If you’re looking for a universal dressing recipe that has the perfect flavor profile, then this Zesty Italian Dressing is for you! Perfect for green salads, pasta salads, marinades, and more. Plus tips and variations to customize it to your taste. Elevate your meals with this homemade goodness.
You’ll love this Easy Italian Dressing Recipe
Today I’m sharing with you the perfect and Easy Italian Dressing Recipe for you to make from the comfort of your own kitchen! If you’re on the hunt for a versatile, flavor-packed dressing that can do it all—from transforming bland salads into mouthwatering meals to serving as the secret ingredient in your marinades—look no further. This Easy Italian Dressing Recipe is not just simple to make, but it’s also customizable, allowing you to tweak it to your heart’s content. I use this as the dressing on my Italian Pasta Salad and constantly get asked what’s different about my Italian Pasta Salad compared to others and I honestly think that it’s the dressing! Homemade is just better than store-bought!
House Dressing Ingredients
- Extra virgin olive oil
- Red wine vinegar
- Lemon juice
- Garlic, minced
- Oregano
- Basil
- Thyme
- Parsley (optional)
- Red Pepper Flakes (optional, for heat)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
How to Make Italian Dressing
- Combine Vinegar and Lemon Juice: In a bowl or quart mason jar, combine the white wine vinegar and lemon juice.
- Add Herbs and Garlic: Add the minced garlic, oregano, basil, thyme, and parsley (if using). Include the red pepper flakes if you prefer some heat.
- Season: Add salt and freshly ground black pepper to your liking.
- Mix in Olive Oil: Gradually pour in the olive oil while continuously whisking to emulsify the dressing. If using a jar, you can add the oil, close the lid tightly, and shake well.
- Taste and Adjust: Adjust the seasoning as needed to suit your taste.
- Resting Time: Let the dressing sit for at least 30 minutes before use for the flavors to blend.
- Storage: Keep the dressing in a sealed container in the refrigerator. It’s common for olive oil-based dressings to solidify when chilled. To restore its consistency, simply let the dressing sit at room temperature for about 10–15 minutes before use, then give it a good shake or stir to re-emulsify.
Homemade Zesty Italian Dressing Uses
This zesty Italian dressing isn’t just any dressing – it’s like the Swiss army knife of the kitchen, ready to tackle a bunch of recipes with its awesome flavors. It’s not just for drizzling over greens; it’s my go-to for marinating meats, jazzing up roasted veggies, and even adding a small amount to sandwiches. The main reason I make this recipe is to use it as the dressing for my Italian Pasta Salad. It ties all the ingredients together so well, that you’ll wonder how you ever made pasta salad without it. Whether you’re whipping up a quick dinner or throwing together a dish for a potluck, this dressing can enhance your dishes!
Homemade Zesty Italian Dressing Variations
This Zesty Italian Dressing recipe is my favorite, because it’s so easy to adapt. It allows for numerous simple tweaks to suit different tastes or to complement specific dishes. Here are a few easy variations that I’ve tried in the past:
- Creamy Italian Dressing: Transform the dressing into a creamy version by whisking in 2-3 tablespoons of mayonnaise or Greek yogurt. This adds a rich texture and smoothness that’s perfect for creamy salad lovers.
- Herb-Loaded Italian Dressing: For an extra herbaceous punch, double the amount of dried herbs or add in fresh chopped herbs like basil, parsley, or chervil. This version is fantastic for an herb garden salad or as a fresh marinade for chicken.
- Balsamic Italian Dressing: Swap out the white wine vinegar for balsamic vinegar to create a dressing with a sweeter, more mellow tang. This richly flavored variation is perfect for drizzling over a Caprese salad or roasted root vegetables.
- Garlic Lovers’ Italian Dressing: For those who can’t get enough garlic, double or even triple the amount of minced garlic in the recipe. This garlic-packed version will add a bold flavor to any salad or make a great marinade for garlic bread.
- Cheesy Italian Dressing: Stir in grated Parmesan cheese, or for a different flavor, try adding crumbled feta or blue cheese. This cheesy variation adds a savory depth that works well with leafy green salads.
