Italian Dressing is renowned for its tangy, aromatic, and flavorful qualities, which elevate the taste of salads, pasta dishes, and proteins when used as a marinade. This versatile dressing typically consists of olive oil, red wine vinegar, dried Italian herbs, parmesan cheese, mayonnaise, and a variety of seasonings.
Not only does this dressing enhance the flavors of traditional applications, such as salads and pasta, but it also brings an authentic Italian touch to a wide range of dishes such as chicken, fish like salmon, or roasted or baked vegetables.
The provided recipe offers clear and concise step-by-step instructions for creating your Italian dressing. To ensure a seamless experience, a detailed video tutorial has been included below, allowing you to visually follow along and grasp the making process effortlessly.
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What is Italian Dressing?
Italian Dressing is a tangy, aromatic, and flavorful addition that enhances the taste of salads, pasta dishes, and proteins as a marinade. It is typically made using olive oil, red wine vinegar, dried Italian herbs, parmesan cheese, mayo, and other seasonings. While traditionally mayo is not part of authentic versions, it is used in this recipe as an emulsifier, contributing to a creamy and tangy flavor profile.
Alternatively, some individuals opt for Dijon mustard for the same purpose. Although Italian dressings can be found ready-made in stores, preparing them according to your preferences is the ideal choice. This allows you to customize the ingredients to suit your taste, ensuring a personalized and satisfying dressing.
The versatility of this Italian dressing extends beyond its traditional uses. Not only does it elevate the flavors of salads, pasta, and marinades, but it can also be employed in various other dishes to impart an Italian flair. Whether you are aiming to enhance the flavor of your pasta creations, bring vibrancy to roasted or baked vegetables, or add a savory touch to rice dishes, this Italian dressing will undoubtedly deliver the desired outcome.
Ingredients & Substitutions
The ingredients you will need to make this Italian Dressing are basic Italian pantry elements. You can find these ingredients in the spices and condiment aisle of most retail grocery stores. So let's see what are they below.
- Olive Oil: Provides a smooth and rich base with a fruity and slightly peppery flavor
- Red Wine Vinegar (or White Vinegar): Imparts a tangy and slightly fruity taste that adds brightness to the dressing
- Dried Herbs: Dried parsley, oregano, basil and thyme add an aromatic and herbaceous taste with earthy undertones. You can also use Italian seasoning as an alternative to dried herbs. It typically includes a blend of herbs like basil, oregano, rosemary, and thyme, which offer a similar flavor profile to the individual dried herbs
- Chili Flakes: Infuses a subtle kick of heat and adds a touch of spiciness to the dressing
- Black Pepper Powder: Enhances the overall flavor profile with a mild heat and a hint of earthiness
- Onion Powder: Contributes a savory and slightly sweet onion flavor to the dressing
- Sugar: Balances the acidity and adds a touch of sweetness to the dressing
- Lemon Juice: Provides a refreshing and citrusy flavor that complements the other ingredients
- Parmesan Cheese (optional): Offers a nutty and savory note, adding depth and richness to the dressing
- Garlic (grated or garlic powder): Gives a pungent and aromatic taste, providing a distinctive flavor to the dressing
- Mayo (optional): Even though it is not used in authentic Italian dressing I have used it to achieve a creamy and subtle tang. It also helps in the emulsification of the ingredients
For a detailed ingredients list, please check out the recipe card below.
How to Make Italian Dressing at Home?
The recipe I have shared here is Italian Dressing, a versatile dressing for salads, and pasta, and as a marinade for proteins. It adds a zesty and authentic touch to various dishes with the vibrant taste of Italy.
Below are the high-level instructions for this recipe, but for detailed step-by-step instructions with photos and a video, please see the recipe card below.
- Gather the ingredients: To prepare the Italian salad dressing, begin by gathering all the ingredients mentioned in the ingredient list.
- Add all to a bowl: Next, take a bowl and add all the ingredients to it
- Mix well: Once all the ingredients are in the bowl, use a whisk or a fork to vigorously mix everything. Make sure to blend the ingredients thoroughly until they form a cohesive and well-emulsified dressing
- Mason jar method: Alternatively, if you prefer a more convenient method, you can use a mason jar instead. In this case, add all the ingredients to the jar and close the lid tightly. Shake the jar vigorously, ensuring that all the ingredients are well incorporated and blended. The shaking motion helps to emulsify the dressing, creating a smooth and cohesive texture
- To use: Once you have mixed the ingredients either in a bowl or a mason jar, your flavorful Italian salad dressing is now ready to use. This dressing adds a delicious touch to various dishes. You can drizzle it over a fresh salad, use it to make an Italian Pasta salad or utilize it as a marinade for chicken breasts, thighs, or even pasta dishes
Tips
- Quality ingredients: Use high-quality olive oil, vinegar, and herbs to ensure the best flavor in your dressing. Fresh herbs are preferable, but dried herbs work well too. In the absence of individual dried herbs, a suitable substitute can be 1 tsp of Italian seasoning, ensuring a well-rounded and authentic flavor profile
- Balancing flavors: Taste as you go and adjust the amounts of salt, vinegar, and herbs to achieve a balanced flavor profile. Start with smaller amounts and gradually add more, as it's easier to add than to remove
- Emulsification: To achieve a creamy and well-emulsified dressing, whisk or shake the ingredients vigorously until thoroughly blended. This helps to create a consistent texture and distribute the flavors evenly
- Optional ingredients: Ingredients like Parmesan cheese, mayo, or lemon juice can enhance the taste and texture of the dressing. Add them according to your preference and experiment to find the combination that suits your taste buds
- Storage and shelf life: Store the dressing in a sealed container in the refrigerator. Homemade dressings usually last for about 1-2 weeks. Shake or stir well before each use, as separation is natural due to the absence of emulsifiers commonly found in commercial dressings
Storage Suggestions
This Italian Salad Dressing typically has a shelf life of around 1-2 weeks when stored in a sealed container in the refrigerator. However, it's always a good idea to use your judgment and rely on your senses to determine if the dressing is still fresh.
