Go Back
–+ servings
Italian Dressing Recipe

Zesty Italian Dressing Recipe for Fresh Homemade Flavor

This homemade Italian Dressing Recipe offers a quick, easy, and flavorful vinaigrette that enhances any dish, creating a fresh, authentic taste.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Chill Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Food FAQs
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 120
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Dressing Base
  • 3/4 cup Extra Virgin Olive Oil opt for cold-pressed for best flavor
  • 1/4 cup Red Wine Vinegar can substitute with white wine vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons Fresh Lemon Juice freshly squeezed is best
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon Mustard essential for emulsifying
For Flavor Enhancements
  • 1-2 cloves Garlic (minced) use a microplane for fine texture
  • 1 teaspoon Dried Oregano fresh oregano can enhance flavor
  • 1 teaspoon Dried Basil fresh basil enhances freshness
  • pinch Red Pepper Flakes (optional) adjust according to spice preference
For Seasoning
  • 1/2 teaspoon Kosher Salt adjust to taste
  • 1/4 teaspoon Black Pepper adjust to taste
  • 1 tablespoon Honey (or granulated sugar) use agave syrup for vegan
For the Finish
  • 1 tablespoon Fresh Parsley (optional) adds a delightful herbal touch

Equipment

  • Medium Bowl
  • Whisk
  • mason jar

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. In a medium bowl or mason jar, combine ¾ cup of extra virgin olive oil and ¼ cup of red wine vinegar with 2 tablespoons of fresh lemon juice. Whisk or shake to combine.
  2. Add 1 tablespoon of Dijon mustard and 1 tablespoon of honey (or sugar). Whisk vigorously for 30 seconds until well-blended.
  3. Incorporate 1-2 cloves of minced garlic, 1 teaspoon of dried oregano, and 1 teaspoon of dried basil. Add optional red pepper flakes and whisk again for 30 seconds.
  4. Season with ½ teaspoon of kosher salt and ¼ teaspoon of black pepper. Whisk for 20 seconds to ensure seasoning is mixed in.
  5. Cover and chill the dressing in the refrigerator for at least 15 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
  6. Before serving, shake or stir the dressing and then drizzle over salads, toss in pasta salads, or use as a marinade.

Nutrition

Serving: 2tablespoonsCalories: 120kcalCarbohydrates: 2gFat: 14gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gSodium: 200mgSugar: 1g

Notes

Store in an airtight jar in the fridge for up to one week or freeze in ice cube trays for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge or at room temperature before use.

Tried this recipe?

Let us know how it was!