No need to run to the store the next time you run out of your favorite Italian Dressing! It’s easy to make this Homemade Italian Dressing recipe with pantry ingredients you probably already have on hand.
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Italian Dressing Recipe for Salads and Marinades
Italian Dressing is one of the most versatile ingredients in my pantry. I like to keep a store bought variety on hand, but LOVE knowing I can make an awesome DIY Italian dressing in minutes if I need to!
This tangy, zesty Italian dressing loaded with garlic and herbs will put some serious pizzazz on your next salad.
Try it on our easy garden salad, or use it as a marinade! You’ll need about 1/2 cup for every 1.5 lbs of meat. This marinated Italian Dressing Chicken is a delicious, easy summer dinner.
This Italian dressing recipe also makes the best pasta salad. Use your favorite Italian meats and veggies to make your own version of our Italian Bowtie Pasta Salad.
I’ve modeled this recipe after the homemade Greek dressing I use in this Greek Pasta Salad, with a few tweaks to make it the absolute BEST Italian dressing around!
Courtney
Ingredients in Italian Dressing
Here’s what you’ll need to make it:
- Olive oil– I save our better, more expensive olive oil for salad dressings and drizzling since the flavor is prominent.
- Red wine vinegar– This provides the necessary punchy tang for a good Italian vinaigrette. You can substitute white wine vinegar in a pinch.
- Spices and herbs– Our spice blend includes garlic powder, onion, powder, basil parsley, oregano, and salt and pepper for a dressing that’s full of flavor. If you don’t mind a little quick, we also recommend adding red pepper flakes!
- Sugar– This brings balance to the dressing.
- Romano cheese– My original recipe didn’t include any cheese, but I like to add it if I have it on hand. It adds a really nice hint of umami and some creaminess! You can also use Parmesan cheese.
How to Make this Easy Italian Dressing recipe
Well, this part is almost too easy. Just place all of the ingredients in a mason jar (or other container with a tight fitting lid) and shake, shake, shake!
Shake until the oil and vinegar are emulsified and then you’re good to go!
Tips and tricks for the BEST Italian Dressing
- The olive oil and vinegar are the two main flavor agents here, so choosing a higher quality one really makes a difference. You can use white wine vinegar or red wine vinegar, though I slightly prefer red wine vinegar.
- If I’m feeling fancy, I love using fresh minced garlic cloves instead of powder. The flavor is incredible. However, if I’m in a hurry or don’t have any cloves, the garlic powder works great!
- Fresh grated Romano cheese is what really sets this Italian dressing apart! It’s excellent on salads! However, if I’m using the dressing as a marinade, I usually omit it. You can also omit the Parmesan cheese if you need a dairy free Italian dressing recipe.
- You can feel free to substitute honey for the sugar, but I feel like this dressing really benefits from a hint of sweetness.
How long does Homemade Italian Dressing last?
Homemade Italian Dressing should be stored in the fridge and will last for about 2 weeks. The ingredients will naturally settle and separate as it sits. Before using, let it warm up a bit at room temperature, then give it a really good shake to mix it up again!
Featured Review:
“Yummy. A staple in my refrigerator. Doesn’t last a week. Great marinade for chicken.”
More Homemade Salad Dressings:
- That Good Salad with Lemon Garlic Dressing
- Northstar Chopped Salad with Simple Vinaigrette
- Mason Jar Taco Salad with Chipotle Vinaigrette
- Tomato and Corn Chopped Salad with Cilantro Ranch Dressing
- Homemade Green Goddess Dressing from A Couple Cooks
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Homemade Italian Dressing
Ingredients
- 3/4 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup red wine vinegar
- 1 teaspoon dried basil (or 2 Tablespoons chopped fresh)
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (plus more, to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 1/2 teaspoons granulated sugar
- 2 Tablespoons grated Romano cheese (optional)
Instructions
- Place all the ingredients in a mason jar. Seal tightly and shake until the dressing is well combined. Alternatively, place ingredients in a bowl and whisk together. Taste, and season with additional salt if needed.
- Dressing will keep in the fridge for 1-2 weeks. Before using, give it a really good shake to get all the ingredients to emulsify again. Separation is normal in oil based dressings!
Notes
- My original recipe didn’t include Romano cheese, but I add it almost every time now. It adds a really nice hit of umami and a little creaminess. That said, it’ll still be delicious without it!
Nutrition
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