Italian Dressing recipe (2024)

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This homemade Italian Dressingis 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!

Italian Dressing recipe (1)
Jump to:
  • Why You'll Love This Recipe
  • Ingredients:
  • Instructions:
  • How to use Italian dressing?
  • Helpful Tips!
  • Tools
  • Recipe FAQs:
  • More dressing recipes:
  • Italian Dressing

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:

Italian Dressing recipe (2)
  • 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.

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.
Italian Dressing recipe (3)

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!
  • 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:

What vinegar is best for this dressing?

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.

How to store homemade salad dressing?

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.

Can I use this dressing as a marinade for chicken?

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.

Italian Dressing recipe (4)

More dressing recipes:

  • Easy Lemon Vinaigrette
  • Homemade Ranch Dressing and Dip
  • Olive Garden Salad Dressing
  • Creamy Caesar Dressing Recipe

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 recipe (10)

Italian Dressing

Author: Anna

This homemade Italian Dressingis 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!

4.92 from 12 votes

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 5 minutes mins

Total Time 5 minutes mins

Course Salad

Cuisine Italian

Servings 8 servings

Calories 186 kcal

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.

Nutrition

Serving: 2tablespoon | Calories: 186kcal | Carbohydrates: 1g | Fat: 20g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Sodium: 147mg | Potassium: 6mg | Vitamin A: 25IU | Vitamin C: 1.7mg | Calcium: 13mg | Iron: 0.4mg

Tried this recipe?Leave a comment with rating below!

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Reader Interactions

Comments

    Did you make this recipe? Let me know!

  1. Kathy M says

    Italian Dressing recipe (15)
    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!

    Reply

  2. Melissa says

    Italian Dressing recipe (16)
    I love having fresh dressing to add to my salad! Thanks for a quick and easy recipe.

    Reply

  3. Sara Welch says

    Italian Dressing recipe (17)
    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!

    Reply

  4. Matt says

    Italian Dressing recipe (18)
    I love Italian dressing growing up it was always my favorite besides ranch. This homemade Italian recipe is on point and so delicious!

    Reply

  5. Joel Cooper says

    To make it more Italian Lite I’ve used I/2 oil and 1/2 vinegar !
    Still tastes very good !

    Reply

  6. Angie says

    Italian Dressing recipe (19)
    I just tried this recipe and it is so delicious!!
    I highly recommend it!!!

    Reply

    • Anna says

      Thank you so much, Angie!

      Reply

  7. Johanna Beebe says

    Excellent recipe! Keep them posted......

    Reply

  8. Rowena says

    Italian Dressing recipe (20)
    Please tell me there is a mistake in the amount of calories per 2 tablespoons!!!

    Reply

    • 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!

      Reply

      • 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!

  9. Krista says

    Always good to have an italian recipe on hand at all times!

    Reply

    • Anna@CrunchyCreamySweet says

      Right? It's so easy and way better than the bottled stuff.

      Reply

  10. Erin says

    Italian Dressing recipe (21)
    This looks incredibly delicious!

    Reply

  11. Amy says

    Always good to have a good italian dressing recipe on hand! I have to try yours!

    Reply

  12. TidyMom says

    homemade dressing always beats the bottle!! and it's to easy not to make!!

    Reply

  13. Dee says

    Italian Dressing recipe (22)
    This is so simple! I'll have to try it this summer!

    Reply

  14. Amanda says

    Italian Dressing recipe (23)
    Such an easy recipe to follow and everyone loves it!

    Reply

Italian Dressing recipe (2024)

FAQs

What is Italian dressing made of? ›

In American cuisine, Italian dressing is a vinaigrette-type salad dressing in that consists of water, vinegar or lemon juice, vegetable oil, chopped bell peppers, sugar or corn syrup, herbs and spices (including oregano, fennel, dill and salt) and sometimes onion and garlic.

What is Olive Garden Italian dressing made of? ›

Water, Soybean Oil, Distilled Vinegar, Sugar, Salt, Eggs, Romano Cheese (Pasteurized Part Skim Milk, Cheese Cultures, Salt, Enzymes), Dehydrated Garlic, Spice, Xanthan Gum, Dextrose, Annatto Color, Calcium Disodium EDTA Added to Protect Flavor, Natural Flavor.

