Remember the mustard-based Italian dressing I shared previously? It was an absolute hit with crisp garden salad, pasta bowls, grilled chicken, and roasted veggies. Whether you loved that one or not, this mayo-based, creamy Italian dressing is a richer, smooth twist that’s sure to be a new favorite!
Does the mayo on this dressing make you think it’s going to be super heavy?
Actually, it’s creamy yet bright, thanks to plenty of lemon juice and vinegar! The fresh herbs, garlic, onion powder, and a touch of oregano make this mix full of flavor and aroma. You can even use dried herbs instead of fresh ones if that’s what you have on hand. The seasoning is balanced with salt and pepper to bring out all the flavors, and the whole thing is lightly tossed with a drizzle of olive oil for a silky, smooth finish.
Still need a reason to try this creamy Italian dressing?
It’s ready in minutes and healthier than the bottled sauces or calorie-packed toppings, so you can enjoy bold, fresh flavor without any guilt!
Why You’ll Love This Creamy Italian Dressing
- Brings a creamy, rich vibe to your meal.
- Bursting with the bright freshness of herbs and lively flavor.
- Ready in minutes with simple ingredients.
- Mild, yet creamy- perfect for little ones!
- Customizable with both fresh and dried herbs.
How To Make Creamy Italian Salad Dressing
This salad dressing is so easy to make; just grab a bowl and whisk all the ingredients together.
- First, take a medium mixing bowl and add the mayonnaise, olive oil, vinegar, and lemon juice.
- Then add minced garlic, onion powder, dried oregano, thyme, basil, and parsley.
- Season the dressing with salt and black pepper.
- Whisk the ingredients until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed.
- Add a little water, whisk in if the dressing feels too thick.
- Refrigerate the dressing for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Serve this creamy homemade dressing as a salad dressing, roasted vegetables, or as a dip.
- You can store this homemade salad dressing in a jar or a container with a cover.
Drizzle, Mix, and Upgrade The Classic Italian Dressing!
Just because it’s a classic recipe doesn’t mean you can’t tweak it your way! Mix, match, and play around- here are some ideas to try with this dressing:
Spicy Italian Kick
When I have grilled chicken, I expect my dressing to be a little spicier. For that kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce- just enough to wake up the flavors without overpowering the creamy base.
Garlic Parmesan
With pasta bowls and a crisp salad, there’s nothing better than a garlic parmesan dressing! Simply stir in a handful of freshly grated Parmesan and some minced garlic cloves for a salty, nutty, and delicious bite.
Avocado Creamy Italian
Get used to a healthy upgrade with the avocado creamy Italian. Blend half a ripe avocado with mayo, olive oil, vinegar, and herbs, and adjust the seasoning for a creamy dressing ready in minutes!
Mediterranean Lemon Cream
Add Greek yogurt and fresh lemon juice to the mix for a creamy, tangy boost. Enjoy the Mediterranean flavors over grain bowls, crisp salads, and roasted veggies for a light and refreshing meal.
Vegan Herb Cream
For a plant-based diet, choose vegan mayo or cashew cream for the creamy base. Add fresh or dried herbs and enjoy a dairy-free dressing drizzled over sandwiches, pasta salads, tofu and chickpeas.
Balsamic Elegance
Swap the red or white wine vinegar for a splash of balsamic vinegar. The subtle sweetness helps balance the richness of the mayo while keeping the herbs bright and flavorful.
Pro Tips For Nailing Your Creamy Italian Dressing
Making creamy Italian dressing is pretty straightforward, but a few tips from the pros can make it extra delicious! Here are some pointers to get that perfect balance of flavor and creaminess:
- Use fresh ingredients- herbs, garlic, and lemon juice- as much as possible to get the brightest, most vibrant flavor.
- Do NOT overmix the dressing- gently stir until all the ingredients are combined to maintain a creamy texture.
- Use a good-quality extra virgin olive oil for a rich and smooth texture.
- Let the dressing chill in the fridge for 30 minutes before serving for the best result.
- Lightly roast the garlic before adding it to the dressing to give it a sweet and mild flavor.
Creamy Italian Dressing
Ingredients
- â…“ cup Mayonnaise
- ¼ cup Olive Oil
- 3 tbsp White Wine Vinegar
- 1-2 tbsp Lemon Juice
- 1 clove Garlic (minced)
- ¼ tsp Onion Powder
- ½ tsp Dried Oregano
- ½ tsp Thyme
- ½ tsp Dried Basil (1 tbsp Fresh Basil)
- 1 tbsp Fresh Parsley (chopped/1 tsp Dried Parsley)
- Salt (to taste)
- Black Pepper (to taste)
- 1-2 tbsp Water (optional, for thinning)
Equipments
Instructions
Combine The Creamy Base
- Grab a medium mixing bowl and add the mayonnaise, olive oil, vinegar and lemon juice to form the base of the dressing.
- Whisk the ingredients until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
Add Flavorings
- Stir in minced garlic, onion powder, dried oregano, thyme, basil and parsley.
- Mix thoroughly until the garlic and herbs are fully blended into the creamy base.
Season and Adjust Consistency
- Season the dressing with salt and black pepper. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed.
- Whisk in a little water if the dressing feels too thick. Keep adding it gradually and mixing until you reach your desired consistency.
Chill, Serve, and Enjoy
- Transfer the Italian dressing to a jar or a container with a cover.
- Refrigerate the dressing for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Serve the deliciously creamy Italian dressing over your favorite salad, roasted veggies, or use it as a dip!
Notes
- Instead of white wine vinegar, you can use apple cider vinegar or white distilled vinegar. If you use white distilled vinegar, first use 1 and 1/2 tbsp, then taste it, then add more if you want.
- If you want to substitute mayonnaise in creamy Italian dressing, you can use Greek yogurt, sour cream, or plain unsweetened yogurt.
In my house, this creamy Italian dressing is loved by everyone- little kids, picky eaters, and even the elders who usually like to stick to classics. My kids love it drizzled over their veggie sticks, my husband piles it on sandwiches, and even my parents ask for it with their salads. That’s the beauty of this dressing- you can tweak it however you want.
From pizza to grain bowls, this creamy Italian dressing recipe is perfect for drizzling, smearing, and dunking on basically everything. Even on busy days, having a jar of this dressing in the fridge means I can add a quick, tasty drizzle anytime!
Recipe FAQs
How Long Does Homemade Italian Dressing Last?
Homemade creamy Italian dressing usually stays fresh for about 5-7 days if stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Why Does My Dressing Feel A Bit Bland?
Your dressing may just need salt and pepper to bring the flavors to life. Try adding a splash of vinegar or lemon juice if it tastes too flat.
How Do I Fix Overly Garlicky Dressing?
Add more mayo, yogurt or avocado to mellow out the garlic smell. Next time, use garlic powder instead of raw garlic for the perfect balance of flavor.
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