a sweet fruit salad.

Cookout: A fruit salad is a beautiful dish for a summer BBQ or backyard summer cookouts. It makes the perfect summer side dish.

Holiday Meal: These are a great addition to a traditional holiday meal.

Common Questions

How do I zest a lemon without a lemon zester?

It’s not a problem if you don’t own a lemon zester. You can also use the fine side of a box grater to rub off the lemon zest. Another way to zest a lemon is using a vegetable peeler. First, peel off very thin slices of lemon peel (avoid the white part) and then chop the lemon peel finely on a cutting board with a knife.

Is it ok to substitute any other sweeteners for the white sugar?

Yes. In fact, you can use any sweetener that you prefer. You could try honey, maple syrup, agave nectar, or coconut sugar. Flavor as well as the degree of sweetness may vary a bit using another sweetener.

Should I use store bought or freshly squeezed orange juice for this dressing?

We prefer freshly squeezed orange juice for this dressing, but you can also use store bought in a pinch.

Fall Fruit Salad Dressing Recipe

Skip the creamy, heavy sauces and learn how to make this easy to make fruit salad dressing full of citrus flavor and fall spices.

Course Dessert, Side Dish

Cuisine American, vegan, vegetarian

Diet Low Lactose, Vegan, Vegetarian

Keyword how to make fruit salad dressing, recipe for fruit salad dressing, what to serve with fruit salad

Prep Time 2

Cook Time 3

Total Time 5

Servings portion

Calories 250kcal

Author Andrea + Stef

Equipment

small saucepan
whisk
fine-mesh strainer

Ingredients

½ cup orange juice
¼ cup white sugar
¼ teaspoon apple pie spice
zest of 1 lemon
zest of 1 orange

Instructions

In a small saucepan, mix orange juice, sugar, apple pie spice, zest of 1 lemon and zest of 1 orange.
Place over medium heat. Whisk to combine. Bring to a low boil and simmer for 3-4 minutes.
Strain through a fine mesh strainer.
Cool completely and store in the fridge until ready to use.

Nutrition

The post How To Make Fruit Salad Dressing appeared first on Family Dinners.