What is the healthiest salad dressing? ›

8 Simple and Healthy Salad Dressings
  1. Sesame ginger. This simple salad dressing doubles as an easy marinade for meat, poultry, or roasted veggies. ...
  2. Balsamic vinaigrette. ...
  3. Avocado lime. ...
  4. Lemon vinaigrette. ...
  5. Honey mustard. ...
  6. Greek yogurt ranch. ...
  7. Apple cider vinaigrette. ...
  8. Ginger turmeric.
Jul 27, 2023

What is zesty Italian dressing made of? ›

We didn't name it Ken's Zesty Italian because it was shy about flavor. Robust and balanced, this dressing adds onion, garlic, red pepper, and oregano to its oil and vinegar base to create a deliciously bright, memorable, and crowd-pleasing flavor.

What is the most unhealthy salad dressing? ›

And at the top of that list? Caesar dressing. Made up of mayonnaise, cheese, salt and oil (and all too often, anchovies), Caesar tends to be one of the least healthy options out there. Those ingredients cause it to be high in both saturated fats and sodium.

What is the best vinegar for salad dressing? ›

Balsamic vinegar: Makes a bold, slightly sweet dressing that is wonderful on green salads with fruit, such as apples, strawberries or peaches. Red wine vinegar: Packs a punch and works well with other bold flavors and bright veggies, like tomatoes, bell peppers, cucumber, cabbage and more (think Greek salads).

Why is Italian dressing so good? ›

Italian dressing is notable for that brilliant punchy balance of yummy oil, tangy vinegar, sweet sugar, and bites of spice. And while those flavors are fine over lettuce and crunchy veggies, the strong flavors work even better as an all-purpose marinade for every kind of protein, from chicken to shrimp.

What is the most common salad dressing in Italy? ›

To dress a salad in Italy is simplicity itself: extra virgin olive oil, salt, and vinegar – but t's not as easy as it looks.

What is the number 1 salad dressing? ›

Ranch Dressing

The ranch is hands down America's most beloved salad dressings. It is made from a number of ingredients such as buttermilk, mayonnaise, mustard, garlic, onion, chives, salt, and pepper. A creamier and richer version often features sour cream or yogurt for enhanced taste.

Is salad good for fatty liver? ›

Leafy greens have a powerful antioxidant called glutathione, which can help keep your liver working right. And spinach couldn't be easier to prepare. It makes a great base for a dinner salad, and it's also delicious sauteed with garlic and olive oil.

What is golden Italian dressing? ›

A truly authentic Italian-flavored dressing, Ken's Golden Italian Dressing combines garlic, onion, and sweet, tangy lemon notes to deliver remarkably robust flavor. An excellent marinade, this deep orange, non-separating dressing has universal appeal, making it an ideal choice for every type of operator. Kosher Yes.

What do they call Italian dressing in Italy? ›

There is no such thing as an Italian ”Italian salad dressing”. In Italy people will use refined salt, ground pepper (black/white/red), olive oil and, depending on individual preference, either lemon juice or vinegar, for the latter you have a choice of white or red.

Does Italian dressing go bad? ›

Unopened jars of mayonnaise and salad dressing may be stored in the pantry. After opening, keep refrigerated up to 2 months.

Is Italian dressing on salad healthy? ›

Italian dressing is your easy way to health; with all the good fats, white wine vinegar and parmesan cheese, it's one of the low-calorie dressings available. Therefore, it is comparatively low in calories and fat. In addition, seasonings and flavourings like honey give it a delicious flavour.

Is Italian dressing healthier than French dressing? ›

As you can see, Italian dressing is generally the most calorie-dense, with French and honey mustard close behind. In terms of sugars, honey mustard packs the most, with 6 grams of sugar in a single 2 tablespoon serving! French dressing also loads the sugar into the same size serving.

What is Italian seasoning made of? ›

What Is In Italian Seasoning? This kitchen staple includes dried basil, dried oregano, dried rosemary, dried thyme and dried marjoram, but there are several variations that also feature additions like dried sage, fennel seeds or even spices like garlic powder or crushed red-pepper flakes.

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