If you love a zesty, flavorful dressing that brightens up any salad or dish, then this Italian Dressing Recipe is your new best friend. It’s a vibrant blend of olive oil, red wine vinegar, herbs, and just a touch of sweetness that comes together in minutes. Whether you’re tossing it with fresh greens, drizzling on veggies, or using it as a marinade, this Italian Dressing Recipe transforms simple ingredients into a tangy, aromatic delight that tastes like sunshine in a bottle.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering these ingredients is easy, and each one is crucial to achieving that authentic Italian flavor. From the richness of olive oil to the brightness of vinegar and citrus, every element plays its part in creating a dressing that’s perfectly balanced and irresistibly tasty.

3/4 cup olive oil: Offers a smooth, fruity base that’s rich and heart-healthy.
1/4 cup red wine vinegar: Adds tang and depth, cutting through the oil for balance.
1 tablespoon lemon juice: Brings fresh acidity and a citrus punch to brighten flavors.
2 teaspoons Dijon mustard: Helps emulsify the dressing while adding subtle sharpness.
2 teaspoons honey or sugar: Provides a gentle sweetness that rounds out the acidity.
2 teaspoons dried oregano: Imparts classic Italian herbal notes that scent the dressing.
1 teaspoon dried basil: Offers an earthy, slightly sweet flavor that complements oregano beautifully.
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder: Adds savory depth without overpowering the mix.
1/2 teaspoon onion powder: Infuses subtle savory undertones enhancing the overall complexity.
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional): Gives a hint of heat for those who like extra kick.
1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the other flavors, making them pop.
1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Adds mild spice and warmth to finish the seasoning.

How to Make Italian Dressing Recipe

Step 1: Combine the Liquids

Start by pouring the olive oil, red wine vinegar, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, and honey into a small bowl or jar. The Dijon mustard is your secret emulsifier, helping the oil and vinegar blend smoothly together for a perfect dressing consistency.

Step 2: Add the Herbs and Spices

Next, sprinkle in the dried oregano, basil, garlic powder, onion powder, crushed red pepper flakes (if you’re using them), salt, and black pepper. These ingredients build the signature Italian flavor profile, layering in complexity that is both fragrant and delicious.

Step 3: Whisk or Shake Well

Using a whisk or the jar lid, mix the ingredients thoroughly until the dressing is fully emulsified and glossy. The vibrant blend will look well-combined, and you’ll know it’s ready when it coats the back of a spoon nicely.

Step 4: Chill and Taste

Let your Italian Dressing Recipe rest in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This resting time allows the flavors to marry and develop, making each bite more harmonious. Don’t forget to give it a good shake or stir before serving to remix any separated oils.

How to Serve Italian Dressing Recipe

Garnishes

This dressing works beautifully with a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese or a handful of chopped fresh herbs like parsley or basil on top of your salad. These garnishes elevate the dish visually and add extra bursts of flavor that complement the dressing’s herbaceous notes.

Side Dishes

Serve this dressing as a refreshing accompaniment to a crisp green salad or drizzle it over a vibrant pasta salad. It also doubles as a marinade for grilled chicken, roasted vegetables, or even shrimp, transforming simple sides into something spectacular.

Creative Ways to Present

For a special touch, try presenting the dressing in a small glass bottle with a cork or a pretty cruet on your dining table, inviting guests to add just the right amount to their plates. You can also toss diced fresh tomatoes and olives with the dressing for a quick Italian antipasto-inspired starter.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

This Italian Dressing Recipe keeps wonderfully in the fridge for up to one week. Store it in an airtight container or jar with a tight-fitting lid to preserve freshness and prevent separation. Just give it a good shake before each use to bring the flavors back together.

Freezing

Because this dressing contains oil and fresh lemon juice, freezing is not recommended as it can cause the mixture to separate and change texture once thawed. Stick to refrigeration for the best results.

Reheating

There is no need to reheat this dressing. Simply bring it out of the fridge, shake or whisk it well to re-emulsify, and use it cold or at room temperature—perfect for any salad or dish.

FAQs

Can I use fresh herbs instead of dried?

Absolutely! Fresh oregano and basil can be used, but since they’re more delicate, use about three times the amount of dried herbs called for to keep the flavor balanced and vibrant.

Is this dressing vegan-friendly?

Yes, this Italian Dressing Recipe is naturally vegan, gluten-free, and dairy-free, making it suitable for many diets while still packed with big flavor.

What can I substitute for red wine vinegar?

If you don’t have red wine vinegar on hand, white wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar can be used as alternatives. Just keep in mind each will slightly change the flavor profile of the dressing.

Can I add Parmesan cheese to make it creamier?

Definitely. Adding 2 tablespoons of grated Parmesan or even a tablespoon of mayonnaise will give your dressing a richer, creamier texture without overpowering the classic taste.

How long does the dressing last once made?

Stored properly in the refrigerator, this dressing lasts up to one week. Always smell and taste it before use to ensure it’s fresh and hasn’t developed off flavors.

Final Thoughts

There you have it—a truly effortless Italian Dressing Recipe that brings loads of flavor and versatility to your kitchen. It’s perfect for brightening up salads, marinating proteins, or adding a zesty spark to veggies. Give this recipe a try and watch how a simple homemade dressing can become your go-to secret for delicious, fresh meals every time.

Italian Dressing Recipe

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4.1 from 160 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 5 minutes
Yield: 3/4 cup (6 servings) 1x
Diet: Gluten Free, Vegan

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Description

This classic Italian Dressing recipe is a bright, tangy, and easy-to-make vinaigrette that combines olive oil, red wine vinegar, lemon juice, and a blend of aromatic herbs and spices. Perfect for green salads, pasta salads, or as a flavorful marinade, it adds a fresh Mediterranean touch to your meals. Made without cooking, it emulsifies beautifully and can be customized with Parmesan or mayonnaise for a creamier texture.

Ingredients

Scale

Liquid Ingredients

3/4 cup olive oil
1/4 cup red wine vinegar
1 tablespoon lemon juice
2 teaspoons honey or sugar

Mustards and Spices

2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
2 teaspoons dried oregano
1 teaspoon dried basil
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper

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Instructions

Combine wet ingredients: In a small bowl or jar with a tight-fitting lid, pour in the olive oil, red wine vinegar, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, and honey. This forms the flavorful base of your dressing.
Add herbs and spices: Sprinkle in the dried oregano, dried basil, garlic powder, onion powder, crushed red pepper flakes if desired, salt, and black pepper to introduce aromatic and spicy notes.
Emulsify dressing: Whisk the mixture vigorously until fully blended and emulsified. If using a jar, secure the lid tightly and shake well to combine all the ingredients thoroughly.
Adjust seasoning: Taste the dressing and tweak the salt, pepper, or sweetness to your preference for a perfectly balanced flavor.
Refrigerate: Cover and refrigerate the dressing for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and deepen before serving.
Serve: Shake or stir the dressing before each use to remix the ingredients, then drizzle over salads or use as a marinade.

Notes

Store dressing in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
For a creamier texture, blend in 2 tablespoons of grated Parmesan cheese or 1 tablespoon of mayonnaise.
This dressing pairs excellently with green salads, pasta salads, or as a marinade for chicken and vegetables.

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