Italian Dressing is so easy to make at home, and it's fresher and more flavorful than store-bought. This homemade version is my go-to for adding a zesty kick to salads, grilled veggies, or meats.

Recipe

Italian dressing has always been one of my go-to choices because it's the perfect mix of tangy, sweet, and savory.

I love how the combination of extra virgin olive oil, lemon juice, and white wine vinegar creates a bright and zesty base that works with just about anything.

Additionally, this Italian dressing recipe includes Dijon mustard and honey, which add a touch of creaminess and balance out the acidity with a gentle sweetness.

The freshly grated Parmesan brings a salty, nutty flavor that makes this homemade version better than anything store-bought.

Of all the recipes for Italian salad dressing I've tried, this one is the easiest and most satisfying.

Whether I'm using it as a classic Italian salad dressing, a quick marinade for chicken, or even a light Italian vinaigrette for pasta, ultimately, it never lets me down.

Jump to:

⭐Why You'll Love This Italian Dressing
🧾Italian Dressing Ingredients
👩🏻‍🍳How to Make Italian Dressing
💭Tips for Recipe Success
🥬More Salad Recipes to Try!
🍛More Appetizer Recipes!
📖 Recipe
💬 Comments

⭐Why You'll Love This Italian Dressing

Quick and Easy: This dressing comes together in minutes using simple, everyday ingredients.
Customizable: Adjust the flavors to your linking, make it sweeter, tangier, or creamier based on your preferences.
Versatile: Use it as a salad dressing, marinade for meats, or a flavorful drizzle over roasted vegetables.
Fresh and Healthy: Free from preservatives and artificial additives, this homemade dressing offers a fresh taste and health benefits.

🧾Italian Dressing Ingredients

Here's the breakdown of what's in this Italian Dressing recipe:

Extra Virgin Olive Oil: I love using extra virgin olive oil as the base for this dressing because of its rich, smooth texture and depth of flavor. It really brings everything together.
White Wine Vinegar: This is my go-to for adding that essential tanginess that gives the dressing its bright, zesty kick. You can also use red wine vinegar if you prefer a slightly deeper and richer flavor.
Lemon Juice: A little lemon juice goes a long way in adding a refreshing citrus note that lightens the overall flavor.
Dijon Mustard: Not only does Dijon mustard help emulsify the dressing, but it also adds a subtle sharpness that complements the other ingredients beautifully.
Honey: Moreover, just a touch of honey adds a sweetness that perfectly balances the acidity of the vinegar and lemon juice.
Garlic Clove: Freshly minced garlic adds warmth and depth, making it more delicious.
Onion Powder: I like adding onion powder for an extra layer of flavor that enhances the overall profile.
Italian Seasoning: This classic herb blend brings that unmistakable Italian essence that makes the dressing truly special.
Salt & Black Pepper: A little seasoning goes a long way to enhance all the other flavors.
Parmesan Cheese: Adding Parmesan cheese gives the dressing a creamy, savory touch that makes it irresistible.

See the recipe card below for a full list of ingredients and measurements.

👩🏻‍🍳How to Make Italian Dressing

These step-by-step instructions and photos will help you to visualize how to make this recipe. See the recipe card for a printable version of this recipe.

1. Add all the ingredients to a jar with a tight-fitting lid: extra virgin olive oil, white wine vinegar, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, honey, minced garlic, onion powder, Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper, and grated Parmesan cheese.

2. Secure the lid and shake the jar vigorously until all the ingredients are well combined and the Italian dressing looks creamy.

3. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

4. Refrigerate the jar for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld together before serving.

💭Tips for Recipe Success

Prevent Olive Oil Solidification: If your extra virgin olive oil solidifies in the fridge, just let the dressing sit at room temperature for a few minutes and give it a good shake before using.

Adjust the Sweetness: If you prefer a less sweet dressing, reduce the honey or replace it with maple syrup for a different twist.

Add Some Heat: For a little kick, sprinkle in a pinch of red pepper flakes. It adds a nice warmth that complements the other flavors beautifully.

Make It Dairy-Free: If you want a dairy-free version, simply leave out the Parmesan cheese. It's still deliciously flavorful.

Storing Leftover Dressing: Store leftover dressing in an airtight jar in the fridge for up to one week. Just shake well before each use to bring the ingredients back together.