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Italian Dressing

Homemade Italian Dressing: Fresh, Zesty, and Oh-So-Easy!

This homemade Italian dressing is fresh, zesty, and customizable, perfect for salads and marinades.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Resting Time 5 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Servings: 8 tablespoons
Course: Food FAQs
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 70

Ingredients
  

For the Base
  • 1/2 cup Extra Virgin Olive Oil Opt for high-quality oil for the best taste.
  • 1/4 cup Red Wine Vinegar Adds necessary tartness.
  • 2 tablespoons Fresh Lemon Juice Avoid bottled versions for maximum flavor.
For the Flavoring
  • 1 clove Fresh Garlic Grated into a fine paste.
  • 1 teaspoon Dried Oregano Adds depth and earthiness.
  • 1 teaspoon Dried Basil Can be swapped for fresh if available.
  • 1 teaspoon Dried Parsley Optional based on preference.
  • 1/2 teaspoon Onion Powder Can substitute with finely chopped fresh onion.
  • 1/4 teaspoon Red Pepper Flakes Adjust according to spice tolerance.
For the Seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon Sea Salt Adjust as necessary.
  • 1/2 teaspoon Coarse Black Pepper Freshly ground is always best.
For Emulsification
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon Mustard Acts as an emulsifier.
  • 1 teaspoon Honey Substitute with maple syrup for a vegan option.
  • 1/4 cup Parmesan Cheese For a vegan alternative, swap with nutritional yeast.

Equipment

  • Medium-sized bowl or jar

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions for Italian Dressing
  1. Begin by preparing the fresh garlic; use a microplane to grate it finely into a paste.
  2. In a medium-sized bowl or a jar, combine red wine vinegar, fresh lemon juice, the grated garlic paste, Dijon mustard, and honey. Whisk or shake until well combined.
  3. Stir in the dried oregano, dried basil, dried parsley (if using), onion powder, red pepper flakes, sea salt, and coarse black pepper.
  4. Add the finely grated Parmesan cheese to your bowl or jar and mix thoroughly.
  5. Gradually whisk in the extra virgin olive oil until fully emulsified and creamy.
  6. Taste the dressing and adjust the seasoning if necessary.
  7. Allow the Italian dressing to sit for about 5 minutes before serving.

Nutrition

Serving: 1tablespoonCalories: 70kcalCarbohydrates: 2gFat: 7gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 1mgSodium: 120mgPotassium: 15mgSugar: 1gVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 1mg

Notes

Store your homemade dressing in an airtight jar in the refrigerator for up to a week. Shake before each use.

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