If you love salads with a bold, tangy kick, you’re in for a treat with this Homemade Italian Dressing. It strikes the perfect balance—zesty from red wine vinegar, lively with dried herbs, and rounded out with just a touch of sweetness. This dressing is a game-changer for greens, pasta salads, sub sandwiches, and honestly, just about any fresh veggie you have on hand. Once you see how quick and easy it is to make, you’ll never want to go back to store-bought bottles!
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe is proof that incredible flavor starts with just a handful of pantry staples. Each ingredient comes together for the signature harmony you expect from classic Homemade Italian Dressing—no fancy equipment, just real, flavorful food at its best.
- Olive oil: The heart of any Italian vinaigrette, lending richness and a silky mouthfeel that ties everything together.
- Red wine vinegar: The bold, fruity tang that gives the dressing its unmistakable character.
- Lemon juice: Adds a fresh burst of citrus to brighten the overall flavor.
- Dijon mustard: Not just for depth, but it also helps emulsify the oil and vinegar.
- Honey or maple syrup: A hint of sweetness balances the acidity beautifully—you pick your favorite!
- Dried oregano: The quintessential Italian herb, bringing that classic savory essence.
- Dried basil: Aromatic and sweet, basil rounds out the herbal component.
- Garlic powder: Enough garlicky zing, without the harsh bite of raw garlic.
- Onion powder: Provides a mellow, savory undertone that supports the other flavors.
- Salt: Essential for making every ingredient pop—you’ll really taste the difference!
- Black pepper: A little sharpness for subtle heat.
- Crushed red pepper flakes (optional): Totally up to you, but a pinch wakes up the whole blend with gentle heat.
How to Make Homemade Italian Dressing
Step 1: Combine Your Liquids
Grab a small mixing bowl or a jar with a tight-fitting lid—whatever you prefer! Add the olive oil, red wine vinegar, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, and honey or maple syrup. Starting with the liquid ingredients helps the dressing emulsify more smoothly and thoroughly.
Step 2: Add the Herbs and Seasonings
Sprinkle in the dried oregano, dried basil, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and (if you like a little heat) the crushed red pepper flakes. Here’s where that unmistakable Homemade Italian Dressing flavor really starts to come together!
Step 3: Whisk or Shake
If you’re using a bowl, grab a whisk and stir briskly until the dressing is completely combined and looks creamy. If you opted for a jar, simply screw on the lid tightly and shake, shake, shake! The key is to whisk or shake vigorously so the oil and vinegar come together seamlessly—this is what makes every bite irresistible.
Step 4: Taste and Adjust
Scoop up a spoonful and give it a taste. Maybe you want a touch more tang, sweetness, or salt. Don’t be afraid to adjust the flavor to suit your personal preferences. Remember, great Homemade Italian Dressing is all about balance!
Step 5: Serve or Store
If you’re ready to enjoy it right away, go ahead and drizzle it over your favorite salad. If not, pop it in the fridge. The flavors only deepen as it sits, making it even more delicious the next day! Don’t forget to shake or whisk again before each use, as the ingredients may settle.
How to Serve Homemade Italian Dressing
Garnishes
This dressing is so flexible—it’s delicious just the way it is, but you can jazz it up with a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan or a handful of chopped fresh herbs like parsley or basil right before serving. Even a grind of extra black pepper can make the final dish pop.
Side Dishes
Homemade Italian Dressing doesn’t have to be reserved just for leafy green salads. It’s amazing drizzled over grilled vegetables, swirled through pasta salad, or even as a marinade for chicken or shrimp. Pair it with crusty bread for dipping, or serve it alongside classic Italian mains for an extra burst of flavor.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties, pour the dressing into a pretty glass jar or a small carafe for easy, elegant serving. You can also create mini salad jars for picnics—layer your greens and toppings, then include a splash of Homemade Italian Dressing at the bottom. At mealtime, just shake everything up for a portable, mess-free salad.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Homemade Italian Dressing will keep in an airtight container or jar in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. As it sits, the oil may solidify a touch, but that’s totally normal. Give it a good shake or let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes to bring it back to life.
Freezing
While vinaigrette-style dressings aren’t ideal for freezing (the texture can change and the emulsion may break), this recipe can technically be frozen in a pinch. If you do, store it in a tightly sealed jar and thaw in the refrigerator. Be sure to re-emulsify by whisking or shaking before using.
Reheating
You don’t need to reheat this dressing, but if the olive oil has thickened in the fridge, try warming the jar briefly under hot tap water or letting it rest out at room temperature. After that, shake well to reincorporate any separated ingredients.
FAQs
What’s the best oil to use for Homemade Italian Dressing?
Extra-virgin olive oil is my favorite because it’s rich and flavorful, but any neutral olive oil will work. Just pick one you love the taste of, since it shines through in this dressing.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
Absolutely! Simply use maple syrup instead of honey. It still offers just the right touch of sweetness, making your Homemade Italian Dressing entirely plant-based.
How do I make the dressing creamier?
If you prefer a creamier texture, blend in a tablespoon of mayonnaise or Greek yogurt. For added richness and flavor, a shower of grated Parmesan works beautifully, too.
Can I use fresh herbs instead of dried?
You sure can! Fresh herbs add a beautiful pop of color and flavor. Triple the amounts if subbing fresh for dried—so use about 2 tablespoons fresh oregano and 1 tablespoon fresh basil for the brightest results.
Is this dressing gluten-free?
Yes, as written, this Homemade Italian Dressing is naturally gluten-free. Just double-check your mustard brand to ensure it doesn’t contain any additives or thickeners with gluten.
Final Thoughts
Once you’ve whipped up this bright and zesty Homemade Italian Dressing, I don’t think you’ll ever look back. It’s simple, endlessly tasty, and so much better than anything from the store. I hope you love it as much as I do—go ahead and make your salads sing!
Print
Homemade Italian Dressing Recipe
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free, Vegan
Description
Learn how to make a delicious homemade Italian dressing that is perfect for salads or as a marinade. This vinaigrette is easy to prepare and bursting with flavor.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
- ¾ cup olive oil
- ¼ cup red wine vinegar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 2 teaspoons honey or maple syrup
Seasonings:
- 2 teaspoons dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- pinch of crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients: In a small bowl or jar, mix together olive oil, red wine vinegar, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, and honey. Add oregano, basil, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if desired.
- Blend: Whisk or shake vigorously until well blended and emulsified.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
- Store: Refrigerate for up to 1 week. Shake well before each use.
Notes
- For a creamier texture, mix in 1 tablespoon of mayonnaise or Greek yogurt.
- Enhance richness by adding grated Parmesan cheese.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Condiment
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 tablespoons
- Calories: 130
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 140mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
