This homemade Italian Dressing is the best vinaigrette-type salad dressing made with oil, vinegar, herbs, and spices. It's quick and easy to make with simple ingredients you have on hand!
It's my go-to dressing, next to the homemade Ranch dressing and lemon vinaigrette!
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Why You'll Love This Recipe
If you feel like your salad is missing something, my bet would be on the dressing. I have the perfect Italian dressing recipe for you! It's the real deal, with the perfect balance of sweet and tangy flavors. It's so much better than anything you can find in the store!
This Italian Dressing is one of the few I currently have in my fridge and one I use all the time. Besides salads, it's delicious drizzled over chicken just before baking on a sheet pan or grilling.
So skip the bottled kind and make this Italian dressing from scratch, with simple pantry staples. It will elevate your salad, pasta salads, and sandwiches to a new level of taste!
Ingredients:
- olive oil - I recommend using the best quality oil you can get. It is the base for this dressing.
- vinegar - I prefer apple cider vinegar but white wine or red wine can be used as well.
- garlic - I prefer fresh garlic cloves and mince them but if you are in a pinch, use garlic powder.
- lemon juice - Adds bright and fresh flavor to this delicious dressing.
- honey - It balances the tangy flavors of vinegar and lemon juice so don't skip it.
- Italian seasoning - This mix of dried herbs gives the dressing its signature flavor.
- dried oregano - I always add extra oregano because it makes the dressing extra special!
Find the full list of ingredients with measurements below, in the recipe box.
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Instructions:
- Pour vinegar and olive oil into a measuring cup or jar.
- Add salt, pepper, minced garlic and crushed red pepper flakes and whisk everything together. The dressing will have a cloudy appearance.
How to use Italian dressing?
Aside from drizzling it over the fresh lettuce, tomatoes, and onions for a salad, I think it's perfect on pasta salads and sandwiches, especially ones with lots of cheese, pepperoni, and pepperoncini peppers!
I love it drizzled over roasted veggies or as a dip for focaccia, breadsticks, or toasted baguette!
Another delicious way to enjoy it is as a marinade. Place chicken in a bowl and drizzle the dressing over the meat. Toss to coat and refrigerate for at least 4 hours. You can grill it or cook it on the stove (discard the remaining marinade).
Helpful Tips!
- oil: You can use regular olive oil or extra virgin olive oil. The EVOO will have a greener hue and is stronger in flavor.
- vinegar: For vinegar, use apple cider, white or red wine vinegar. If you don't have any on hand, use white but I always recommend keeping it only for cleaning. I prefer apple cider vinegar.
- herbs: For herbs and spices, I use a mix of Italian seasoning and dried oregano.
- cheese: If you want to take the dressing to an ever higher level, add freshly grated Parmesan cheese!
Tools
- Measuring cup - I always use my 1-cup glass measuring cup for homemade dressings. It has a spout so pouring the dressing into a bottle or jar is super easy.
- Whisk - if you have a set of three in different sizes, the smallest one is the best here. Simply whisk until the dressing has a cloudy appearance. It might separate during refrigerating, so remember to shake it before use.
- Jar with lid - or a bottle for easy storage in the fridge. You can buy them in any retail store. HomeGoods has a ton of great jars and bottles for dressings!
Recipe FAQs:
I prefer apple cider vinegar to make Italian dressing but white wine or red wine vinegar works great too! I recommend saving white vinegar for cleaning.
This dressing needs to be refrigerated. Store it in a jar with a lid for up to 1 week. It might separate while sitting in your fridge. Simply shake well before using it in a salad or other recipe.
Absolutely! Drizzle the dressing over chicken breast or thighs, place in a container with a lid or a Ziploc bag and let it marinate for at least 4 hours.
More dressing recipes:
If you like this recipe and make it, let me know in the comments below! Don't forget to rate it if you enjoyed it!
Italian Dressing
Ingredients
- ¾ cup olive oil
- ¼ cup vinegar apple cider, white or red wine
- 2 cloves of garlic minced
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- ½ teaspoon honey
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients in a measuring cup or jar. Whisk well.
- Store in jar or bottle with lid for up to 1 week.
Notes
- For vinegar, use apple cider, white or red wine vinegar. If you don't have any on hand, use white but I always recommend keeping it only for cleaning. I prefer apple cider vinegar.
- It might separate while sitting in your fridge. Simply shake well before using it in a salad or other recipe.
- Please note, that the nutrition value can vary depending on what product you use. The information below is an estimate. Always use calorie counter you are familiar with.
Jola says
There is nothing better than a homemade dressing. I won't buy in the store anymore
Kathy M says
Loved this recipe. Just the right amount of sweet and heat. I usually purchase a sweet creamy Italian.....and I needed some for a pasta salad that I was in the middle of making. This is not only better.....it saved a bunch of $$....as well as a trip to the store! Thank you for posting!
Tracy says
Have you ever considered using balsamic vinegar with this dressing?
Melissa says
I love having fresh dressing to add to my salad! Thanks for a quick and easy recipe.
Sara Welch says
This was such a sweet and savory dressing that not only comes together in a snap, but is way better than the store bought version! Definitely, a new favorite dressing!
Matt says
I love Italian dressing growing up it was always my favorite besides ranch. This homemade Italian recipe is on point and so delicious!
Joel Cooper says
To make it more Italian Lite I’ve used I/2 oil and 1/2 vinegar !
Still tastes very good !
Angie says
I just tried this recipe and it is so delicious!!
I highly recommend it!!!
Anna says
Thank you so much, Angie!
Johanna Beebe says
Excellent recipe! Keep them posted......
Rowena says
Please tell me there is a mistake in the amount of calories per 2 tablespoons!!!
Anna@CrunchyCreamySweet says
Hi Rowena! The calorie amount was for the whole cup of dressing. I fixed the issue so it appears correctly now. Hope this helps!
An Clim says
Is 1 serving = 2 tbsp = 186 calories?
Anna says
Yes, typically one serving of salad dressing is 2 tablespoons. The amount of calories seems correct, even comparing to other recipes. However, the nutritional value is an estimate. You should always use a calorie counter you are familiar with. Hope this helps!
Krista says
Always good to have an italian recipe on hand at all times!
Anna@CrunchyCreamySweet says
Right? It's so easy and way better than the bottled stuff.
Erin says
This looks incredibly delicious!
Amy says
Always good to have a good italian dressing recipe on hand! I have to try yours!
TidyMom says
homemade dressing always beats the bottle!! and it's to easy not to make!!
Dee says
This is so simple! I'll have to try it this summer!
Amanda says
Such an easy recipe to follow and everyone loves it!