Name: Italian Dressing Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 10 min
Yield: 8
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: ½ cup Vegetable Oil; 3 tbsp red wine vinegar; 1 tsp dijon mustard; ½ tsp Italian Seasoning; 1 tsp sugar; salt and pepper

This tangy and zesty Italian dressing is perfect for giving your salads a burst of flavor. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a homemade dressing that rivals any store-bought version. It's quick, easy, and delicious.

Photos of Italian Dressing Recipe

Most of the ingredients for this Italian dressing are pantry staples, but you might not always have red wine vinegar or dijon mustard on hand. Make sure to pick up these items at the supermarket if you don't have them already.

Ingredients For Italian Dressing Recipe

Vegetable oil: A neutral oil that forms the base of the dressing, allowing the other flavors to shine

Red wine vinegar: Adds a tangy and slightly sweet flavor; essential for authentic Italian dressing

Dijon mustard: Provides a subtle heat and emulsifies the dressing, giving it a smooth texture

Italian seasoning: A blend of dried herbs like oregano, basil, and thyme that adds an aromatic depth

Sugar: Balances the acidity of the vinegar and the sharpness of the mustard

Salt and pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance all the flavors in the dressing

One reader, Janeen Jauregui says:

This Italian dressing recipe is fantastic! The flavors are perfectly balanced, and it's so easy to make. It adds a delicious zing to my salads. Highly recommend!

Janeen Jauregui

Key Techniques for Crafting the Perfect Italian Dressing

Yes.

How to measure ingredients: Use measuring cups and spoons to ensure you have the correct amounts of vegetable oil, red wine vinegar, dijon mustard, Italian seasoning, sugar, salt, and pepper.

How to combine ingredients in a jar: Add all the ingredients to a jar with a tight-fitting lid to ensure they mix well and do not spill.

How to shake ingredients: Secure the lid tightly on the jar and shake vigorously until all ingredients are well combined.

How to refrigerate properly: Place the jar in the refrigerator for at least one hour to allow the flavors to meld together.

How to serve over fresh greens: Pour the dressing over a bowl of fresh greens just before serving to ensure the salad is well-coated and flavorful.

How To Make Italian Dressing

Making your own homemade Italian Dressing is as easy as 1-2-3! It’s even more flavorful than the store-bought versions, and takes only 10 minutes to make.

Preparation: 10 minutes

Cooking:

Total: 10 minutes

Serves:

Ingredients

½cupvegetable oil,or use half olive oil, half vegetable oil
3tbspred wine vinegar
1tspdijon mustard
½tspItalian seasoning
1tspsugar
salt and pepper,to taste

Instructions

Add the vegetable oil, vinegar, mustard, Italian seasoning, sugar, salt, and pepper to a jar with a tight fitting lid.
Shake well to combine.
Refrigerate at least 1 hour.
Serve over fresh greens, and enjoy!

Nutrition

Calories: 127.56kcal
Fat: 14.03g
Saturated Fat: 0.92g
Trans Fat: 0.11g
Monounsaturated Fat: 10.09g
Polyunsaturated Fat: 2.40g
Carbohydrates: 0.66g
Fiber: 0.06g
Sugar: 0.53g
Protein: 0.04g
Sodium: 48.52mg
Calcium: 2.22mg
Potassium: 4.49mg
Iron: 0.12mg
Vitamin A: 0.17µg
Vitamin C: 0.06mg

Expert Tip for Elevating Your Italian Dressing

For a smoother and more emulsified dressing, use a small whisk instead of shaking the jar. This helps to better incorporate the dijon mustard with the vegetable oil and red wine vinegar, ensuring a consistent texture and flavor throughout.

Time-Saving Tips for Preparing Italian Dressing

Prepare ingredients in advance: Measure out vegetable oil, red wine vinegar, dijon mustard, italian seasoning, sugar, salt, and pepper ahead of time.

Use a blender: Combine all ingredients in a blender for a faster and more consistent mix.

Make a large batch: Double or triple the recipe and store the extra dressing in the refrigerator for future use.

Pre-chill the jar: Place the jar in the fridge beforehand so the dressing chills faster.

Label and date: Label the jar with the date to keep track of freshness.

Substitute Ingredients For Italian Dressing Recipe

vegetable oil - Substitute with olive oil: Olive oil provides a richer flavor and is a staple in Italian cuisine.
red wine vinegar - Substitute with apple cider vinegar: Apple cider vinegar has a similar acidity and can add a slightly fruity note.
dijon mustard - Substitute with yellow mustard: Yellow mustard can provide a similar tangy flavor, though it is milder.
italian seasoning - Substitute with herbes de Provence: Herbes de Provence includes many of the same herbs found in Italian seasoning and can provide a similar aromatic profile.
sugar - Substitute with honey: Honey can add sweetness and a slight floral note, making the dressing more complex.
salt - Substitute with soy sauce: Soy sauce can add saltiness along with a depth of umami flavor.
pepper - Substitute with white pepper: White pepper provides a similar heat but with a slightly different, more earthy flavor.

