Nothing does the job quite like Italian dressing in transforming a simple bowl of salad into a delicious masterpiece. This classic 3-step recipe for Italian salad dressing is easy, quick, simple, and versatile.
Homemade Italian salad dressing has become a staple in my kitchen. It’s the perfect balance of tangy, savory, and herbaceous flavors. It’s not just a vinaigrette; it’s an experience - the kind of dressing that excites even kids about eating vegetables!
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Why you'll love Italian dressing?
Super easy and tastes so much better than anything you’d buy from the store
Free of preservatives and emulsifiers and with no excess sodium
All the ingredients are in your control and pantry staples
A go-to for a quick weeknight dinner or a festive gathering
Very versatile: toss as vinaigrette with veggies that need to be used up, marinade for grilled chicken, paneer, or tofu, or sauce for any meal
Recipe ingredients
Oil: It’s the fat that enhances the flavor of the dressing.
Lemon juice: the acid brightens the dressing. Fresh or bottled will do.
Honey: balances the acidity.
Vinegar: red wine or white vinegar. If you don’t have either, use apple cider vinegar.
Aromatics: minced garlic or powder along with onion powder.
Spices: dried parsley, dried basil, dried oregano for the herby taste, and red chili flakes (just for a kick of heat).
Seasoning: salt and pepper according to your taste.
Parmesan: freshly, finely grated Parmesan cheese to add oomph to the Italian salad dressing.
How to make Italian dressing?
Step 1: Add or pour all the ingredients into a bowl.
Step 2: Give it a good whisk.
Step 3: Taste and adjust the seasoning to your liking.
Final step: Pour over your favorite salad and savor!
How to store?
Transfer the (really) easy Italian salad dressing into a jar or any airtight container. It’ll keep well for 10 days in the refrigerator.
It may solidify in the fridge and that’s normal. Just leave it on the countertop and it’ll melt at room temperature. Give the homemade salad dressing a good whisk, and use as required.
FAQS
1. It really is the best Italian dressing for salads, like:
- roasted sweet potato salad
- greek salad
- red rice & mango salad with Sriracha
2. Use the Italian dressing for pasta salads like summer pasta salad.
3. On burgers and grilled or roasted veggies, like this oven-roasted Brussels sprouts. It’s the most delicious topping.
4. I also love it as a marinade, so I always make extra and keep it stored for ready use with chicken, fish, or tofu.
The basic recipe for both is the same. But the Italian dressing has more ingredients like garlic, cheese, and herbs.
📖 Recipe
Italian Salad Dressing Recipe
Ingredients
- 1/3 cup Olive oil
- 2 tbsp Red wine vinegar
- 2 tbsp Lemon juice
- 1 tbsp Honey
- 3 tbsp Parmesan, grated
- 2 cloves Garlic, minced
- 1/2 tsp Onion powder
- 1 tsp Dried parsley
- 1 tsp Dried basil
- 1 tsp Dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp Red chilli flakes
- Salt & Pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a small bowl, combine all the ingredients - olive oil, red wine vinegar, lemon juice, honey, grated parmesan, minced garlic, onion powder, dried parsley, dried basil, dried oregano, salt, and pepper.
- Give it all a good whisk. Taste and adjust the seasonings.
- Transfer to a jar and store in the refrigerator for 10-12 days.
- Whisk well before using. Enjoy!
Rekha says
This is one of the favourite most recipe ever!
Natasha Minocha says
For us too! Thank you Rekha! xx