Italian Dressing Recipe
There’s something truly magical about homemade Italian Dressing: bright, zesty, and bursting with flavor, it transforms ordinary salads into something utterly irresistible. Learning to mix up this simple, classic vinaigrette at home not only makes you feel like a kitchen pro, it also lets you customize every note from tangy to sweet, savory to spicy. Whether you’re drizzling it on crisp greens, marinating grilled veggies, or dunking a crusty slice of bread, this Italian Dressing is one of those delightful kitchen staples that you’ll reach for again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Italian Dressing is all about simplicity and balance, with just a handful of everyday ingredients working together to create a harmonious blend. Each one plays a critical role in delivering that signature punchy tang and herbaceous kick.
- Extra virgin olive oil: The heart of the dressing, brings lush, silky richness and depth of flavor.
- Red wine vinegar: Adds bright acidity and a subtle fruitiness that wakes up your palate.
- Lemon juice: Offers a fresh citrus note, heightening the dressing’s zesty lift.
- Dijon mustard: Helps emulsify the dressing and adds a whisper of spicy warmth.
- Honey: Balances out the acidity with a gentle sweetness and smooth finish.
- Dried oregano: Delivers that signature herby essence that makes Italian Dressing unmistakably classic.
- Garlic powder: Infuses mellow garlic flavor without any harshness or chopping required.
- Onion powder: Rounds things out with a savory note and complements the garlic.
- Crushed red pepper flakes (optional): A pinch brings subtle heat for those who like a little kick.
- Salt: Brings all the flavors together and ensures nothing falls flat.
- Black pepper: Adds a touch of earthy warmth and gentle spice.
How to Make Italian Dressing
Step 1: Whisk Together the Base
Start by grabbing a small mixing bowl or a clean glass jar. Into this, combine the red wine vinegar, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, honey, dried oregano, garlic powder, onion powder, crushed red pepper flakes if you’re adding a little fiery pop, plus the salt and black pepper. This blend forms your tangy, herby foundation.
Step 2: Emulsify with Olive Oil
While continuously whisking, slowly drizzle the extra virgin olive oil into your vinegar and spice mixture. You’ll see the dressing gradually thicken and look creamy as it emulsifies. Alternatively, if shaking is more your style, just toss everything in a jar with a tight-fitting lid and go to town—shake vigorously until everything’s combined and smooth.
Step 3: Taste and Adjust
Give your Italian Dressing a moment to impress your taste buds—dip a lettuce leaf or spoon in and sample. If you crave more acidity, add a dash of vinegar; for tang, a few extra drops of lemon juice. Need more savory depth? A pinch more salt or a twist of black pepper can make it pop. This is your moment to perfect it just the way you like.
Step 4: Store or Serve
Once you’re happy with the balance, you can use the dressing immediately or refrigerate it for later. If prepping ahead, store it in the fridge in your covered jar for up to one week. Remember to shake it up before each use, as those luscious oil and vinegar layers like to hang out on their own over time.
How to Serve Italian Dressing
Garnishes
The right garnish can make your Italian Dressing sing! Try a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or basil on your salad for a fresh herbal flourish. If you’re feeling bold, a few curls of shaved Parmesan or a dusting of cracked black pepper add an elegant finish and extra flavor dimension.
Side Dishes
While everyone knows Italian Dressing is right at home on leafy salads, don’t be afraid to branch out. Drizzle it over steamed green beans, roasted vegetables, or even a chilled pasta salad—its tangy, vibrant flavors wake up any side dish and tie a meal together beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties or dinner guests, pour your Italian Dressing into a chic carafe or rustic mason jars alongside a colorful rainbow of chopped vegetables for a DIY salad bar. Get even fancier by using tiny shot glasses for individual salad shooters, or swirl a spoonful on appetizer plates as a zesty base for grilled meats and cheeses. This dressing loves the spotlight!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Your homemade Italian Dressing will keep beautifully in the refrigerator, tightly sealed, for up to a week. Separation is totally normal, so just give it a vigorous shake before each use to reincorporate that gorgeous emulsion. A glass jar with a snug lid is ideal for both freshness and convenience.
Freezing
While most vinaigrettes aren’t prime candidates for freezing—due to changes in texture when thawed—this Italian Dressing will still taste great if you do decide to freeze it. Just thaw overnight in the fridge, and shake well to bring it back together before serving.
Reheating
No need to heat this zesty dressing! If it thickens in the cold fridge, let it sit at room temperature for 10 to 15 minutes and then shake vigorously. This helps the olive oil relax and brings the flavors back into delicious harmony.
FAQs
Can I make Italian Dressing without honey?
Absolutely! If you prefer a vegan option or simply want to swap the sweetener, try agave syrup, maple syrup, or even a pinch of sugar. You’ll still get that lovely roundness without honey—just taste and adjust as needed.
Is fresh garlic a good substitute for garlic powder?
You bet! Fresh garlic will give your Italian Dressing a bolder kick—use about half a minced clove in place of the powder. Just keep in mind it packs more punch, so a little goes a long way.
Can I use this as a marinade for meat or veggies?
Yes! Italian Dressing pulls double duty as a killer marinade. Its acidity tenderizes chicken, pork, or vegetables, while the herbs and mustard infuse everything with major flavor. Marinate for a few hours (or overnight for extra magic) before cooking.
What’s the best way to make a creamier version?
If you crave a creamy Italian Dressing, whisk in a tablespoon of grated Parmesan cheese or a spoonful of mayonnaise before combining. This adds richness and a luxurious mouthfeel, making it perfect for heartier salads.
How can I make it spicier?
Simply add more crushed red pepper flakes to taste, or toss in a pinch of cayenne pepper for extra bite. Taste as you go; it’s easy to adjust the heat to your liking.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve never made your own Italian Dressing before, you’ll be amazed at just how quick, easy, and delicious it is. Give it a try next time your salad or roasted vegetables need a boost—you might never go back to store-bought again!
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Italian Dressing Recipe
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegan, Gluten-Free
Description
Learn how to make your own delicious Italian dressing from scratch with this easy recipe. This homemade vinaigrette is bursting with flavor and perfect for salads or marinades.
Ingredients
Dressing:
- ½ cup extra virgin olive oil
- ¼ cup red wine vinegar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon honey
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Prepare the Dressing: In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the red wine vinegar, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, honey, oregano, garlic powder, onion powder, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and black pepper.
- Emulsify the Dressing: Slowly drizzle in the olive oil while whisking continuously until the dressing is well combined. Alternatively, add all ingredients to a jar with a tight-fitting lid and shake vigorously.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
- Storage: Store in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. Shake before each use.
Notes
- This dressing also works great as a marinade for chicken or vegetables.
- For a creamier version, whisk in 1 tablespoon of grated Parmesan cheese or 1 tablespoon of mayonnaise.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Condiment
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 tablespoons
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 13g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
