Homemade Italian Dressing Recipe

If you love vibrant flavors and crave that perfect balance of tangy and savory in your salads, this Homemade Italian Dressing Recipe is about to become your new kitchen staple. It’s a wonderfully fresh blend of olive oil, zesty red wine vinegar, bright lemon juice, and fragrant herbs that come together in no time, making every bite of greens an absolute joy. Whether you’re drizzling it over a crisp garden salad or using it as a marinade, this dressing packs a punch of authentic Italian flavors that you’ll want to share over and over again.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Creating this dressing is a breeze thanks to simple, pantry-friendly ingredients that each bring their own magic to the mix, from richness to brightness and a hint of spice.

• ¾ cup olive oil: The heart of this dressing, olive oil adds a silky texture and rich flavor.
• ¼ cup red wine vinegar: This adds a lively acidity that brightens up the mix beautifully.
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice: A fresh citrus note that lifts and balances the vinegar.
• 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard: Helps emulsify the dressing and offers a subtle tang.
• 2 cloves garlic (minced): Adds a warm, aromatic depth.
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano: Classic Italian herb that brings earthiness.
• ½ teaspoon dried basil: Contributes a sweet, peppery undertone.
• ½ teaspoon onion powder: Adds savory, mellow onion flavor without overpowering.
• ½ teaspoon salt: Enhances and balances all the flavors.
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper: A subtle kick of heat.
• ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional): For those who love a spicy twist.
• 1 teaspoon honey or sugar (optional): Balances the acidity with a touch of sweetness if desired.

How to Make Homemade Italian Dressing Recipe

Step 1: Combine the Liquids

Start by pouring the olive oil, red wine vinegar, lemon juice, and Dijon mustard into a bowl or a jar with a tight-fitting lid. These liquids form the base of your dressing and will blend into a smooth emulsion.

Step 2: Add the Flavor Boosters

Next, toss in the minced garlic, dried oregano, basil, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes if you’re feeling adventurous. Adding these spices and herbs now allows their flavors to infuse throughout the dressing as it rests.

Step 3: Sweeten and Whisk

Stir in the honey or sugar if you prefer a hint of sweetness. Then whisk vigorously with a fork or shake the jar tightly to emulsify all the ingredients into a harmonious blend.

Step 4: Let the Flavors Marry

For the best results, refrigerate your Homemade Italian Dressing Recipe for at least 30 minutes before serving. This resting time deepens the flavors and lets the herbs soften into the mix. Give it a good shake or stir again just before using.

How to Serve Homemade Italian Dressing Recipe

Garnishes

Fresh herbs like chopped parsley or basil make beautiful garnishes that echo the dressing’s herbal undertones.You can even sprinkle some freshly grated Parmesan for a rich, savory touch.

Side Dishes

This dressing shines when paired with crisp green salads featuring romaine, spinach, or mixed greens. It also elevates pasta salads, grilled vegetables, or acts as a zesty marinade for chicken and seafood.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving the dressing in a rustic small pitcher alongside your salad to let guests drizzle to their liking. Or toss it with roasted potatoes for a delightful Italian twist on a classic side. Don’t be afraid to experiment and let this dressing enhance dishes beyond the salad bowl.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep your Homemade Italian Dressing Recipe in a sealed jar or container in the refrigerator. It stays fresh and flavorful for up to a week, making it perfect for busy weeknight meals or last-minute entertaining.

Freezing

Because olive oil can change texture in the freezer and the fresh herbs may lose their brightness, freezing this dressing isn’t recommended. Fresh is best to capture all those vibrant flavors.

Reheating

This dressing is served cold or at room temperature, so there’s no need to reheat. Just give it a good shake or stir before serving to re-emulsify any separation that naturally occurs in the fridge.

FAQs

Can I use fresh herbs instead of dried?

Absolutely! Fresh herbs will give the dressing a brighter, more vibrant flavor. Just triple the amount of dried herbs called for in the recipe to achieve the right balance.

Is this dressing suitable for a vegan diet?

Yes, this Homemade Italian Dressing Recipe is naturally vegan, especially if you use sugar instead of honey. It’s a great option for plant-based meals.

How long does the dressing last in the refrigerator?

You can store it for up to one week. Just make sure to keep it in an airtight container and give it a shake before each use.

Can I adjust the acidity levels?

Definitely. If you prefer it tangier, add a splash more red wine vinegar or lemon juice. If you want it milder, reduce them slightly or add a touch more olive oil.

Is it possible to make a thicker version of this dressing?

To thicken the dressing, you can add a spoonful of mayonnaise or Greek yogurt, though that alters the classic recipe and adds creaminess. Otherwise, this dressing is meant to be light and pourable.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly comforting about making a dressing from scratch, and this Homemade Italian Dressing Recipe brings that feeling every time. It’s effortless, fresh, and bursting with flavor in every drop. I can’t wait for you to try it and find your own special way to use it—once you do, this dressing will no doubt become a go-to in your kitchen just like it is in mine.

Homemade Italian Dressing Recipe

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4.3 from 88 reviews

• Author: admin
• Total Time: 5 minutes
• Yield: 1 cup 1x
• Diet: Gluten Free, Vegan

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Description

This classic Italian Dressing recipe combines olive oil, red wine vinegar, fresh herbs, and zesty seasonings to create a vibrant and flavorful vinaigrette. Perfect as a salad dressing, marinade, or dipping sauce, it is quick to make and can be easily customized to suit your taste buds with optional honey or red pepper flakes.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Liquid Ingredients

• ¾ cup olive oil
• ¼ cup red wine vinegar
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice

Flavorings and Seasonings

• 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• ½ teaspoon dried basil
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1 teaspoon honey or sugar (optional, for balance)

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Instructions

1. Combine Ingredients: In a bowl or jar with a tight-fitting lid, add olive oil, red wine vinegar, lemon juice, and Dijon mustard. Then mix in minced garlic, oregano, basil, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes if using. Add honey or sugar to balance the acidity if desired.
2. Emulsify the Dressing: Whisk the mixture vigorously or shake the jar tightly until the dressing is well combined and emulsified, creating a smooth vinaigrette.
3. Chill Before Serving: Refrigerate the dressing for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld beautifully. Before serving, give the dressing a good shake or whisk as separation may occur.

Notes

• Use fresh herbs like oregano and basil if available for a brighter flavor; increase quantities by three times when using fresh.
• This dressing doubles as a flavorful marinade for chicken and vegetables.
• Shake or whisk the dressing well before each use since natural separation will happen.
• Adjust sweetness by adding more honey or sugar if preferred.

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Category: Condiment
• Method: No-Cook
• Cuisine: Italian