Introduction

This Best Homemade Italian Dressing is a 5-minute recipe that beats any store-bought bottle! With simple pantry ingredients like olive oil, vinegar, and Italian herbs, you can create a fresh, zesty dressing perfect for salads, marinades, and more. For another quick Italian-inspired meal, try this Easy Ground Beef and Parmesan Tortellini Recipe.

Ingredients

This vibrant homemade Italian dressing combines zesty vinegar, aromatic herbs, and rich olive oil for a perfectly balanced, restaurant-quality flavor you can whip up in minutes.

• 3/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
• 1/4 cup white wine vinegar
• 2 tablespoons water
• 1 tablespoon honey (or maple syrup)
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 2 teaspoons dried Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

Timing

Prep Time	5 minutes
Cook Time	0 minutes
Total Time	5 minutes

Context: This Homemade Italian Dressing comes together about 20% faster than similar recipes since there’s no cooking required.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1 — Combine Dry Ingredients

In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together 2 teaspoons dried oregano, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon onion powder, 1 teaspoon dried basil, ½ teaspoon dried thyme, ½ teaspoon dried rosemary, and ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes. For the best flavor, crush the dried rosemary between your fingers before adding to release its oils.

Step 2 — Add Wet Ingredients

Pour in ½ cup extra virgin olive oil, ¼ cup red wine vinegar, and 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice. The acid from the vinegar and lemon juice will help preserve your Homemade Italian Dressing while adding bright flavor.

Step 3 — Incorporate Sweetener

Add 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup and 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard to the bowl. The sweetener balances the acidity while the mustard acts as an emulsifier to help bind the oil and vinegar together.

Step 4 — Season and Adjust

Season with 1 teaspoon salt and ½ teaspoon black pepper. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed—you may want more salt if using on bland greens or less if dressing already flavorful ingredients.

Step 5 — Emulsify Thoroughly

Whisk vigorously for 1-2 minutes until the dressing appears creamy and unified. Alternatively, you can shake all ingredients in a tightly sealed jar for 30 seconds until well combined.

Step 6 — Rest for Flavor Development

Let the Homemade Italian Dressing sit at room temperature for at least 30 minutes before using. This allows the dried herbs to rehydrate and the flavors to meld together properly.

Step 7 — Store Properly

Transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 2 weeks. The oil may solidify when chilled—simply let it sit at room temperature for 15 minutes and shake well before using.

Step 8 — Shake Before Serving

Always give your Homemade Italian Dressing a good shake or stir before dressing salads. Separation is natural with oil-based dressings and shaking ensures even flavor distribution.

Nutritional Information

Calories	73
Protein	0.2g
Carbohydrates	2g
Fat	7g
Fiber	0.1g
Sodium	290mg

Note: Estimates based on typical ingredients and serving size.

Healthier Alternatives

• Greek yogurt instead of oil — Creates a creamy, protein-rich dressing with tangy Mediterranean notes.
• Avocado oil for olive oil — Provides a milder flavor with higher smoke point and heart-healthy monounsaturated fats.
• Coconut aminos instead of soy sauce — Offers a gluten-free, lower-sodium alternative with subtle sweetness.
• Fresh lemon juice for vinegar — Brightens flavors naturally while reducing acidity for sensitive stomachs.
• Nutritional yeast in place of Parmesan — Delivers cheesy, umami flavor while keeping the dressing dairy-free.
• Maple syrup instead of sugar — Adds subtle sweetness with minerals and a lower glycemic impact.
• Herb-infused water for part of the oil — Reduces calories while amplifying fresh herb flavors in your Homemade Italian Dressing.
• Miso paste instead of salt — Provides deep savory flavor with probiotics and reduced sodium content.

Serving Suggestions

• Drizzle this Homemade Italian Dressing over a classic garden salad with crisp romaine, cherry tomatoes, red onions, and black olives.
• Use it as a marinade for grilled chicken, steak, or vegetables to infuse them with authentic Italian flavor.
• Whisk it into pasta salads, grain bowls, or antipasto platters for a zesty, herby kick.
• Brush it onto crusty bread or use it as a dip for a quick and flavorful appetizer.
• Serve it alongside a charcuterie board to complement salty meats and cheeses.
• Perfect for picnics, potlucks, and weeknight dinners where a fresh, vibrant dressing is needed.

For an elegant presentation, serve your Homemade Italian Dressing in a small glass cruet or pitcher alongside the salad, allowing guests to add their desired amount.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Mistake: Using dried herbs exclusively. Fix: Incorporate fresh basil or oregano for a brighter, more authentic flavor profile.
• Mistake: Skipping the emulsification step. Fix: Whisk oil slowly into vinegar or use a jar to shake vigorously for a stable, non-separated dressing.
• Mistake: Not tasting before serving. Fix: Adjust salt, acid, and sweetness to your preference after mixing all ingredients.
• Mistake: Using low-quality olive oil. Fix: Select a robust extra virgin olive oil to form a flavorful base for your Homemade Italian Dressing.
• Mistake: Adding garlic too early. Fix: Mince garlic fresh to prevent a bitter, overpowering taste from developing.
• Mistake: Over-salting the mixture. Fix: Start with a small amount of salt; you can always add more after tasting.
• Mistake: Storing in a warm place. Fix: Refrigerate your dressing immediately to preserve freshness and prevent spoilage.
• Mistake: Rushing the marinating time. Fix: Let the dressing sit for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld perfectly.

Storing Tips

• Fridge: Store your homemade Italian dressing in an airtight glass jar or bottle. It will keep fresh for up to 2 weeks when refrigerated.
• Freezer: For longer storage, freeze your dressing in a freezer-safe container or ice cube trays for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before use.
• Reheat: Gently warm the dressing in a saucepan over low heat, stirring frequently, until it reaches a safe serving temperature of 165°F (74°C). Do not boil.

Always give your homemade Italian dressing a good shake or stir before using, as the oil and vinegar may separate during storage.

Conclusion

This Homemade Italian Dressing is fresh, flavorful, and simple to make. Try it on salads or as a marinade for chicken. We hope you love this recipe—please leave a comment with your thoughts! For more delicious ideas, check out our Melted Mozzarella Ranch Chicken Bombs Recipe and Three Cheese Tomato Bruschetta Dip Recipe.

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FAQs

How long does Homemade Italian Dressing last in the refrigerator?

This Homemade Italian Dressing will keep for about 1 to 2 weeks when stored in a sealed jar in the refrigerator. Always give it a good shake before using, as the oil and vinegar may separate over time.

Can I make this dressing without fresh herbs?

Yes, you can substitute dried herbs for fresh in this Homemade Italian Dressing. Use one-third the amount of dried herbs, as they have a more concentrated flavor. The result will still be delicious and full of classic Italian flavor.

What can I use if I don’t have white wine vinegar?

If you don’t have white wine vinegar, you can use red wine vinegar, apple cider vinegar, or even fresh lemon juice as a substitute. Each will slightly alter the flavor profile, but your Homemade Italian Dressing will still be tasty and versatile.