• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
Whisk Affair
  • Home
  • Recipe Index
  • Indian Recipes
  • Meal Type
    • Salads
    • Soups
    • Appetizers
    • Main Course
    • Desserts
  • My Cookbook
    • My E-Books
  • Subscribe
menu icon
go to homepage
subscribe
search icon
Homepage link
  • Home
  • Recipe Index
  • Indian Summer Beverages
  • Buy my Cookbook
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
    • YouTube
  • ×

    Whisk Affair » Recipes » Meal Type » Salads » Italian Dressing

    Published: Jul 3, 2020 | Last Updated On: Aug 5, 2020 by Neha Mathur | This post may contain affiliate links. I earn from qualifying purchases.

    Italian Dressing

    668 shares
    Jump to 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. Here is how to make easy homemade Italian Dressing Recipe. #ItalianDressing #HealthySaladDressing #SaladDressingRecipes #HealthySalads

    This homemade 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.

    Want some more delicious dressing recipes, here are some for you – Mango Salad Dressing, Lemon Garlic Salad Dressing, Red Wine Vinaigrette Dressing, and Balsamic Vinaigrette Salad Dressing.

    Italian dressing in a  glass jar.
    Jump to:
    • About This Recipe
    • Ingredients
    • Step by Step Recipe
    • Frequently Asked Questions
    • Storage Suggestions
    • Usage Ideas
    • Dry Italian Dressing Mix
    • Variations
    • Recipe Card

    About This Recipe

    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.

    This is one of my favorite dressings that I like to prepare fresh and add to my salads or even on my grilled meat and veggies. I love it more, as this dressing goes with almost all the veggies and meat.

    It is much cheaper than store-bought ones too and fresh too with no preservatives. One tablespoon of this dressing has 42 calories, so it’s super healthy too.

    Make some Parmesan Crusted Tilapia and Hungarian Mushroom Soup go along with a salad dressed with this dressing for a hearty meal.

    This dressing is,

    • Easy to make
    • Packed with flavors
    • Yummy
    • Spicy & Sweet at the same time
    • A favourite at home

    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.

    Step by Step Recipe

    Add all the ingredients in a mason jar.

    All the ingredients added in a  jar.

    Close the lid tightly.

    Lid secured.

    Shake it vigorously.

    Ready Italian Dressing.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    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?

    To make a Pasta Salad, 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.

    Which Wine Vinegar is better to use, Red or White?

    If you ask me, I love the flavors of both these kinds of vinegar. Both Red Wine Vinegar and White Wine Vinegar complements the other ingredients used in this dressing really well. So, whatever is easily available to you, use it.

    How is it better than the store bought one?

    The homemade version of Italian dressing is always better, as you know what ingredients are going inside the dressing, and when you make it at home, you can always opt for high-quality ingredients.

    Also, this fresh homemade dressing is free of preservatives, that are generally used in these store-bought dressing to preserve them for longer.

    Which Oil to use for this dressing?

    I would always recommend you to opt for high-quality Extra Virgin Olive Oil for this dressing, as it tastes the best. But if you need substitutes, you can also opt for regular olive oil, extra light olive oil, vegetable oil, or canola oil.

    Why my dressing firm up?

    When you refrigerate the dressing, it tends to firm up a bit. To bring it back to the consistency, take it out from the refrigerator and let it sit for about 30 minutes. After 30 minutes, shake it vigorously and then use it in your salads.

    Is it necessary to add in Honey or Sugar in the dressing?

    Addition of honey or sugar, balances out the taste of vinegar.

    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.

    Usage Ideas

    You can use this 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/fish.

    You can even toast bread, pour a little dressing, and enjoy. Use it as a marinade for meat and vegetables.

    You can also pour it on the sides of your Grilled Meals such as Steamed Broccoli, Asparagus, or even Roasted Potatoes.

    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 chili 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 it vegan, skip the parmesan cheese, or use vegan cheese instead. Instead of honey, you can use granulated sugar.

    Apart from parmesan and honey, 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.