Since homemade dressings lack the emulsifiers often found in store-bought dressings, some separation is natural. Before using the dressing, give it a good shake or stir to recombine the ingredients and restore its desired consistency. This step ensures that the flavors are evenly distributed and allows you to enjoy the dressing at its best.
Serving Suggestions
The Italian Dressing made with the provided recipe can generously serve up to 6 portions of pasta salad. It also pairs well with a variety of dishes. Here are some suggestions for what you can serve with it:
- Salads: Toss the dressing with a traditional green salad consisting of mixed greens, tomatoes, cucumbers, red onions, and olives. You can also add ingredients like feta cheese, grilled chicken, or avocado for added flavor and protein
- Pasta Salad: Use the Italian dressing as a marinade for pasta salad. Combine cooked pasta with chopped veggies and herbs. Toss with the Italian dressing for a flavorful pasta salad
- Caprese Salad: Drizzle the dressing over a classic Caprese salad made with sliced tomatoes, fresh mozzarella cheese, and basil leaves. The dressing complements the flavors of the salad nicely
- Grilled Chicken or Fish: Marinate chicken breasts or fish fillets in the Italian dressing before grilling or baking. The sauce adds a tangy and herb-infused flavor to the proteins, resulting in a delicious main course
- Bruschetta: Use the dressing to drizzle over toasted bread slices topped with fresh tomatoes, basil, and mozzarella cheese. It adds a zesty kick to this popular Italian appetizer
- Sandwiches or Wraps: Spread the Italian dressing on sandwiches or wraps for a burst of flavor. It works well with various fillings like roasted veggies, deli meats, or grilled chicken
- Grains: Toss it with cooked quinoa, white rice, or brown rice for a flavorful side dish
- Roasted Vegetables: Toss roasted vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, green beans, carrots, asparagus, broccoli, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, chickpeas, and eggplant in the Italian dressing for an extra layer of flavor
- Antipasto Platter: Serve the Italian dressing alongside an antipasto platter featuring cured meats, cheeses, olives, and marinated veggies. It improves the overall taste of the platter
Related Recipes
You could also find similar recipes below and more at salad recipes and Italian recipes.
- Coleslaw Dressing
- Ranch Dressing
- Fruit Salad Dressing
- Greek Salad Dressing
- Caesar Salad Dressing
- Honey Mustard Dressing
- Vinaigrette
- Salad Dressing
- Basil Pesto
- Italian Seasoning
Italian Dressing Recipe Video
I have also shared a detailed video of this Italian Dressing Recipe below that I hope will help you make an easy salad dressing at home. You can also find this recipe in a story format.
📖 Recipe
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 garlic powder
- 1 tbsp Mayo, optional
- ½ tsp Basil Leaves, chopped or use dried basil
Instructions
To make Homemade Italian Seasoning
- In a bowl, add all the ingredients listed in the ingredient list
- Mix thoroughly until everything is well-emulsified. Alternatively, you can use a mason jar. Simply add all the ingredients, close the jar tightly, and shake vigorously until they are blended together. Now, your flavorful Italian salad dressing is ready for use in salads
To Use
- You can use this dressing to make Italian Pasta salad or to marinate chicken breasts, thighs, or pasta dishes for an Italian flair
Video
Notes
- Quality ingredients: Use high-quality olive oil, vinegar, and herbs to ensure the best flavor in your dressing. Fresh herbs are preferable, but dried herbs work well too. In the absence of individual dried herbs, a suitable substitute can be 1 tsp of Italian seasoning, ensuring a well-rounded and authentic flavor profile
- Balancing flavors: Taste as you go and adjust the amounts of salt, vinegar, and herbs to achieve a balanced flavor profile. Start with smaller amounts and gradually add more, as it's easier to add than to remove
- Emulsification: To achieve a creamy and well-emulsified dressing, whisk or shake the ingredients vigorously until they are thoroughly blended. This helps to create a consistent texture and distribute the flavors evenly
- Optional ingredients: Ingredients like Parmesan cheese, mayo, or lemon juice can enhance the taste and texture of the dressing. Add them according to your preference and experiment to find the combination that suits your taste buds
- Storage and shelf life: Store the dressing in a sealed container in the refrigerator. Homemade dressings usually last for about 1-2 weeks. Shake or stir well before each use, as separation is natural due to the absence of emulsifiers commonly found in commercial dressings
Nutrition
FAQ
A suitable substitute for red wine vinegar in the Italian dressing recipe is white wine vinegar, which provides a similar tangy flavor. Alternatively, apple cider vinegar can be used, offering a slightly sweeter and fruitier taste. Both substitutes can be used in equal amounts as a 1:1 replacement in the recipe.
Parmesan cheese is an optional ingredient in the Italian dressing recipe. While it adds a nutty and savory note, you can still prepare the dressing without it. Feel free to omit or substitute it with a different cheese if desired.
This dressing can be used in various dishes such as pasta, as a marinade for proteins, or to add an Italian flair to roasted vegetables and rice dishes.
I hope you found the recipe enjoyable and I would appreciate hearing about your experience with it.
If you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to leave a comment and I will do my best to respond promptly. Thank you for reading and happy cooking!
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