Zesty Italian Dressing FAQ’s
Absolutely! Fresh herbs will give your dressing a more vibrant flavor. As a general rule, use three times the amount of fresh herbs compared to dried since dried herbs are more concentrated. For example, if the recipe calls for 1 teaspoon of dried oregano, use 3 teaspoons (1 tablespoon) of fresh oregano.
It’s common for olive oil-based dressings to solidify when chilled. To restore its consistency, simply let the dressing sit at room temperature for about 10–15 minutes before use, then give it a good shake or stir to re-emulsify.
Yes, you can substitute white wine vinegar. Lemon juice also works well if you’re in a pinch.
When stored properly in a sealed container in the refrigerator, the dressing can last up to 2 weeks. The flavors will continue to meld and develop over time, so it might even taste better after a few days!
Definitely! This dressing is excellent for marinating chicken, beef, pork, or vegetables. The acid in the vinegar and lemon juice helps tenderize the meat, and the herbs add fantastic flavor.
Yes, this dressing is naturally gluten-free. However, always check the labels of your ingredients to ensure they haven’t been processed in a facility that handles gluten-containing products if cross-contamination is a concern.
Homemade Italian Dressing
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups Extra Virgin Olive Oil
- ½ cup Red Wine Vinegar
- 4 Tbsp Lemon Juice
- 4 cloves Garlic minced
- 2 Tsp Dried Oregano
- 2 Tsp Dried Basil
- 1 Tsp Dried Thyme
- 1 Tsp Dried Parsley optional
- ½ Tsp Red Pepper Flakes optional (for heat)
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
Video
Notes
ZESTY ITALIAN DRESSING VARIATIONS
Looking for some fun ways to customize this amazing dressing? Here are some of my favorite variations!- Creamy Italian Dressing: Transform the dressing into a creamy version by whisking in 2-3 tablespoons of mayonnaise or Greek yogurt. This adds a rich texture and smoothness that’s perfect for creamy salad lovers.
- Herb-Loaded Italian Dressing: For an extra herbaceous punch, double the amount of dried herbs or add in fresh chopped herbs like basil, parsley, or chervil. This version is fantastic for an herb garden salad or as a fresh marinade for chicken.
- Balsamic Italian Dressing: Swap out the white wine vinegar for balsamic vinegar to create a dressing with a sweeter, more mellow tang. This richly flavored variation is perfect for drizzling over a Caprese salad or roasted root vegetables.
- Garlic Lovers’ Italian Dressing: For those who can’t get enough garlic, double or even triple the amount of minced garlic in the recipe. This garlic-packed version will add a bold flavor to any salad or make a great marinade for garlic bread.
- Cheesy Italian Dressing: Stir in grated Parmesan cheese, or for a different flavor, try adding crumbled feta or blue cheese. This cheesy variation adds a savory depth that works well with leafy green salads.
Nutrition
I hope you enjoy this recipe as much as I do! Whether drizzling it over your Italian Pasta Salad, using it as a marinade, or simply enjoying it as a dip, the difference homemade makes is undeniable. Give it a try, and watch as your dishes are elevated with just a few simple ingredients. Happy cooking!
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If you’ve tried this recipe, I’d love it if you’d comment and rate the recipe below! I love to hear feedback and answer questions!
Mel
Ok, this blew my mind!! So fresh and delicious!
TINA T
The dressing was delicious! Can I refrigerate it? My husband said no because it has olive oil in it.
Pam Dana
Yes! It should and can be refrigerated! It’s common for olive oil-based dressings to solidify when chilled. To restore its consistency, simply let the dressing sit at room temperature for about 10–15 minutes before use, then give it a good shake or stir to re-emulsify. I’ll get that info added to the post! Thank you!
Jessica
There is nothing better than homemade Italian dressing! I loved this recipe, thanks so much!
Aimee
This has been on repeat at my house. I love it over my lunch salads, and I’m going to try it on a pasta salad this weekend.