Homemade Italian Dressing

The beauty of homemade Italian dressing lies in how simple ingredients come together to create something so flavorful. The tangy vinegar, the richness of olive oil, and the perfect balance of seasonings—garlic, oregano, and a little bit of sugar—meld into a dressing that makes every salad feel special. As you whisk everything together, you’ll notice the way the garlic and herbs infuse the oil, giving it a depth of flavor that bottled versions just can’t match. And don’t forget the fresh ground black pepper; it adds that little kick that brings the dressing to life. The best part? You can adjust the seasonings to suit your taste—add a touch more sugar for sweetness or an extra sprinkle of oregano for that herb-forward taste. It’s the kind of dressing that not only enhances your salads but also makes a great marinade for grilled vegetables or chicken. The versatility is endless, and the flavor is always spot-on, no matter how many times you make it.

Key Ingredients in Homemade Italian Dressing

When it comes to making your own Italian dressing, each ingredient plays a vital role in creating the perfect balance of flavor. From the smooth richness of olive oil to the zesty tang of vinegar, here’s a closer look at what you’ll need to bring this dressing to life.

* Olive oil

The base of your dressing, olive oil brings richness and a fruity, slightly peppery flavor. It helps to balance out the acidity of the vinegar and gives the dressing its silky texture.

* Red wine vinegar

This vinegar provides the tangy, sharp bite that Italian dressing is known for. It brings brightness and balances the richness of the olive oil, giving the dressing that delightful zing.

* Dijon mustard

Dijon mustard adds a subtle, spicy kick and helps to emulsify the dressing, allowing the oil and vinegar to come together smoothly. Its slight tang also complements the vinegar’s acidity.

* Honey

A touch of sweetness from honey rounds out the dressing, balancing the tanginess of the vinegar and the spice from the mustard. It adds depth without being overpowering.

* Garlic powder

Garlic powder gives a warm, aromatic flavor to the dressing. It infuses the oil and vinegar with that classic garlic kick without being too pungent or overwhelming.

* Onion powder

Onion powder offers a mild, savory flavor that adds depth to the dressing, creating a more rounded and complex taste.

* Dried oregano

Oregano is the quintessential herb in Italian cuisine. Its earthy, slightly bitter flavor gives the dressing its Mediterranean flair and adds complexity to the overall taste.

* Dried basil

Basil brings a sweet, slightly peppery flavor that complements the oregano. Together, they create the herb-forward profile that makes this dressing so distinctive.

* Salt

Salt enhances all the flavors in the dressing, bringing balance to the tanginess and sweetness. It helps the other ingredients shine and prevents the dressing from tasting flat.

* Black pepper

Freshly ground black pepper adds a mild heat and a touch of spice, giving the dressing that little extra kick that ties everything together.

How to Make Homemade Italian Dressing

1. Combine the olive oil and red wine vinegar

In a medium-sized bowl, add olive oil and red wine vinegar. These two ingredients form the base of your dressing, so make sure they are measured correctly for the perfect balance of richness and tang.

2. Add the Dijon mustard and honey

Next, add Dijon mustard and honey to the bowl. The mustard will give the dressing a little spicy bite, while the honey balances it with sweetness. These ingredients also help with emulsifying the dressing, ensuring everything blends together smoothly.

3. Whisk the ingredients together

Whisk the olive oil, vinegar, mustard, and honey until the mustard and honey are fully incorporated into the oil and vinegar. You’ll notice the mixture starting to come together into a silky consistency.

4. Stir in the garlic powder and onion powder

Now, add garlic powder and onion powder. Stir them in thoroughly to distribute the savory flavors evenly throughout the dressing. The garlic powder will infuse the mixture with a warm, aromatic essence, while the onion powder adds a subtle depth.

5. Add the dried oregano and dried basil

Sprinkle in dried oregano and dried basil. These Mediterranean herbs bring the unmistakable flavor that gives your dressing an authentic Italian twist. Make sure they are evenly mixed in for that perfect herb-forward taste.

6. Sprinkle in the salt and black pepper

Add a pinch of salt and a few cracks of black pepper to taste. The salt will bring all the flavors together, while the pepper adds a subtle spicy kick. Adjust the amount based on your flavor preference.

7. Continue whisking until smooth

Whisk the dressing vigorously until all the ingredients are well blended, and the dressing becomes smooth. At this point, you should see everything coming together into a silky and cohesive mix.

8. Taste and adjust the seasoning

Taste your dressing and see if it needs any adjustments. You might want to add more salt, pepper, or honey to suit your taste buds. It’s all about getting the right balance that makes your salad sing!

9. Pour the dressing into a clean jar or bottle

Once your dressing is perfectly seasoned, pour it into a clean jar or bottle for easy storage. A mason jar works great for this!

