Once you taste this, you’ll wonder why you ever bought store-bought dressing. It’s balanced with just the right amount of acidity, a touch of sweetness, and a blend of classic Italian seasonings. Plus, it’s totally customizable, so you can adjust the flavors to match your taste. Ready to shake up your salad routine? Let’s get started!
What is Italian Salad Dressing?
Italian salad dressing is a classic vinaigrette made with olive oil, vinegar, and a blend of herbs and spices. It’s known for its bold and zesty flavor, making it a staple for salads, sandwiches, and marinades. While store-bought versions often contain added sugars and preservatives, making it at home gives you full control over the ingredients.
RELATED: This creamy balsamic vinaigrette dressing will really make your salads come to life! It can also be used as a chicken marinade and takes only 5 minutes to prepare!
What makes this salad dressing healthy?
This dressing is made with heart-healthy olive oil, which is rich in monounsaturated fats. It’s also free from artificial additives and preservatives that are commonly found in bottled dressings. Using fresh and dried herbs adds antioxidants, and with a natural sweetener like honey, you get a hint of sweetness without refined sugar.
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What ingredients do you need to make Italian Salad Dressing?
To make this zesty Italian Salad Dressing you’ll need the following ingredients:
- ½ cup olive oil
- 3 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon honey (or sugar)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon dried basil
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Be sure to check out the full ingredient list and printable recipe in the recipe card below.
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Why you’ll love this classic Italian salad dressing recipe
- It’s quick and easy to make in just 5 minutes.
- Made with simple ingredients you likely already have in your kitchen.
- Tastes fresher and better than anything from the store.
- Works as a dressing, marinade, or even a dip for crusty bread.
- No preservatives, just real ingredients with great flavor.
What tools do you need to make this Homemade Italian Salad dressing?
- A small bowl and whisk or a mason jar with a lid
- Measuring spoons and cups
- A garlic press (if using fresh garlic instead of garlic powder)
Step-by-step instructions for making this classic Italian Dressing
- In a small bowl or mason jar, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, and honey until smooth.
- Add the oregano, basil, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Stir or shake well.
- If using Parmesan cheese, mix it in at the end.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Store in the fridge and shake before using.
Make this Easy Homemade Italian Salad Dressing, then check out my Best Chopped Italian Salad with Zesty Italian Dressing, or my Maple Dijon Salad Dressing and more of my healthy salad dressing recipes.
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Frequently asked questions about this Italian Salad Dressing recipe
Read on for tips and substitution ideas on how to make this recipe, such as how to customize this dressing, and how to store this dressing.
Can I use fresh herbs instead of dried?
Yes! Use three times the amount of fresh herbs since dried herbs are more concentrated.
What can I use instead of red wine vinegar?
White wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar are great substitutes.
Can I make this without honey or sugar?
Yes, you can skip the sweetener or use a sugar-free alternative if needed.
How to store leftovers of this salad dressing
Store your homemade Italian dressing in an airtight container or a mason jar in the refrigerator for up to one week. Since olive oil can solidify when chilled, let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes and give it a good shake before using.
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This homemade Italian dressing is a great way to add bold flavor to your meals. It’s fresh, healthy, and works just as well as a marinade as it does on a salad. Whether you’re meal prepping for the week or need a last-minute dressing, this simple recipe has you covered!
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Total Time 5 minutes
Ingredients
- ½ cup olive oil
- 3 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon honey (or sugar)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon dried basil
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions
- In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, and honey until well combined.
- Add the oregano, basil, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Whisk or shake well.
- If using Parmesan, stir it in at the end.
- Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. Shake well before using.
Notes
Store your homemade Italian dressing in an airtight container or a mason jar in the refrigerator for up to one week. Since olive oil can solidify when chilled, let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes and give it a good shake before using.
Nutrition Information:
Yield:
12Serving Size:
1 TablespoonAmount Per Serving: Calories: 88Total Fat: 9gSaturated Fat: 1gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 1mgSodium: 117mgCarbohydrates: 1gFiber: 0gSugar: 0gProtein: 0g
The provided nutrition information is an estimate and it does not take brands into account. I use an automatic API to calculate this information.
These salad dressings, sauces and dips can be enjoyed any time of year and will complement so many meals – from salads to steamed greens – to topping baked spuds or cooked quinoa:
- This creamy Southwestern salad dressing brings all the bold flavors you crave—zesty lime, smoky spices, and just the right amount of heat.
- You’ll love how quickly this Maple Dijon Salad Dressing comes together. With just five basic ingredients, you can whip up a delicious homemade dressing that’s not only healthy but also way better than anything you’ll find at the store.
- Enjoy the taste of Caesar salad without the anchovies and with no guilt – this Caesar salad dressing is also keto-approved! There’s only 9 simple ingredients needed to make this keto-friendly Caesar salad dressing.
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