Introduction

Skip the bottled dressing and make The Best Homemade Italian Dressing in 5 Minutes with pantry staples. This zesty, herby vinaigrette is perfect for salads, marinades, and drizzling over roasted vegetables. It pairs wonderfully with other Italian-inspired dishes like this Easy Ground Beef and Parmesan Tortellini Recipe or a comforting Slow Cooker Lasagna Soup Recipe. Fresh, flavorful, and incredibly simple.

Ingredients

This vibrant Homemade Italian Dressing combines zesty lemon, aromatic herbs, and rich olive oil for a fresh, tangy flavor that far surpasses any bottled version.

• 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
• 1/4 cup red wine vinegar
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon honey
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

Timing

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

Context: This Homemade Italian Dressing recipe is approximately 20% faster than similar recipes since it requires no cooking or complex preparation steps.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1 — Combine Dry Ingredients

In a medium 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 red pepper flakes (optional), and ½ teaspoon black pepper. For the best flavor, use high-quality, recently purchased dried herbs.

Step 2 — Add Wet Ingredients

Pour in ½ cup of extra virgin olive oil, ⅓ cup of red wine vinegar, and ¼ cup of water. The oil forms the rich base of your Homemade Italian Dressing, while the vinegar provides the characteristic tang.

Step 3 — Incorporate Sweetness and Salt

Add 1 tablespoon of honey or sugar and 1 ½ teaspoons of fine sea salt to the mixture. The sweetener balances the acidity from the vinegar. Taste and adjust the salt level to your preference.

Step 4 — Whisk Vigorously

Use a whisk to combine all ingredients for about 30-60 seconds until the dressing is well-emulsified. You should see a slightly thickened, uniform mixture without separate oil and vinegar layers.

Step 5 — Taste and Adjust

Dip a piece of lettuce into the dressing and taste it. Adjust the flavor by adding more salt for savoriness, vinegar for sharpness, or honey for sweetness until it suits your palate perfectly.

Step 6 — Transfer to a Jar

Pour the finished Homemade Italian Dressing into a clean glass jar or bottle with a tight-fitting lid. A mason jar works perfectly for both storage and shaking before use.

Step 7 — Rest for Maximum Flavor

Let the 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 beautifully.

Step 8 — Shake and Serve

Always shake the jar vigorously for 10-15 seconds before each use to re-emulsify the ingredients. Your Homemade Italian Dressing is now ready to elevate any salad.

Step 9 — Proper Storage

Store your dressing in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. If the olive oil solidifies slightly when chilled, simply let the jar sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before shaking and using.

Nutritional Information

Calories	85
Protein	0.2g
Carbohydrates	2g
Fat	9g
Fiber	0.1g
Sodium	290mg

Note: Estimates based on typical ingredients and serving size.

Healthier Alternatives

• Greek yogurt base — Creamy protein boost, tangy flavor
• Avocado oil — Heart-healthy fats, mild buttery taste
• Apple cider vinegar — Lower acidity, subtle fruity notes
• Lemon juice — Bright citrus flavor, no added sodium
• Fresh herbs — Intense flavor without salt dependency
• Nutritional yeast — Cheesy umami, dairy-free option
• Coconut aminos — Soy-free, lower sodium than soy sauce
• Maple syrup — Natural sweetness, refined sugar-free

Serving Suggestions

• Drizzle this Homemade Italian Dressing over a classic garden salad with crisp romaine, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and red onions for a refreshing side.
• Use it as a vibrant marinade for grilled chicken, steak, or shrimp to infuse them with zesty, herby flavor before cooking.
• Toss it with pasta, olives, mozzarella balls, and salami for a quick and delicious Italian pasta salad, perfect for picnics and potlucks.
• Whisk it into potato salad or grain bowls like quinoa or farro to add a bright, tangy lift that complements earthy ingredients.
• Serve it alongside a rustic antipasto platter with cured meats, cheeses, and marinated vegetables for an authentic Italian appetizer spread.
• Brush it over thick slices of crusty bread before toasting or grilling for flavorful homemade croutons or bruschetta bases.

This versatile Homemade Italian Dressing brings fresh, herby notes to everything from simple greens to hearty mains, making it a staple for everyday meals and entertaining alike.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Mistake: Using cheap, flavorless olive oil. Fix: Opt for a high-quality extra virgin olive oil for a richer, more authentic taste.
• Mistake: Adding dried herbs directly without blooming. Fix: Gently warm the herbs in the oil first to unlock their full aromatic potential.
• Mistake: Overpowering the blend with too much vinegar. Fix: Start with a classic 3:1 oil-to-vinegar ratio and adjust to your personal preference.
• Mistake: Skipping the emulsification step. Fix: Whisk vigorously or shake in a sealed jar until the dressing is creamy and unified.
• Mistake: Not seasoning adequately. Fix: Always taste and adjust salt, pepper, and other seasonings after mixing.
• Mistake: Using pre-minced garlic from a jar. Fix: Freshly mince a garlic clove for a brighter, more potent garlic flavor.
• Mistake: Storing it incorrectly. Fix: Keep your Homemade Italian Dressing in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
• Mistake: Rushing the process and not letting flavors meld. Fix: Let the dressing sit for at least 30 minutes before serving for the best flavor.
• Mistake: Adding cheese directly to the main batch. Fix: Stir in freshly grated Parmesan or Romano cheese just before serving to prevent clumping.
• Mistake: Neglecting the sweet component for balance. Fix: A tiny pinch of sugar or a teaspoon of honey can perfectly balance the acidity.

Storing Tips

• Fridge: Store your Homemade Italian Dressing in an airtight container or jar in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. Always give it a good shake before using, as separation is natural.
• Freezer: For longer storage, freeze your Homemade Italian Dressing in a freezer-safe jar or ice cube trays for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before use.
• Reheat: This dressing is typically served cold and does not require reheating. If you’ve used it as a marinade, ensure the cooked food reaches a safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

Proper storage is key to maintaining the fresh, vibrant flavor of your Homemade Italian Dressing.

Conclusion

This easy Homemade Italian Dressing is a versatile staple for your kitchen. Try it on salads, as a marinade, or with Caprese Stuffed Portobello Mushrooms Easy Recipe. Give this recipe a try and share your results in the comments below!

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FAQs

How long does Homemade Italian Dressing last in the refrigerator?

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

Can I make this Homemade Italian Dressing without fresh herbs?

Yes, you can substitute dried herbs for fresh ones in this Homemade Italian Dressing recipe. Use one-third the amount of dried herbs, as they have a more concentrated flavor compared to fresh.

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 will still create a delicious Homemade Italian Dressing.