Italian dressing is a favorite of mine for its zesty blend of olive oil and herbs. It 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 that consists of a harmonious blend of oil, vinegar, and herbs. Contrary to what its name might suggest, Italian dressing is not a traditional product of Italy. Instead, it emerged as an American interpretation of Italian flavors, born from the culinary melting pot of immigrant communities.
Today, Italian salad dressing enjoys widespread popularity across diverse culinary landscapes. Its versatility extends beyond mere salad accompaniment. This is how to make the Italian dressing at home:
Homemade Italian dressing
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
Variations
The classic Italian dressing serves as the foundation for numerous variations. From this recipe, you can create other versions:
1. Vegan Italian dressing: Nutritional yeast can replace Parmesan cheese to impart a savory, cheesy flavor. Replace honey with maple syrup. For creamier versions, avocado or cashew cream can be used in place of dairy-based ingredients, resulting in a rich, plant-based dressing that doesn’t compromise on taste or texture.
2. Creamy Italian dressing offers a richer, more indulgent alternative to the classic vinaigrette. To create this variation, I blend mayonnaise or Greek yogurt into the basic recipe. The result is a luscious, smooth dressing that clings beautifully to salad greens and provides a satisfying mouthfeel.
3. Golden Italian salad dressing is characterized by its creamy texture and tangy, lemony taste. For this recipe, add lemon juice and zest.
4. Low-calorie Italian salad dressing: To make this variant, you need to reduce the oil content and increase the proportion of vinegar or lemon juice. Use pureed vegetables like bell peppers or tomatoes to add body and flavor without excess calories. Additionally, replacing sugar or honey with a natural sweetener like stevia can further reduce the calorie count.
5. Regional versions:
- Northern Italian dressings tend to incorporate balsamic vinegar and Parmigiano-Reggiano
- Southern Italian versions often 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: Features lemon juice and oregano
How to use Italian salad dressing
1. Pairing with different types of salads
- Classic green salads with crisp lettuce and fresh vegetables
- Pasta salads with cherry tomatoes, mozzarella, and olives
- Chopped vegetable salads
- Italian-inspired grain salads
The versatility of Italian dressing allows it to enhance both delicate greens and heartier salad components. Its tangy flavor cuts through rich ingredients like cheese or avocado, while its herbal notes complement fresh vegetables beautifully.
2. Use as a marinade
- Chicken breasts
- Pork chops
- Shrimp
- Tofu
The acidic components in the dressing help tenderize the meat, while the oil and herbs impart rich flavor. For best results, I recommend marinating for at least 30 minutes, but no longer than 24 hours to prevent the acid from breaking down the protein too much.
3. For sandwiches and wraps
In sandwiches and wraps, Italian dressing serves as a zesty spread that adds moisture and flavor. I often use it in place of mayonnaise or mustard in:
- Italian subs
- Veggie wraps
- Grilled chicken sandwiches
- Paninis
4. In pasta dishes
In pasta salads, Italian dressing adds a tangy, herbaceous flavor. My go-to pasta salad recipe includes:
- Rotini or fusilli pasta
- Cherry tomatoes
- Diced cucumber
- Kalamata olives
- Feta cheese
- A generous drizzle of homemade Italian dressing
5. Use in antipasto platters
On antipasto platters, this condiment serves as an excellent accompaniment to various components. I often include a small bowl of the dressing for dipping or drizzling over:
- Cured meats
- Cheeses
- Grilled or raw vegetables
- Olives and pickled items
The dressing’s tangy flavor cuts through the richness of cured meats and cheeses, while its herbal notes complement the briny flavors of olives and pickles.
