Homemade Italian Dressing
This bright, tangy homemade Italian dressing comes together so easily with simple ingredients and a quick shake in a mason jar. This delicious vinaigrette is perfect for tossing with green salads, pasta salad and even makes a quick marinade for chicken and vegetables. The best thing is that it keeps in the fridge for weeks!
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Homemade Italian Dressing
My Uncle Joe always made the best salads when our family got together for dinners, and he taught me all the tricks to his famous salad dressing.
I've been making this easy homemade Italian dressing recipe ever since. It's zesty, full of flavor, and always tastes fresher than any store-bought dressings from the grocery store.
The best part is that you can make it in a mason jar and keep it in the fridge for up to a month! Since it's made with dried herbs and shelf-stable pantry staples, it stores beautifully.
All it needs before using is a good shake to bring the vinaigrette back together.
There is literally no reason why you should be reaching for the bottled stuff (or even the seasoning packets) when it's this easy to make your own dressing at home!
Want more homemade salad dressings? Try my simple balsamic vinaigrette, this basic recipe for a classic vinaigrette with variations, or a tangy Creole remoulade.
Why This Recipe Works
- Uses basic ingredients you probably already have in the pantry.
- Lasts for weeks in the fridge when stored in an airtight container.
- Adaptable with additional herbs, spices, or vinegars.
- Works with almost every salad and doubles as an excellent marinade!
DIY Italian Dressing Ingredients
Olive oil - Use a high quality extra-virgin olive oil for the best flavor, but avoid using one that is very peppery or robust. You can also use avocado oil or another neutral oil for a lighter taste. Learn more about selecting quality oils in my guide to Italian olive oils.
Vinegar - Red wine vinegar is classic for Italian salad dressings, but balsamic vinegar, white wine vinegar or even apple cider vinegar work too. Each gives a slightly different tangy flavor.
Herbs and spices - Dried oregano and basil are standard, but you can swap in an Italian seasoning blend or add fresh herbs like fresh oregano or fresh basil for next level flavor. Just know that fresh ingredients will shorten the shelf life. Learn more about Italian herbs and spices.
Garlic and onion - Garlic powder and onion powder dissolve easily and make this dressing last longer. You can also use fresh garlic cloves pressed through a garlic press or finely minced shallot, but the homemade dressing will only keep for about a week.
Sweetener - A touch of sweetness balances the vinegar. I add a little bit of sugar, but can also use a tablespoon of honey, maple syrup or agave if you prefer.
Salt and pepper - I use Diamond Crystal Kosher salt, which is less salty than other brands. You may need to adjust to taste. Freshly cracked black pepper and red pepper flakes add just the right amount of heat.
*Find the full ingredient list in the recipe card below!
How to Make Italian Dressing at Home
- In a small bowl or a mason jar with a tight-fitting lid, combine extra virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar (or white wine vinegar, apple cider vinegar, or balsamic), dried oregano, dried basil, garlic powder, onion powder, a pinch of red pepper flakes, honey, salt, and freshly cracked black pepper.
- Whisk well or give the jar a quick shake until the salt dissolves and the ingredients emulsify into a smooth vinaigrette.
Pro Tip: A quick shake before every use helps the dressing come together and keeps the zesty flavor balanced.
- Taste the dressing and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Store in an airtight container in the fridge. Shake well before using, as natural separation will occur.
Tips for Success
- Always let the dressing sit at room temperature for 10 minutes before using so the olive oil loosens up (it may harden in the fridge).
- A quick shake before pouring is the best way to re-emulsify.
- Add fresh herbs right before serving for a bright, zesty homemade Italian dressing.
- Double the recipe card amount to have enough dressing for meal prep all week.
Variations
- Add a spoonful of Dijon mustard for extra tang and a more emulsified consistency.
- Stir in grated Parmesan cheese for richness, like in Italian chopped salad.
- Swap honey or maple syrup for a slightly deeper sweetness.
- Use balsamic vinegar for a sweeter, more robust variation.
- Add fresh garlic cloves, fresh basil, or additional herbs for a garden-fresh taste.
- Add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice for more acidity.
- Mix in a spoonful of mayo to make a creamy Italian dressing.
What to Serve with Italian Salad Dressing
This classic Italian dressing is great for tossing in any simple side salad. It also works beautifully in pasta salad or quinoa salad, where its zesty flavor brings the whole dish together.
Try it drizzled over warm spinach salad with pancetta and goat cheese, an easy arugula salad with pine nuts and parmesan, or served alongside a green salad with homemade croutons.
Make sure to have a slice of bread or homemade focaccia to soak all the vinaigrette up.
You can use your zesty Italian dressing as a marinade for chicken breasts or chicken thighs before grilling, too!
How long does Italian Dressing last?
Keep leftover dressing in an air-tight container, preferably a mason jar or glass bottle, in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 weeks.
If you've used fresh garlic or fresh herbs, the dressing will only keep for about 7 days.
Bring it to room temperature and give it a quick shake before serving to re-emulsify.
FAQs
Yes, replace the honey with a bit of sugar maple syrup, or leave it out completely. Just know a bit of honey or sugar goes a long way in balancing the acidity of any vinegar dressing.
Absolutely. This go-to recipe keeps well in the fridge and makes enough dressing for multiple salads, so it's perfect for meal prep.
It's not just for homemade salads. Try this delicious Italian dressing as a quick marinade for chicken or drizzle over roasted vegetables like bell peppers.
Yes, but fresh basil, oregano, or parsley will shorten the shelf life. Use them if you plan to finish the dressing within a week.
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Easy Homemade Italian Dressing Recipe
Ingredients
- ½ cup extra virgin olive oil
- ¼ cup red wine vinegar
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon dried basil
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes or to taste
- ½ teaspoon sugar or honey
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a medium bowl or a mason jar or bottle with a tight-fitting lid, combine the olive oil, vinegar, oregano, basil, garlic powder, onion powder, crushed red pepper, sugar, salt and pepper.
- Whisk or shake vigorously until the sugar and salt dissolve, and the dressing is well combined and emulsified. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.
- Keep refrigerated in a sealed container for up to a week. Separation is natural, so shake well before each use.
I can't wait to try this. Your talent is shinning through.
Thanks Maria! I hope you love it!