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.
Ingredients
Scale
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)
Instructions
- 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.
- Emulsify the Dressing: Whisk the mixture vigorously or shake the jar tightly until the dressing is well combined and emulsified, creating a smooth vinaigrette.
- 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