    You might also like

    • Crunchy, flavorful and healthy, all at the same time, this Oriental Ramen Noodle Salad is a breeze to make as well.
      Ramen Noodle Salad
    • This homemade cream of mushroom soup is packed with flavors and is super easy to make at home from scratch. You will never go back to the canned soup I am promising!
      Homemade Cream of Mushroom Soup
    • This Chicken with Mushroom Sauce is a delicious Italian recipe with crispy tender chicken cooked in a white wine infused mushroom sauce.
      Chicken with Mushroom Sauce
    • Creamy, filling, easy to make and delicious Cranberry Chicken Salad has a nice crunch from pecans and slight sweetness and tang from dried cranberries. Make it with simple ingredients in under 10 minutes.
      Cranberry Chicken Salad

    Recipe Card

    Loved this recipe?Click here to leave a review and give us a five star rating ★★★★★
    This homemade 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.

    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.
    4.25 from 8 votes
    Print Pin Rate
    Course: Salad Dressing
    Cuisine: Italian
    Prep Time: 5 minutes minutes
    Cook Time: 5 minutes minutes
    Total Time: 10 minutes minutes
    Servings: 10 people
    Calories: 162kcal
    Author: Neha Mathur

    Ingredients 

    • ¾ cup Extra Virgin Olive Oil
    • ¼ cup Red or White Wine Vinegar
    • 2 tablespoon Lemon Juice
    • 2 tablespoon Parmesan Cheese (Grated or Powdered)
    • ½ teaspoon Garlic Powder
    • 2 tablespoon Honey
    • ½ teaspoon Dried Basil
    • ½ teaspoon Dried Oregano
    • ½ teaspoon Dried Parsley
    • ½ teaspoon Red Chilli Flakes
    • 1 teaspoon Salt
    • ½ teaspoon Freshly Cracked Black pepper
    US Customary or Metric
    Prevent your screen from going dark

    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.

    Notes

    Shake the dressing well before every use.
    You can use fresh herbs if you are planning to use the dressing in 2 days.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 162kcal | Carbohydrates: 4g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 16g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Cholesterol: 1mg | Sodium: 251mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 37IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 12mg | Iron: 1mg
    Pin this recipe for later use!I LOVE to see your creations so pin and mention @WhiskAffair!
    Sign up for regular updates?I would love to have you as part of my journey. Click to sign up!

    More Salad Recipes

    • Make Din Tai Fung Copycat Cucumber Salad at home using my super easy recipe. It bursts with flavors and can be served as a vegetarian appetizer or a side dish (vegan, can be easily made gluten-free).
      Din Tai Fung Cucumber Salad
    • This Lemon Garlic Salad Dressing is a breeze to make and it can be used in a multitude of ways other than as a salad dressing. Make it using my super easy recipe (vegan, gluten-free).
      Lemon Garlic Salad Dressing
    • Make this easy and simple Walmart copycat Old Fashioned Amish Potato Salad at home using a few simple ingredients. It's a great summer side dish that is sure to tickle your palate (gluten-free).
      Best Old Fashioned Amish Potato Salad
    • Hibachi Ginger Salad Dressing (Japanese Salad Dressing) is a sweet tangy dressing prepared with simple pantry ingredients in 15 minutes. Use it over your favorite salads or as a dipping sauce (vegan).
      Hibachi Ginger Salad Dressing (Japanese Style Salad Dressing)

    Reader Interactions

    Did you make this recipe? Let me know! Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




    Primary Sidebar

    Hey! Nice to meet you

    Neha Mathur, Founder & Recipe Expert at Whisk Affair

    Hi! I'm Neha, Blogger & Recipe Expert behind Whisk Affair. I've nurtured Whisk Affair since 2012 by trying & testing every recipe published. Be sure that it will turn out good each time! Read More about me…