10. Seal and refrigerate the dressing

Seal the jar or bottle with a lid and refrigerate your homemade dressing. The cold helps the flavors to meld together even further.

11. Shake or stir before use

Before using, give the jar a good shake or stir the dressing to redistribute any ingredients that may have separated during storage. This ensures the dressing stays smooth and ready to coat your favorite salad!

Serving Suggestions for Homemade Italian Dressing

– Tossed Green Salad

The classic choice! Drizzle your homemade dressing over a bed of fresh, crisp greens like romaine, arugula, or spinach. Add a few cherry tomatoes and cucumber slices for extra crunch and a burst of color. It’s a salad that will feel like a special treat with every bite.

– Grilled Vegetables

Use your Italian dressing as a marinade for grilled vegetables. Bell peppers, zucchini, and eggplant soak up all the tangy goodness, becoming tender and flavorful once grilled. A perfect side dish for any BBQ or dinner!

– Chicken or Pasta Salad

Want to jazz up your chicken or pasta salad? Pour your homemade dressing over it for a quick and easy way to infuse a burst of flavor. It pairs wonderfully with roasted chicken breast or even mozzarella balls, adding that herby, zesty touch everyone will love.

How to Store Homemade Italian Dressing

To keep your homemade Italian dressing fresh and flavorful, proper storage is key. Here are a few simple tips to ensure it stays as delicious as the first time you made it:

– Refrigerate in an airtight container

Once you’ve made your dressing, pour it into a mason jar or any airtight container. Seal it tightly and store it in the refrigerator. This helps keep the flavors vibrant and prevents any separation of the ingredients.

– Shake or stir before use

As the dressing sits in the fridge, the oil and vinegar may separate. Before each use, give it a good shake or stir to reincorporate the ingredients. This keeps it smooth and ready to coat your salads or veggies.

– Use within two weeks

For the best taste and quality, try to use your homemade dressing within two weeks. The flavors will be at their peak, and you’ll get the freshest experience each time you drizzle it on your meals.

Conclusion

And there you have it—your very own homemade Italian dressing! With just a few simple ingredients and a little whisking magic, you’ve got a versatile, flavor-packed dressing that will elevate any salad, marinade, or even a pasta dish. Whether you’re drizzling it on greens, tossing it with veggies, or using it to bring a new twist to your favorite chicken recipe, this dressing is sure to be a go-to in your kitchen.

I hope you had fun making this! Don’t forget, you can always tweak the flavors to make it just right for your taste. Have you tried it yet? What did you think? Let me know your thoughts or any questions you have—I love hearing from fellow home cooks. And if you need any help or advice while making the recipe, I’m here for it!

Enjoy your homemade dressing, and happy cooking!

Print Recipe

Homemade Italian Dressing

Author: Emily Roberts Courses: Lunch

Difficulty: Beginner Prep Time 5 mins Total Time 5 mins

Calories: 150

Description

A tangy blend of zesty vinegar, aromatic herbs, and a touch of garlic, this homemade Italian dressing brings a burst of flavor to any salad or dish. It’s fresh, vibrant, and perfectly balances savory, tangy, and herby notes—an irresistible addition to your meals!

Ingredients

Scale

1/2x 1x 2x 3x

• ¹⁄₂ cup olive oil

• ¹⁄₄ cup red wine vinegar

• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard

• 1 tablespoon honey

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

• 1 teaspoon onion powder

• ¹⁄₂ teaspoon dried oregano

• ¹⁄₂ teaspoon dried basil

• ¹⁄₄ teaspoon salt

• ¹⁄₄ teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

1. In a medium-sized bowl, combine the olive oil and red wine vinegar.
2. Add the Dijon mustard and honey to the mixture.
3. Whisk the ingredients together until the mustard and honey are fully incorporated into the oil and vinegar.
4. Stir in the garlic powder and onion powder.
5. Add the dried oregano and dried basil to the bowl.
6. Sprinkle in the salt and black pepper.
7. Continue whisking until all the ingredients are well blended and the dressing is smooth.
8. Taste the dressing and adjust the seasoning if necessary, adding more salt, pepper, or honey to suit your preference.
9. Pour the dressing into a clean jar or bottle for storage.
10. Seal the jar or bottle with a lid and refrigerate the dressing.
11. Before using, shake or stir the dressing to redistribute any ingredients that may have separated during storage.

Note

• For a creamier dressing, add 1-2 tablespoons of mayonnaise or Greek yogurt.
• For a tangier flavor, increase the amount of red wine vinegar or add a splash of lemon juice.
• If you prefer a thicker consistency, blend the dressing in a food processor for a smoother texture.
• Use raw honey for a more natural sweetness and richer flavor.
• This dressing can be stored in the fridge for up to two weeks.

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