Enjoy a delicious homemade Italian dressing on your salad that is easy to make in just minutes! This also makes an excellent dressing for a quick pasta salad or marinade for chicken. Done in minutes with pantry staples!
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Why You'll Love This Italian Dressing
This simple Italian dressing can be whisked in minutes in a bowl, added to a jar, and then shaken to combine the ingredients.
Homemade Italian salad dressing is tastier and less expensive than its store-bought counterpart.
Ingredients & Substitutions
Here is a quick snapshot of the ingredients you'll need for this recipe. Scroll to the recipe card, where you will find the exact measurements.
- Olive oil - choose a high-quality extra virgin olive oil for best taste results.
- White wine vinegar - you can also use champagne vinegar, apple cider vinegar, lemon juice, or red wine vinegar.
- Garlic - I recommend using fresh garlic and the microplane to grate, making the garlic pop in this recipe. You can also use already minced garlic.
- Mayo - you can substitute plain yogurt, avocado, or sour cream for the mayonnaise in this dressing.
How to make Italian salad dressing
In a small bowl or jar, pour the olive oil. Using a grater or microplane, grate the garlic clove over the bowl.
If you don't have a grater or microplane, use minced garlic or chop finely with a small knife.
Add the mayo, Parmesan cheese, white wine vinegar, sugar, Italian herb seasoning, salt, pepper, cayenne pepper, and onion powder.
Whisk together if using a small bowl, and if using a jar, then place the lid on and give the jar a good shake until everything is combined.
Tips for amazing homemade Italian dressing!
- Be sure to use fresh garlic and microplane for a more intense garlicky flavor.
- Flavor balance is key when making a good salad dressing, so be sure to follow the recipe.
FAQ
Higher-quality olive oil is higher in monounsaturated fats, which become solid when refrigerated.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this homemade Italian dressing over your favorite salad, marinate some chicken for grilling, or pour over your favorite vegetables for an easy treat. This is also fabulous as part of a delicious pasta salad!
Storage
Store this salad dressing in the refrigerator for up to three days. Be sure to put it on the counter 30 minutes before serving, as the olive oil has likely solidified. I do not recommend freezing this dressing.
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Recipe
Homemade Italian Dressing
Ingredients
- ½ cup olive oil high quality for salad dressings or dipping
- 1 garlic clove
- 3 tablespoons white wine vinegar
- 1 tablespoon mayonnaise
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 tablespoon Italian herb seasoning
- ¼ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon pepper
- ⅛ teaspoon cayenne pepper
Instructions
- Pour olive oil into a small bowl. Using a microplane, grate garlic clove over the bowl.
- Add in the white wine vinegar, mayonnaise, sugar, Italian Herb seasoning, onion powder, salt, pepper, and cayenne pepper,
- Whisk all the ingredients together until combined.
- Serve immediately, or store in a jar or bottle for up to one week. Prior to using, set out on the counter for 30 minutes to allow the olive oil to de-solidify.
Notes
- Be sure to use fresh garlic and microplane for a more intense garlicky flavor.
- Flavor balance is key when making a good salad dressing, so be sure to follow the recipe.
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