    Stay Connected

    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
    • YouTube

    My Cookbook

    Neha's Cookbook Cover

    Click to Buy Now on Amazon

    Most Popular Recipes

    • Make this delicious restaurant-style Hibachi Fried Rice (Japanese Style Fried Rice) for a quick Asian-inspired meal. Serve it with Hibachi chicken and Yum Yum sauce and get transported to a Japanese Steakhouse.
      Best Hibachi Fried Rice (Japanese Style Fried Rice)
    • This oven-baked lemon garlic baked tilapia is super easy to make and comes together in under 20 minutes. It's low carb, gluten-free, keto-friendly, and very flavorful. Here is how to make it.
      Spicy Lemon Garlic Baked Tilapia
    • Creamy Garlic Parmesan sauce served in a bowl.
      Creamy Garlic Parmesan Sauce
    • Lemon tea served in cups.
      Lemon Tea
    • Light, hearty and delicious, Chicken Clear Soup is super easy to make at home. It is made using simple ingredients and comes together in under 30 minutes. This soul-soothing soup is gluten-free and low carb too.
      Chicken Clear Soup
    • Egg White Scramble is a healthy, fluffy, and delicious option for breakfast. Serve it with some toast and fruits and milk on the side. Here is how to make the best fluffy scrambled egg white recipe at home!
      Scrambled Egg Whites

    Summer Mango Recipes

    • Kacche Aam Ki Launji is a sweet and spicy chutney made using tangy green mangoes, jaggery, and a few simple spices. This chutney keeps good in the refrigerator for upto 3 months. So make a big batch and enjoy!
      Kacche Aam Ki Launji (Sweet & Spicy Raw Mango Chutney)
    • Learn How To Make Mango Pulp in under 5 minutes and use it round the year to make your favorite recipes.
      How To Make Mango Pulp (Mango Puree)
    • Green mango chutney is a spicy and tangy Indian accompaniment made using green mangoes. Serve it with an Indian snack or meals for a tangy treat.
      Green Mango Chutney (Raw Mango Chutney)
    • This Easy Mango Pico De Gallo is fruity, sweet, and spicy and comes together in under 10 minutes using simple ingredients. Serve it with nachos, chips, rice, or tacos for a perfect summer special accompaniment (vegan, gluten-free).
      Easy Mango Pico De Gallo (Mango Salsa)
    • Mango Magic Tropical Smoothie is a delicious drink loaded with tropical flavors. Sip it for breakfast or for snacks (gluten-free, can be easily made vegan).
      Mango Magic Tropical Smoothie
    • Aam Panna (Tangy Raw Mango Drink) is a refreshing Indian summer beverage made using green raw mangoes. It is sweet, tangy, and bursting with beautiful flavors. Make it in an instant pot or a traditional pressure cooker (vegan, gluten-free).
      Aam Panna (Tangy Raw Mango Drink)

    Indian Beverages

    • Make Mango Frooti (a popular sweet and tangy mango drink) at home using my easy recipe. It tastes just like the store-bought one, minus the harmful colors and preservatives (vegan, gluten-free).
      Homemade Mango Frooti
    • Kokum Juice (Kokum Sharbat) is a Konkani beverage made using dried kokum. It is a perfect drink to sip on hot summer days (vegan, gluten-free).
      Kokum Juice (Kokum Sharbat)
    • Mohabbat ka Sharbat is a refreshing Old Delhi-style summer drink. It has flavors from watermelon and rose syrup. Here is how to make it (vegetarian, gluten-free, and can be made vegan).
      Mohabbat Ka Sharbat
    • Sambaram (Morum Vellam) is Kerala-style spicy buttermilk made with yogurt, curry leaves, green chilies, and ginger. It is popularly served during Onam Sadhya with the festive spread (vegetarian, gluten-free).
      Sambaram (Morum Vellam, Kerala Style Buttermilk)
    • Kahwa is a Kashmiri tea flavored with cinnamon, cardamom, and saffron. It is a great drink to sip on cold winter days but can be had throughout the year. Here is how to make it at home.
      Kashmiri Kahwa Tea
    • Paan Shots is a refreshing drink made using fresh betel leaves, aromatic gulkand (rose jam), and creamy vanilla ice cream. Try my easy recipe here.
      Paan Shots

    Footer


    ^ back to top

    About

    About Neha

    Diwali E-Book

    My Cookbook

    Stay Connected

    Sign up! for emails and updates

    Contact Me

    Policies

    Privacy Policy

    Terms & Conditions

    Accessibility Policy

    Whiskaffair has been featured in leading media including the huffington post, bloomberg quint, buzz feed, your story and many more

    Copyright © 2022 WhiskAffair Food LLP