Today’s Italian dressing is my secret weapon whenever I am out of time or need to whip up a quick meal. Just a spoonful and even simple dishes like spaghetti salad, cucumber salad, and pasta salad come alive with flavor!
You know how most dressings usually make meals heavier with cream and mayonnaise?
Well, this Italian doesn’t- it’s fresh, zesty, and made with heart-healthy ingredients like olive oil and herbs! Instead of artificial flavors, this dressing uses real stuff like garlic, lemon juice, and aromatic herbs to bring out natural, vibrant flavor.
The original flavor of this Italian salad dressing is meant to be zesty and tangy. But if you don’t like it exactly as is, just adjust the seasoning- it’s totally customizable to your taste.
The best part about this homemade salad dressing is how you can make it ahead and store it in the fridge for days. It doesn’t lose its flavor, and every spoonful tastes just as vibrant as when you first made it!
Why You’ll Love This Italian Dressing Recipe
- Bright, fresh flavors from lemon and herbs.
- Balanced sweetness with honey or sugar.
- Made with wholesome and heart-healthy ingredients.
- Customizable spice, sweetness, or tang to match your taste.
- No hidden additives to worry about!
Upgrade Your Homemade Italian Dressing!
Italian dressing is versatile and full of flavor. Just tweak a few ingredients, and you will get a totally different taste every time!
Spicy Italian
Need a spicy kick? Add more red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne pepper for extra heat.
Creamy Vinaigrette
For a creamier texture, stir in Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, or sour cream and enjoy it with crisp salads, roasted veggies, and pasta dishes!
Vegan-Friendly
If you are following a vegan diet, just stick to olive oil, vinegar, and herbs in the recipe. Skip the honey and any dairy elements for a fresh, plant-based dressing.
Garlic Overloaded
Love the bold flavor of garlic in your dish? Add fresh or roasted garlic to your dressing for an irresistible punch of flavor!
Sweet Balsamic
Use balsamic vinegar to enjoy a richer, slightly sweeter, and tangier flavor. This dressing particularly goes well with greens, grilled chicken, and grated Parmesan cheese.
Lemony Herb
Make your dressing extra bright with your favorite herbs like basil, parsley, thyme and dill. Add a little more lemon juice and stir well for a tangy, herby flavor that’s perfect for summer treats!
Beyond The Salad Bowl: Delicious Serving Ideas
Dressing doesn’t belong in salad bowls only! Here are some ideas to get creative and boost other dishes:
Marinade
The acids and herbs in Italian dressing help tenderize and marinate proteins like chicken, fish, tofu and shrimp.
Grilled/Roasted Veggies
Drizzle the dressing over roasted or grilled veggies like bell peppers, zucchini, carrots or asparagus for an instant flavor boost.
Pasta and Grains
Toss the dressing with pasta, rice or quinoa for a light and refreshing meal.
Dipping Sauce
Use this dressing as a dipping sauce for breadsticks, veggies, crunchy crackers or your favorite snacks- it’s simple and delicious!
Spread
Spread this dressing on sandwiches, burgers or wraps instead of mayo and heavy sauces for lighter and healthier bites.
Quick Hacks For Dressing Mishaps
Mistakes like over-seasoning or making it too tangy can always happen. Don’t stress- just take a breath, figure out the problem, and use these quick hacks to fix it in no time!
Balance Sweetness
If your dressing tastes too tangy or spicy, balance the flavor with a pinch of sugar or a drizzle of honey.
Add Acidity
Missing the tang? Brighten up the flavor with a squeeze of lemon juice or extra vinegar.
Adjust Consistency
Too thin? Whisk in a bit of water or more olive oil to reach your desired consistency.
Boost Flavor
If the dressing tastes a bit bland, add more seasoning, red pepper flakes, dried or fresh herbs, or extra garlic to boost its flavor.
Revive Leftovers
Dressing may separate a bit after sitting in the refrigerator. Don’t worry- just whisk the mixture or give it a good shake and it will be as good as new.
Italian Dressing Recipe
Ingredients
- ½ cup Extra Virgin Olive Oil
- 2 tbsp Fresh Lemon Juice
- 3 tbsp White Vinegar / White Wine Vinegar
- 1 clove of Garlic (minced)
- 1 tsp Dried Oregano
- ¼ tsp Red Pepper Flakes
- 1 tsp Dijon Mustard
- 1 tsp Sugar or Honey (to balance the acidity)
- ½ tsp Salt
- 1 tbsp Fresh Basil (½ tsp Dried Basil)
- 1 tbsp Fresh Parsley (chopped)
- ½ tsp Freshly Cracked Black Pepper
Instructions
Add Vinegar, Lemon Juice, and Spices
- Grab a mixing bowl and combine extra virgin olive oil, fresh lemon juice, and vinegar/ white wine vinegar.
- Add minced garlic, dried oregano, and red pepper flakes to season the dressing.
Mix In Garlic, Mustard, and Herbs
- Add Dijon mustard, sugar and salt to balance the flavor.
- Sprinkle basil, fresh parsley, and black pepper to garnish the dressing.
- Whisk thoroughly until the dressing thickens and all the ingredients are well blended.
Taste, Adjust, and Serve
- Taste and see if the dressing needs more salt or lemon juice.
- Pour the prepared dressing over the salad or your favorite veggies.
- Serve the Italian dressing immediately or store it in the fridge for later use.
I often make this Italian dressing and keep a jar stocked for those last-minute situations like early lunches or midnight snacks. The flavors and ingredients are so tasty, they pretty much go with anything on your plate!
For my kids who love pasta, I tone down the red pepper flakes, and now they choose this tangy, flavorful dressing over the packet sauces they used to like. This easy homemade Italian dressing is so versatile– it makes chicken, veggies, pasta, and even a simple salad taste extra delicious. Perfect for both kids and grown-ups, it’s a wholesome, tasty alternative to store-bought sauces!
Recipe FAQs
Can I Use A Different Oil To Make Italian Dressing?
Yes, you can use avocado oil, grapeseed oil, or sunflower oil to make this Italian dressing.
How Long Does The Italian Dressing Last In The Fridge?
You can store the homemade dressing in a sealed jar in the fridge for up to 7 days.
How Do I Make The Dressing Kid-Friendly?
For kids to enjoy this dressing, reduce or skip the red pepper flakes and add a touch of honey if desired.
Leave a Reply