Italian Dressing
This homemade Italian dressing is as simple as it gets; olive oil, vinegar, and a few basic spices. No junk, no fuss, just real ingredients you already have. It’s quick to make, healthier than store-bought and gives any salad a boost of flavor.
Why you will love this homemade dressing
- It’s made with only 5 simple ingredients: olive oil, vinegar, garlic powder, onion powder and oregano.
- Quick to make – just measure, shake and you are done!
- Packs bold, zesty flavor without any added sugar or fillers.
- Versatile! It tastes great on any salad (leafy greens, pasta salad, tomatoes, roasted veggies, you name it).
Here’s what you will need
Ingredients
- Olive oil (extra-virgin for best flavor)
- Vinegar (red wine, white wine or apple cider all work)
- Oregano or Italian seasoning
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
How to make Simple Italian Vinaigrette
Add all of the ingredients to a jar with a tight lid, and shake until well combined. taste and adjust seasoning
Tips for making the best Italian Dressing
- Let the dressing sit for at least 15 minutes so the flavors can blend.
- This makes enough dressing for one large salad, double or triple the recipe for meal prep.
- If the olive oil solidifies in the fridge, just let it st at room temperature for a few minutes and give it a good shake.
- Add more oil for a less tangy version.
Ways to use this dressing
This Italian vinaigrette isn’t just for leafy green salads (although it’s perfect for that too). It’s great tossed with chopped veggies, pasta salads, grain bowls or a quick marinade for chicken, steak or roasted vegetables.
A few of my favorite ways to use it are to drizzle it over a simple tomato, cucumber, and red onion salad or to toss it with a classic garden salad loaded with lettuce, tomatoes, and onion. It’s the kind of dressing that just makes everything taste a little better.
Simple Ways to Change it Up
Once you’ve got the basic homemade Italian salad dressing down, it’s easy to tweak it based on what you are making or what you have on hand. Here are a few simple ways to mix it up:
- Add a little mustard – a teaspoon of dijon or yellow mustard gives the dressing extra and help keeps the dressing stay blended.
- Make it creamy – stir in a spoonful of mayonnaise or Greek yogurt for a creamier dressing.
- Use fresh herbs – Swap the dried herbs for chopped fresh basil, oregano, or parsley if you have them; fresh herbs will give the dressing a brighter and lighter taste.
- Try different herbs – Play around with thyme, rosemary or a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes for a different twist.
- Swap the vinegar – Use balsamic vinegar instead of wine vinegar for a richer, slightly sweeter flavor.
- Brighten it up – Add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice or a little lemon zest for a fresh pop of flavor.
Grab your Free copy
Salad Dressing Cheat Sheet
Make homemade dressing anytime with this cheat sheet!
How to store leftover salad dressing
This dressing will last about a week when stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Bring the dressing to room temperature to warm up the olive oil before serving.
Recipe FAQs
Yes, you can! Extra virgin olive oil gives the dressing a richer, slightly flavor, but if you only have regular olive oil, it will still work. Use whatever you have, you are still getting a fresh homemade dressing that’s way better than bottled.
Red wine vinegar is the classic choice, but white wine vinegar, apple cider vinegar or even balsamic vinegar work great depending on the flavor you are after.
Sure! Add a sprinkle of grated Parmesan or Pecorino Romano for a rich savory taste.
This dressing works great for a simple marinade on chicken, tofu, or vegetables. Let them sit for at least 30 minutes in the marinade before cooking.
More salad dressing recipes
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Homemade Italian Salad Dressing
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1/3 cup Extra Virgin Olive Oil
- 1/3 cup Red Wine Viinegar
- 1/2 teaspoon Garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Oregano
Instructions
- Add all of the ingredients to a jar with a tight lid, and shake well until combined. OR Add all of the ingredients to a small bowl and whisk together with a fork or small whisk.
- Taste and adjust seasoning before serving.
