Italian Dressing is a healthy Salad Dressing which is very easy to make and tastes amazing. You can make it using very few ingredients and it keeps well for a long time. Here is how to make an easy homemade recipe.
Make some Parmesan Crusted Tilapia and Hungarian Mushroom Soup go along with a salad dressed with this dressing for a hearty meal.
Unlike salad dressings available on supermarket shelves, Italian Dressing is healthy and has no added sugar or preservatives.
This zesty Salad Dressing is so easy to make that all you need to do is put everything in a jar and shake properly and your dressing is ready.
It is much cheaper than store-bought ones too.
Just like Red Wine Vinaigrette or Balsamic Vinaigrette, this dressing is also very delicious and turns the simple salads into a yummy treat.
Ingredients
Extra Virgin Olive Oil: It is the base of the dressing and the most important ingredient as well.
You can use any brand that you like to make the dressing. But make to use the best.
White or Red Wine Vinegar: White or red wine vinegar add a zing to the dressing and you can use any that you prefer.
If you don’t have red/white wine vinegar, you can use the normal apple cider or plain white vinegar that you have at home.
Lemon Juice: Lemon juice adds a zesty flavor to the dressing and takes the flavor up a notch.
Parmesan Cheese: Parmesan is the secret ingredient that makes this dressing drool-worthy and so good.
Add grated or powdered parmesan to your dressing and see how the flavor changes.
Garlic Powder: I have used garlic powder.
You can even use fresh minced garlic if you are making a small batch and are going to use it up within a day or two.
Honey: Honey balances out the savory and salty flavors so well that you would want to make this dressing again.
It doesn’t overpower the other flavors.
Dried herbs: I have used dried basil, oregano, and parsley.
You can even use freshly pounded herbs if you are going to use your dressing within 1-2 days
Red Chilli Flakes: Use red chilli flakes to add a little heat to the dressing than chilli powder. It tastes better and looks better.
Salt: Add salt as per your taste and you can always add more later after tasting the dressing if salt is less.
Freshly Cracked Black Pepper: Use freshly cracked pepper instead of pepper powder for the best texture and flavor.
Storage Suggestions
You can make a big batch and use it over the next 2 weeks. You can keep it refrigerated and use it as per your convenience.
I wouldn’t recommend freezing the Italian salad dressing, as it has parmesan cheese and oil.
You can easily store it in your refrigerator for up to 2 weeks and it is so easy to make that you can just throw everything in a container and mix, and your Italian salad dressing is ready.
Can you use fresh herbs to make this dressing?
Yes, you can use fresh herbs to make this dressing. Fresh ingredients will add more flavor to the dressing and take your salad to another level.
The only catch here is that you should use up the dressing in 2-3 days. Also, keep it refrigerated, so it doesn’t spoil.
How to make Easy Pasta Salad with this?
Make easy pasta salad using this Italian salad dressing.
Choose the kind of pasta that you like – penne, fusilli, elbow-shaped, farfalle, or spaghetti.
Boil the pasta al dente and remove the extra water.
Now transfer the boiled pasta in a bowl, add salad greens, steamed vegetables or boiled chicken and add the Italian dressing to it.
Mix well and serve.
Usage Ideas
You can use Italian dressing in salads, with steamed, boiled or sautéed vegetables, use it to make Aglio olio pasta, or use it as a marinade for you baked chicken.
You can even toast bread, pour a little dressing, and enjoy.
Calories
One tablespoon of Italian dressing has 42 calories.
As you are making it at home, you know what ingredients are going in the making and you can always keep it in check while making.
Dry Italian Dressing Mix
If you want to make the process of making this dressing even faster, you can keep the dry Italian mix ready and just mix it with olive oil, vinegar, and lemon juice when you are ready to serve.
Mix all the dry ingredients like parmesan cheese powder, garlic powder, dried basil, oregano, parsley, red chilli flakes, salt, and pepper in an airtight container and store for a few months.
Variations
Creamy – To make creamy Italian dressing, add some mayonnaise to it.
Vegan – To make vegan Italian dressing, skip the parmesan cheese, or use vegan cheese instead.
Apart from parmesan, everything else is vegan-friendly. Therefore, if you just skip the parmesan, you have a vegan salad dressing ready in no time.
Make sure the red/white wine vinegar that you are using is vegan as well.
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Step by Step Recipe
Add all the ingredients in a mason jar.
Close the lid tightly.
Shake it vigorously.
Italian Dressing Recipe
Italian Dressing is a healthy Salad Dressing which is very easy to make and tastes amazing. You can make it using very few ingredients and it keeps well for a long time.
Ingredients
- 3/4 cup Extra Virgin Olive Oil
- 1/4 cup Red or White Wine Vinegar
- 2 tbsp Lemon Juice
- 2 tbsp Parmesan Cheese Grated or Powdered
- 1/2 tsp Garlic Powder
- 2 tbsp Honey
- 1/2 tsp Dried Basil
- 1/2 tsp Dried Oregano
- 1/2 tsp Dried Parsley
- 1/2 tsp Red Chilli Flakes
- 1 tsp Salt
- 1/2 tsp Freshly Cracked Black pepper
Instructions
Add all the ingredients in a mason jar.
Close the lid tightly and shake it vigorously.
Taste and adjust the seasoning, acidity or sweet according to your taste preference.
Cover the lid and refrigerate for up to 2 weeks.
Use as required.
Recipe Notes
Shake the dressing well before every use.
You can use fresh herbs if you are planning to use the dressing in 2 days.
Did you make this recipe? Let me know!