What ingredients do I need to make homemade Italian dressing?

To make homemade Italian dressing, you'll typically need olive oil (extra-virgin or a neutral vegetable oil), red or white wine vinegar, lemon juice, garlic powder or fresh garlic, dried herbs like oregano, basil, and parsley, crushed red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. Some recipes also call for a touch of honey or sugar to balance acidity and optionally, grated Parmesan cheese for extra flavor.

How do I make Italian dressing from scratch at home?

Combine all the ingredients—oil, vinegar, lemon juice, herbs, spices, and sweetener if using—in a jar with a tight-fitting lid. Shake vigorously until the dressing is well blended. You can also whisk the ingredients in a bowl or use a blender for a smoother texture. Remember to shake again before using, as the dressing tends to separate over time.

How long does homemade Italian dressing last and how should I store it?

Homemade Italian dressing keeps well for up to two weeks when stored in a sealed airtight container or jar in the refrigerator. The oil may thicken or solidify in the fridge, but it will return to its normal consistency once it warms up to room temperature. Always shake the dressing before serving.

Can I use fresh herbs instead of dried herbs in Italian dressing?

Yes, you can substitute fresh herbs for dried ones in Italian dressing. However, use about three times the amount of fresh herbs because they have a milder flavor compared to dried herbs. Fresh herbs like basil, oregano, and parsley can add a brighter taste to your dressing.

What are some versatile ways to use Italian dressing besides salads?

Italian dressing is great not only for salads but also as a marinade for chicken, pork, or vegetables. It can be tossed with pasta for a quick pasta salad, drizzled over roasted or grilled veggies, or used as a flavorful spread for sandwiches and wraps. This versatility makes it a handy ingredient in many recipes.

Italian Dressing Recipe: Easy Homemade Tips You'll Love

Name: Italian Dressing
Prep time: 35 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: ¾ cup extra-virgin olive oil; ¼ cup white wine vinegar (or red wine vinegar, or half of each); 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice; 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard; 1 teaspoon honey (or maple syrup for a vegan option); 1 clove fresh garlic, minced (or 1 teaspoon garlic powder or ¾ teaspoon garlic salt); 1 teaspoon dried oregano; ¾ teaspoon dried parsley; ½ teaspoon dried thyme (optional); ½ teaspoon dried basil (optional); Sea salt to taste (about ¾ teaspoon); Freshly ground black pepper to taste (about ½ teaspoon); Optional: 3 tablespoons freshly grated Parmesan cheese; Optional: Pinch of crushed red pepper flakes for a touch of heat; Optional: 2 tablespoons water to mellow the vinaigrette (can be omitted)

Ingredients

Scale

¾ cup extra-virgin olive oil

¼ cup white wine vinegar (or red wine vinegar, or half of each)

1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice

1 teaspoon Dijon mustard

1 teaspoon honey (or maple syrup for a vegan option)

1 clove fresh garlic, minced (or 1 teaspoon garlic powder or ¾ teaspoon garlic salt)

1 teaspoon dried oregano

¾ teaspoon dried parsley

½ teaspoon dried thyme (optional)

½ teaspoon dried basil (optional)

Sea salt to taste (about ¾ teaspoon)

Freshly ground black pepper to taste (about ½ teaspoon)

Optional: 3 tablespoons freshly grated Parmesan cheese

Optional: Pinch of crushed red pepper flakes for a touch of heat

Optional: 2 tablespoons water to mellow the vinaigrette (can be omitted)

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Instructions

Gather Ingredients: Assemble ¾ cup extra-virgin olive oil, ¼ cup white wine vinegar (or red wine vinegar, or half of each), 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice, 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard, 1 teaspoon honey (or maple syrup for a vegan version), 1 clove fresh garlic (minced) or 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon dried oregano, ¾ teaspoon dried parsley, ½ teaspoon dried thyme (optional), ½ teaspoon dried basil (optional), sea salt (about ¾ teaspoon), freshly ground black pepper (about ½ teaspoon), and optional items like 3 tablespoons freshly grated Parmesan cheese, a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes, and 2 tablespoons water (to mellow the vinaigrette).

Combine Base Ingredients: In a bowl or jar with a tight-fitting lid, mix the olive oil, vinegar, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, and honey. Use a whisk or shake vigorously until well combined.

Add Seasonings: Stir in the minced garlic (or powder), dried oregano, parsley, thyme, basil, salt, and black pepper. Whisk or shake to combine fully.

Adjust and Enhance: If desired, add Parmesan cheese for richness and crushed red pepper flakes for heat. Incorporate 2 tablespoons water if you prefer a milder acidity.

Rest and Meld Flavors: Refrigerate the dressing for at least 30 minutes before serving to let the flavors blend perfectly.

Serve: Shake or whisk the dressing well before each use, especially after refrigeration, as ingredients may separate or solidify slightly.

Last Step:

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Notes

🧄 Use fresh garlic and fresh lemon juice for the best flavor compared to powders or bottled versions.
🧀 Adding Parmesan cheese enhances the flavor, imparting a richer, creamier taste.
🌶️ A pinch of crushed red pepper flakes adds subtle heat for those who like a bit of spice.

Author: Brandi Oshea
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Chill time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Category: Dressing
Method: Whisking
Cuisine: Italian
Diet: Gluten-Free

Nutrition

Serving Size: 2 tablespoons
Calories: 130-180 kcal
Sugar: 0 g
Sodium: 220-250 mg
Fat: 14-20 g
Saturated Fat: 3 g
Unsaturated Fat: 11-17 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 1 g
Fiber: 0 g
Protein: 1 g
Cholesterol: 0 mg