Creative Ways to Serve Italian Dressing

Use high-quality ingredients: Ensure that the vegetable oil, red wine vinegar, and dijon mustard are of the highest quality to enhance the flavor profile of the dressing.
Emulsify properly: Shake the mixture vigorously to create a smooth and well-emulsified dressing, ensuring that the oil and vinegar blend seamlessly.
Balance flavors: Taste the dressing and adjust the salt, pepper, and sugar to achieve a perfect balance of tanginess, sweetness, and seasoning.
Chill appropriately: Refrigerate the dressing for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld and develop, ensuring a more cohesive taste.
Serve with finesse: Drizzle the dressing over a bed of fresh greens using a small spoon or a squeeze bottle for precise application, ensuring an even distribution.
Garnish with flair: Add a touch of elegance by garnishing the salad with freshly grated Parmesan cheese or a sprinkle of herbs like basil or parsley.
Present on fine china: Serve the dressed salad on a pristine white plate to highlight the vibrant colors of the greens and the dressing, creating a visually appealing presentation.
Add texture: Incorporate elements like croutons or toasted nuts to add a delightful crunch, enhancing the overall dining experience.

Essential Kitchen Tools for Making Italian Dressing

Jar with a tight fitting lid: This is essential for combining and shaking all the ingredients together to create a well-emulsified dressing.
Measuring cups: These are used to measure the vegetable oil and vinegar accurately.
Measuring spoons: These are used to measure the dijon mustard, italian seasoning, sugar, salt, and pepper precisely.
Refrigerator: This is necessary for chilling the dressing for at least an hour to allow the flavors to meld together.
Salad bowl: This is used to serve the fresh greens with the dressing.
Whisk: Optional, but can be used to mix the ingredients before shaking them in the jar for a smoother consistency.

Storing and Freezing Homemade Italian Dressing

To store the Italian dressing, pour it into an airtight container or a jar with a tight-fitting lid. Make sure the container is clean and dry before transferring the dressing.
Seal the container tightly to prevent any air from entering, which can cause the dressing to spoil quickly.
Label the container with the date of preparation using a marker or a label maker. This will help you keep track of how long the dressing has been stored.
Place the container in the refrigerator. The cool temperature will help preserve the quality and freshness of the dressing.
When stored properly in the refrigerator, the Italian dressing will last for up to 2 weeks.
If you want to extend the shelf life of the dressing, you can freeze it. Pour the dressing into a freezer-safe container, leaving some headspace at the top to allow for expansion.
Label the container with the date of preparation and place it in the freezer.
When you're ready to use the frozen dressing, transfer it to the refrigerator and let it thaw overnight.
Once thawed, give the dressing a good shake or whisk to recombine any ingredients that may have separated during the freezing process.
Frozen Italian dressing can be stored for up to 6 months. However, keep in mind that the quality may deteriorate over time, so it's best to use it within the first few months for optimal flavor and texture.

Interesting Trivia About Italian Dressing

A random fact about this Italian dressing recipe is that the dijon mustard not only adds flavor but also acts as an emulsifier, helping to blend the oil and vinegar together for a smoother consistency.

Is Making Italian Dressing at Home Cost-Effective?

This Italian dressing recipe is quite cost-effective for a household. The ingredients are common pantry staples, making it affordable and easy to prepare. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people is around $2-$3. Given its simplicity and the fact that it can elevate any salad with minimal effort, I would rate this recipe a solid 9 out of 10.

Is Homemade Italian Dressing Healthy?

The Italian dressing recipe, while simple and flavorful, may not be the healthiest choice due to its high oil content and lack of nutrient-dense ingredients. The recipe relies heavily on vegetable oil, which is often processed and high in omega-6 fatty acids. When consumed in excess, these fatty acids can contribute to inflammation in the body. Additionally, the recipe lacks any significant sources of vitamins, minerals, or fiber, which are essential for overall health and well-being.

