Italian dressing is my favorite condiment for its zesty blend of olive oil and herbs. This salad dressing turns simple salads and dishes into something extraordinary, adding a tangy kick that I always enjoy.
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Italian dressing Recipe
Italian dressing is a versatile and beloved condiment made from a harmonious blend of oil, vinegar, and herbs. Contrary to its name, Italian dressing is not from Italy. Instead, it emerged as an American interpretation of Italian flavors. The dressing was born from the culinary melting pot of immigrant communities.
This condiment is known for its tangy, herbaceous flavor profile. This dressing is widely used as a salad dressing, marinade for meats and vegetables, or a flavorful drizzle for sandwiches and antipasto platters.
Its light, zesty taste makes it a staple in Mediterranean-inspired cuisine and a popular choice for adding a fresh, bold kick to dishes. You can pair it with various salads like classic green salads, pasta salads, chopped vegetable salads, and Italian-inspired grain salads.
It is an excellent marinade for proteins like chicken, pork tenderloin, shrimp, tofu, and flank steak. It also shines as a zesty spread in sandwiches and wraps, such as Italian subs, veggie wraps, grilled chicken sandwiches, and paninis. Additionally, the dressing adds zest to roasted or grilled vegetables and can be used as a dip for antipasto skewers.
This is how to make the Italian dressing at home:
Homemade Italian dressing
Nutrition
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1/4 cup red wine vinegar
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a small bowl or a jar with a lid, combine the olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, and honey.
- Add the dried oregano, dried basil, garlic powder, and onion powder.
- Whisk or shake well until all ingredients are thoroughly mixed and the dressing is emulsified.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Notes
- Lemon juice for extra brightness
- Fresh herbs basil, oregano, thyme
- Grated Parmesan cheese
- Minced garlic or shallots
- Red pepper flakes for heat
SIMILAR RECIPES
Variations
The classic Italian dressing serves as the foundation for numerous variations. From this recipe, you can create other versions:
- Vegan Version replaces honey with maple syrup. For creamier versions, avocado or cashew cream can be used in place of dairy-based ingredients.
- Creamy Italian dressing blends mayonnaise or Greek yogurt into the basic recipe. It offers a richer, more indulgent alternative to the classic vinaigrette.
- Golden Italian salad dressing adds lemon juice and zest for a creamy texture and tangy, lemony taste.
- Low-calorie Variation
- Reduce the oil content
- Increase the proportion of vinegar or lemon juice
- Use pureed vegetables like bell peppers or tomatoes
- Replace sugar or honey with a natural sweetener like stevia
- Regional Versions:
- Northern Italian dressings incorporate balsamic vinegar and Parmigiano-Reggiano
- Southern Italian versions feature lemon juice and oregano.
- Mediterranean version incorporates elements like Greek oregano or Spanish sherry vinegar
- Tuscan style incorporates fresh tomatoes and basil
- Sicilian inspired version features lemon juice and oregano