Easy and Fast DIY Italian Dressing Recipe

You’ll adore this tangy, homemade Easy Italian Dressing that takes only minutes to whip up with a handful of common pantry staples! Ideal for salads, vegetables, marinades, and more!

No need to buy salad dressings from the market when it’s this straightforward to create! All it takes is a few pantry essentials to prepare this easy Italian salad dressing in just 5 minutes. The blend of oil, vinegar, robust parmesan cheese, fresh garlic, and aromatic herbs makes this one of my preferred dressings for more than just salads!

Reasons to Love this Recipe

• Tangy, fresh, and scrumptious!
• Quickly made with basic pantry ingredients in only 5 minutes.
• Freshly grated parmesan cheese enhances the flavor wonderfully in this dressing!
• Fantastic for salads, chicken, grilled vegetables, as a marinade for chicken, fish, or steak, and so much more.

Essential Ingredients

This effortless Italian dressing recipe uses just a few simple ingredients you likely have on hand in your pantry or refrigerator! Here’s what you’ll need:

• olive oil – I prefer using quality olive oil that doesn’t have to break the bank; just ensure it’s cold-pressed and organic for the best flavor (in my opinion).
• white wine vinegar – this introduces a delightful tang and zest to the dressing. Apple cider vinegar or champagne vinegar can also work.
• parmesan cheese – this is a must in this dressing and adds incredible depth of flavor; just be sure to use grated parmesan cheese.
• dijon mustard – this gives a bit of zip and aids in emulsifying the dressing.
• honey – you only require one teaspoon, and a small amount goes a long way! This really balances out the vinegar and savory notes. Maple syrup or another natural sweetener can be used instead of honey.
• garlic – I prefer using fresh garlic in my salad dressings, but if that’s not available, 1/4 teaspoon of dried minced garlic or garlic powder will suffice.
• herbs – a mix of dried oregano, dried basil, and dried parsley; you could also incorporate fresh herbs.
• salt + pepper – essential for seasoning the dressing and enhancing flavor.

Crafting the Italian Dressing

I take great pleasure in creating homemade dressings and vinaigrettes as they are incredibly simple and blend together in under 5 minutes. Simply whisk all the ingredients in a jar or bowl, or you may utilize a blender or NutriBullet and blend until smooth. Store the dressing in a sealed, airtight container in the fridge until ready to use. This Italian dressing is good for up to 5 days in the fridge, but truly tastes best when fresh.

I personally store my dressings in mason jars because they have a secure seal, are easy to transport, and you can just throw all your ingredients in and give the jar a nice shake!

Uses for This Dressing

• Salad or wrap dressing
• Drizzle over tomatoes, cucumbers, and other vegetables
• Marinate chicken, shrimp, or fish
• Incorporate into pasta salads or fold into quinoa or grain bowls.
• Use as a dip for bread or vegetables

Additional Dressings You Might Like

I hope you enjoy my Easy Italian Dressing, and if this recipe pleases you as much as it does us, kindly leave a ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ rating below and don’t forget to tag me on Instagram with the hashtag #eatyourselfskinny! I love seeing all your delicious recreations!

**Effortless and Fast Homemade Italian Dressing Recipe**

Italian dressing is a versatile and flavorful enhancement for any kitchen. Whether drizzling over a fresh salad, using it as a marinade for meats, or adding a zesty touch to roasted veggies, Italian dressing is a staple that can uplift your culinary creations. While ready-made options are convenient, crafting your own Italian dressing is surprisingly easy, quick, and healthier. Moreover, you can customize the flavors to align with your tastes. In this piece, we’ll guide you through a foolproof method for homemade Italian dressing while exploring its various applications.

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### **Why Opt for Homemade Italian Dressing?**

1. **Freshness and Flavor**: Homemade dressings are created with fresh ingredients, guaranteeing a lively and intense flavor that store-bought varieties often lack.
2. **No Preservatives**: Unlike pre-packaged dressings, homemade versions are devoid of artificial preservatives, additives, and excess sugars.
3. **Customizable**: You can modify the ingredients to accommodate your dietary requirements or flavor inclinations, such as reducing salt or adding more garlic.
4. **Cost-Effective**: Crafting your own dressing is generally more economical than purchasing pre-made options, particularly if you already possess the pantry essentials.

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### **Components for Homemade Italian Dressing**

This recipe requires only simple components that you probably already have available in your kitchen. It takes just a few minutes to prepare and results in a delightful, tangy dressing.

#### **Core Ingredients**:
– **1/2 cup olive oil**: Extra virgin olive oil is ideal due to its rich flavor, but you can opt for any neutral oil if you wish.
– **1/4 cup white wine vinegar**: Substitute it with red wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar for a slightly altered tang.
– **1 tablespoon lemon juice**: Adds freshness and a vibrant note to the dressing.

#### **Seasonings**:
– **1 teaspoon garlic powder**: Imparts a mild garlic flavor. Fresh minced garlic can also be utilized for a bolder taste.
– **1 teaspoon onion powder**: Contributes depth to the flavor profile.
– **1 teaspoon dried oregano**: A traditional herb in Italian cooking.
– **1 teaspoon dried basil**: Complements oregano beautifully.
– **1/2 teaspoon dried parsley**: Lends a subtle herbal accent.
– **1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes** (optional): For a touch of heat.
– **1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard**: Aids in emulsifying the dressing and adds a pleasing tang.
– **1 teaspoon sugar or honey**: Balances the acidity from the vinegar and lemon juice.
– **Salt and black pepper to taste**: Adjust as desired.

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### **Step-by-Step Directions**

1. **Combine the Ingredients**: In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the olive oil, vinegar, and lemon juice.
2. **Incorporate the Seasonings**: Mix in the garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, basil, parsley, red pepper flakes (if using), Dijon mustard, sugar or honey, salt, and pepper.
3. **Blend Thoroughly**: If using a jar, seal tightly and shake well until all ingredients are thoroughly combined. If using a bowl, whisk until the dressing is well emulsified and smooth.
4. **Taste and Adjust**: Sample the dressing and modify the seasoning as needed. You can add more vinegar for tanginess, more olive oil for richness, or extra sugar/honey for sweetness.
5. **Store**: Transfer the dressing into a clean, airtight container or jar. It can be kept in the fridge for up to one week. Shake well before each use, as the oil and vinegar may separate over time.

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### **Success Tips**

– **Utilize Quality Ingredients**: Since this recipe relies on basic components, using high-quality olive oil and fresh herbs (when available) will significantly enhance the flavor.
– **Try Different Herbs**: Feel free to add or swap herbs like thyme, rosemary, or marjoram to design your unique mix.
– **Make It Creamy**: For a creamy Italian dressing, whisk in 1-2 tablespoons of mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, or sour cream.
– **Double the Amount**: This dressing is so versatile that it’s worthwhile to prepare a larger batch to have at your disposal during the week.

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### **Utilizing Italian Dressing**

1. **Salad Dressing**: Toss with mixed greens, chopped veggies, and croutons for a classic Italian salad.
2. **Marinade**: Use it to soak chicken, steak, or shrimp for a tasty and tender outcome.
3. **Vegetable Seasoning**: Drizzle over roasted or grilled vegetables for added flavor.
4. **Pasta Salad**: Stir into a chilled pasta salad featuring cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, olives, and mozzarella.
5. **Bread Dip**: