Italian Dressing is my go-to secret in the kitchen, and it's not just for salads! Its tangy and savory flavors can elevate almost any dish, from pastas to marinades. The real beauty of this dressing is in its simplicity and the endless possibilities for customization.
What You’ll Find On This Page
Let's jump into this recipe together and bring a splash of Italy to our tables. We'll mix up this versatile dressing and explore all the amazing ways it can transform our meals.
Ingredients and Substitutions Overview
For this Italian Dressing, we'll use simple ingredients, likely already in your kitchen or found in the condiment aisle of your local grocery store. Let's check them out.
- Olive Oil: Choose a high-quality olive oil for a rich base that brings a fruity and slightly peppery note to your dressing.
- Vinegar (Red Wine or White): You can use red wine vinegar for a robust tang or white vinegar for a milder acidity, adding brightness to your dressing.
- Dried Herbs: Combine dried parsley, oregano, basil, and thyme for an aromatic and earthy undertone. If you prefer, Italian seasoning is a great shortcut that offers a similar herbal blend.
- Chili Flakes: A pinch of chili flakes introduces a subtle warmth, enhancing the dressing with a mild spiciness that you'll love.
- Black Pepper: Freshly ground black pepper adds a nuanced heat and a touch of earthiness to the mix, perfect for rounding out the flavors.
- Onion Powder: A hint of onion powder lends a savory and slightly sweet layer, enriching the dressing's complexity and making it more savory.
- Sugar: Just a small amount of sugar counteracts the acidity, infusing the dressing with a balanced sweetness you'll appreciate.
- Lemon Juice: A squeeze of fresh lemon juice brings a refreshing and citrusy dimension, balancing the other flavors beautifully.
- Parmesan Cheese (optional): If you like, a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese contributes a nutty and savory character, elevating the dressing with its richness.
- Garlic (fresh or powder): Adding freshly grated garlic or garlic powder imparts a bold and aromatic essence.
- Mayo (optional): While not a staple in traditional Italian dressing, I've added a touch of mayo for its creamy texture and mild tanginess. It's great for bringing everything together smoothly, enhancing the dressing's consistency.
How to Make Italian Dressing at Home?
Grab your ingredients and whisk, and let's get started. With my photos and videos to guide you, we're all set to mix up this delicious dressing together. You're just a few steps away from bringing a personal homemade touch to your meals!
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Italian Dressing
Ingredients
- ½ cup Olive Oil
- ½ tsp Dried Parsley
- ½ tsp Dried Oregano
- ½ tsp Dried Thyme
- ½ tsp Chili Flakes
- ½ tsp Black Pepper Powder
- ½ tsp Onion Powder
- ½ tsp Sugar
- 1 tsp Salt, or adjust to taste
- 3 tbsp Red Wine Vinegar, or white vinegar
- 1 tbsp Lemon Juice
- 3 tbsp Parmesan Cheese, optional
- 1 tsp Garlic, grated or powder
- 1 tbsp Mayo, optional
- ½ tsp Basil Leaves, chopped or dried basil
Instructions
Making Italian Seasoning
- Start by gathering all the ingredients mentioned in the list. Place them into a bowl.
- Combine everything together until it's well mixed. If you find mixing in a bowl tricky, grab a mason jar instead. Put all the ingredients in the jar, screw the lid on tight, and give it a good shake. Keep shaking until everything looks well mixed. And there you have it, your own homemade Italian salad dressing, perfect for adding a zesty touch to your salads.
Using
- Drizzle this homemade Italian Dressing over your favorite salads or use it as a zesty marinade. For more creative pairing ideas, check out our 'How to Use' section below!
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Recipe Video
Chef's Notes and Tips
- Let It Marinate: If time allows, let your dressing sit for a few hours or even overnight before using it. This waiting period allows the flavors to meld together beautifully, resulting in a more cohesive and robust taste.
- Acidity Levels: Pay attention to the acidity of your vinegar. If you prefer a milder taste, consider using white wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar instead of the more potent balsamic or red wine vinegars. Adjusting the vinegar type can significantly alter the dressing's character.
- Garlic Tip: If you're adding fresh garlic, a neat trick is to grate it or press it into a paste. This way, you won't have large chunks, and the garlic will integrate more smoothly into the dressing, giving a more even garlic flavor.
- Herb Infusion: For an even more intense herb flavor, consider infusing your olive oil with herbs a day or two before making your dressing. Gently warming the oil and letting the herbs steep in it can create a beautifully aromatic base for your dressing.
- Temperature Matters: If you're using the dressing straight from the fridge, take it out a little ahead of time. Cold can mute flavors, so allowing the dressing to come to room temperature before use can help the flavors shine through more vividly.
Nutrition Info
Disclaimer
We're not nutrition experts, and the nutritional information provided is an estimate. Please use it as a guide. For precise details, it's best to consult a professional. To learn more, please view our Detailed Disclaimers.
Dive into our delightful range of dressings and salads, perfect for any event. Whether you're after a light vinaigrette or a luxurious creamy dressing, we've got tastes to satisfy everyone.
How to Use this Dressing?
The Italian Dressing is a versatile gem that can enhance a wide range of dishes. Here's how you can use it to add a burst of flavor to your meals:
- Salads: Elevate your green salads by tossing in Italian Dressing with fresh ingredients like tomatoes, cucumbers, and olives. Add feta, grilled chicken, or avocado for a protein boost.
- Pasta Salad: Transform your pasta salad into a flavor-packed dish by mixing in this zesty dressing with your choice of pasta, fresh veggies, and herbs.
- Grilled Meats: Marinate chicken or fish in Italian Dressing before grilling or baking. It infuses the meat with a tangy, herbaceous flavor that's irresistibly delicious.
- Roasted Vegetables: Give your roasted veggies a flavor upgrade by tossing bell peppers, zucchini, asparagus, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, and eggplant in Italian Dressing before roasting.
- Sandwiches and Wraps: Use the dressing as a spread to add a burst of flavor to sandwiches and wraps, pairing beautifully with various fillings.
- Grains: Transform your grains into a flavorful feast by mixing cooked quinoa, white rice, or brown rice with Italian Dressing. To create a Mediterranean-inspired grain bowl, layer your choice of grains with fresh veggies and a generous drizzle of this zesty dressing.
- Pizza Drizzle: For an unexpected twist, drizzle Italian Dressing over your pizza for a bright, tangy contrast to the rich, savory toppings.
Storage Suggestions
This homemade Italian Salad Dressing can be kept fresh in your fridge for about 1-2 weeks when stored in a sealed container. Always trust your instincts and use your senses to check if it's still good to use.
Don't worry if you notice some separation; it's pretty normal for homemade dressings since they don't have the emulsifiers that the store-bought ones do. Just give the dressing a good shake or a quick stir before you use it. This helps mix all the flavors back together and makes sure your dressing is as delicious as when you first made it.
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