There's nothing quite like homemade dressing, and this homemade Italian dressing recipe is a total game-changer if you love fresh, flavorful salads. Don't settle for store-bought when you can whip up something so much better at home!
This recipe is quick, easy, and comes together in under 5 minutes-perfect for elevating your salads with vibrant, fresh flavors you'll crave again and again.
If the idea of making your own dressings has ever felt intimidating, this is the perfect recipe to get you started. It's simple, foolproof, and packed with flavor! I must admit, I've been just a little obsessed with this dressing lately! Made with pantry staples like vinegar, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper, plus a zesty kick from fresh garlic, Parmesan cheese, and a squeeze of lemon juice.
You can easily swap fresh herbs for the dried herbs, it's an effortless way to take your salads to the next level with bold, fresh flavors. I LOVE to add fresh herbs to salads and if you do too, you love my smoked chicken salad, little gem salad or Italian chopped salad.
Why Homemade Dressing Tastes Better
The only thing better than making your own Italian dressing is realizing how much better it tastes compared to a bottled dressing. With no fillers like xanthan gum or artificial preservatives, the fresh flavor of this dressing truly shines. Plus, making your own salad dressing allows you to adjust the flavor to suit your taste buds.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Burst of Flavor: This zesty homemade Italian dressing is made with a simple blend of quality oils, vinegars, and herbs, delivering fresh flavor in every bite.
- No Artificial Ingredients: Unlike a store-bought bottle, this recipe is free of preservatives and unnecessary fillers.
- Quick and Easy: With just a few minutes and a mason jar, you'll have a delicious dressing ready to go.
- Multi-Purpose: Works as a salad dressing, marinade, or a finishing drizzle for grain salads, sandwiches, or roasted veggies.
Tips for the Best Italian Dressing
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh garlic, Parmesan cheese, and lemon juice make a world of difference.
- Quality Oils Matter: Opt for quality extra-virgin olive oil for a more robust flavor.
Ingredients for Homemade Italian Dressing
- White Wine Vinegar: Adds a tangy, crisp flavor.
- Red Wine Vinegar: Adds depth for a more robust taste.
- Dijon Mustard: Helps emulsify the dressing and adds a little zing.
- Garlic: Fresh garlic is key for a bold, savory flavor.
- Honey: Balances the acidity with a touch of sweetness.
- Lemon Juice: Adds a pop of freshness.
- Crushed Red Pepper: For a touch of heat. Optional but I highly recommend.
- Italian Seasoning: Classic spice flavor for this dressing.
- Dried Oregano: Adds an herby earthiness.
- Parmesan Cheese: Brings a classic richness and a nutty flavor to this dressing.
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil: Another classic Italian flavor.
- Neutral Oil: Balances the olive oil to prevent bitterness-try avocado oil, canola or vegetable oil.
- Salt + Black Pepper: Adjust to taste for seasoning.
How to Make Italian Dressing
Option 1: The Shake Method
- Add all ingredients to a mason jar with a tight-fitting lid. Give it a good shake until everything is fully combined. Adjust seasoning with salt and black pepper, if needed.
Option 2: Emulsified Dressing
- Use a personal blender: Add all ingredients and blend until combined. Easy peasy.
- OR: Combine all ingredients except the oils, salt, and pepper in a tall container. Use an immersion blender while slowly drizzling in the olive oil until the mixture is creamy and emulsified. Season to taste.
Chef's Tip: Let the dressing sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.
Uses for Italian Dressing
- Salads: Toss it with a simple green lettuce salad, this hearty Italian chopped salad, or grain salad for a burst of flavor.
- Marinades: Use it to marinate chicken thighs, fish, or roasted vegetables.
- Pasta Salad: This dressing is the perfect partner for a colorful summer pasta salad.
- Sandwiches and sliders: Drizzle on sandwiches to add extra flavor or use it on these Italian chicken sliders..... so good!
Storage
Store your dressing in a mason jar or an airtight container in the fridge for up to one week. The Parmesan may cause the dressing to separate slightly, so give it a good shake before each use.
Recipe
Homemade Italian Dressing
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*Easily adjust serving size to your liking by clicking the number under servings or with the boxes below in the ingredients section.
Equipment
- Mason Jar
Ingredients
- ¼ cup white wine vinegar or white balsamic
- 1 tablespoon Red Wine Vinegar
- ½ tablespoon Dijon Mustard I used Grey Poupon
- 1 clove Fresh Garlic minced or grated
- 1 tablespoon Honey
- 1 teaspoon Lemon Juice
- ¼ teaspoon Crushed Red Pepper Flakes optional
- 1 teaspoon Italian Seasoning
- ½ teaspoon Dried Oregano
- ¼ cup Parmesan Cheese
- ¼ cup Olive Oil extra virgin
- ¼ cup Neutral Oil sunflower, avocado, canola
- ½ teaspoon Salt
- ¼ teaspoon Black Pepper freshly cracked
Instructions
- Mason jar or personal blender method: In a mason jar or personal blender, combine all ingredients and blend or shake well until thoroughly mixed.
- Immersion blender method: Combine all ingredients except the oils, salt, and pepper in a tall container. Use an immersion blender while slowly drizzling in the olive oil until the mixture is creamy and emulsified. Season to taste.
- Storage: Keep leftover dressing in an airtight container in the fridge for up to one week. Shake well before each use.
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