To make this recipe healthier, consider the following suggestions:

Swap out the vegetable oil for a healthier alternative like extra virgin olive oil, which is rich in monounsaturated fats and antioxidants
Increase the amount of red wine vinegar to boost the tangy flavor while reducing the need for excessive oil
Add minced garlic and/or finely chopped shallots for an extra kick of flavor and potential health benefits
Incorporate fresh herbs like basil, oregano, or parsley to enhance the Italian flavors and provide additional vitamins and minerals
Experiment with adding small amounts of nutrient-dense ingredients like finely grated Parmesan cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, or even pureed roasted red peppers to boost the overall nutritional value of the dressing

By making these adjustments, you can transform this basic Italian dressing into a healthier, more well-rounded condiment that still delivers on taste.

Editor's Opinion: Why This Italian Dressing Recipe Stands Out

This Italian dressing recipe is a simple yet flavorful addition to any salad. The combination of vegetable oil and red wine vinegar provides a balanced base, while the Dijon mustard adds a subtle tang. The Italian seasoning and sugar create a harmonious blend of savory and sweet. A touch of salt and pepper rounds out the flavors perfectly. Shaking the ingredients in a jar ensures a well-emulsified dressing. Refrigerating it for at least an hour allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Overall, it's a versatile and easy-to-make dressing that can elevate your fresh greens effortlessly.

Enhance Your Italian Dressing Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:

Roasted Garlic Parmesan Potatoes: Roasted Garlic Parmesan Potatoes: Imagine crispy potatoes with a golden crust, infused with the rich aroma of garlic and a sprinkle of parmesan cheese. These delightful bites pair perfectly with the tangy zest of your Italian dressing.

Caprese Skewers: Caprese Skewers: Picture vibrant cherry tomatoes, creamy mozzarella balls, and fresh basil leaves drizzled with a touch of balsamic glaze. These skewers are a refreshing and colorful complement to your salad.

Prosciutto-Wrapped Asparagus: Prosciutto-Wrapped Asparagus: Envision tender asparagus spears wrapped in savory prosciutto, roasted to perfection. The salty, smoky flavor of the prosciutto enhances the crispness of the asparagus, making it an ideal side dish.

Lemon Herb Quinoa: Lemon Herb Quinoa: Think of fluffy quinoa infused with the bright flavors of lemon zest and fresh herbs. This light and nutritious side dish adds a refreshing contrast to the richness of your Italian dressing.

Stuffed Bell Peppers: Stuffed Bell Peppers: Visualize colorful bell peppers filled with a savory mixture of ground meat, rice, and aromatic spices. Baked until tender, these peppers offer a hearty and flavorful addition to your meal.

Delicious Alternatives to Italian Dressing

Balsamic Vinaigrette: Elevate your salad game with this tangy and sweet balsamic vinaigrette. Perfect for drizzling over fresh greens, roasted vegetables, or even as a marinade for grilled meats.

Creamy Caesar Dressing: Indulge in the rich and savory flavors of a classic creamy Caesar dressing. Ideal for tossing with crisp romaine lettuce, crunchy croutons, and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese.

Honey Mustard Dressing: Add a touch of sweetness to your salads with this delightful honey mustard dressing. It pairs wonderfully with mixed greens, grilled chicken, or even as a dip for fresh vegetables.

Ranch Dressing: Enjoy the creamy and herby goodness of homemade ranch dressing. Perfect for salads, as a dip for veggies, or even drizzled over baked potatoes.

Lemon Herb Vinaigrette: Brighten up your dishes with a zesty lemon herb vinaigrette. This refreshing dressing is great for green salads, grilled seafood, or as a marinade for chicken.

Why trust this Italian Dressing Recipe:

This Italian dressing recipe is a must-try because it combines simple, high-quality ingredients like red wine vinegar and dijon mustard to create a flavorful and versatile dressing. The Italian seasoning adds a classic touch, while the sugar balances the tanginess perfectly. With just a few minutes of preparation, you can elevate any salad with a homemade touch that is both fresh and delicious. Trust this recipe for its simplicity and the delightful, authentic taste it brings to your table.

Share your thoughts on this Italian Dressing Recipe in the Recipe Sharing forum and let us know how it turned out for you!

FAQ:

How long can I store the Italian dressing in the refrigerator?

You can store the Italian dressing in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. Just make sure to give it a good shake before using it again.

Can I use olive oil instead of vegetable oil?

Absolutely! Olive oil can be a great substitute for vegetable oil and will add a richer flavor to your dressing.

Is there a way to make this dressing sugar-free?

Yes, you can omit the sugar or use a sugar substitute like stevia or monk fruit. It might slightly alter the taste, but it will still be delicious.

Can I add fresh herbs to this dressing?

Definitely! Fresh herbs like basil, oregano, or parsley can enhance the flavor. Just chop them finely and add them to the mix.

What type of vinegar can I use if I don't have red wine vinegar?

If you don't have red wine vinegar, you can use apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar as a substitute. Each will give a slightly different flavor but will still work well.