This Homemade Italian Dressing recipe takes under 5 minutes, uses pantry staples, and tastes brighter and fresher than any store-bought salad dressings.
Here’s What You Need for this Easy Homemade Italian Dressing Recipe
Italian Dressing Ingredients
This vinaigrette uses simple ingredients and gets its classic flavor from garlic, vinegar, and herbs.
- Olive oil – Use extra-virgin olive oil for the best flavor, since it’ll really shine.
- Red or white wine vinegar – Adds acidity and balance. Red is bolder, white is a little lighter.
- Shallot – Milder than raw onion, it adds savory depth.
- Garlic – I love fresh garlic in homemade dressings, but garlic powder will do in a pinch.
- Kosher salt + black pepper – Essential to bring everything into balance.
- Dried herbs – oregano and basil bring the classic Italian herb flavor. You could add a pinch of dried thyme if you like it, or swap individual herbs for italian seasoning.
- Red pepper flakes (optional) – For just a little kick of heat.
Variations and Substitutions
This dressing is flexible—use what you have or adjust it to match the dish you’re serving.
- Use fresh herbs – Swap in 1 tbsp each of fresh oregano and basil instead of dried. Add just before serving for best flavor.
- Swap the vinegar – Try fresh lemon juice or white balsamic for a brighter, slightly sweeter take.
- Make it creamy – Whisk in 1–2 tsp of Dijon mustard or a spoonful of mayo for a thicker dressing.
- Add sweetness – A teaspoon of honey gives it a sweet softness.
- Use shallot powder – If you’re out of fresh shallots, a pinch of onion powder works in a pinch.
Grab These Tools
You don’t need anything fancy—just a few basics to get this dressing mixed up fast.
- Small mixing bowl – For whisking everything together by hand.
- Whisk or fork – To emulsify the oil and vinegar until smooth.
- Measuring spoons and cups – For quick, accurate measuring.
- Mason jar with tight-fitting lid (optional) – Great for shaking the dressing and storing leftovers in the fridge.
How to Make Homemade Italian Dressing: An Easy Guide
This takes five minutes—no blender, no special tools.
Step 1: Combine the Ingredients
Add olive oil, vinegar, garlic, shallot, salt, pepper, oregano, basil, and red pepper flakes (if using) to a bowl or jar.
Step 2: Whisk or Shake
Blend until the dressing is emulsified and the herbs are evenly distributed.
If using a jar, just seal the lid and shake until well mixed.
Step 3: Taste and Adjust
Taste and adjust salt, vinegar, or herbs to match your preference. Use right away or store your homemade salad dressing for later.
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Make Ahead and Storage
This dressing stores well and the flavor gets even better after a few hours.
Storing Leftover Dressing
- Fridge: Store in a sealed jar or airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
- Separation is normal: The oil will separate and firm up as it sits—just let it come to room temperature and shake or whisk again before using.
Make Ahead Tip
- For freshest flavor with fresh herbs: Add fresh herbs just before serving if you’re making it ahead.
- Meal prep friendly: Make a double batch and keep on hand to dress salads, veggies, or use as a marinade.
How to Use This Homemade Italian Dressing Recipe
Italian salad dressings work for more than just leafy greens. They add punch to all kinds of dishes.
Great on Salads
- Toss with romaine, arugula, or a simple garden salad with tomatoes, cucumber and some parmesan cheese.
- Drizzle over chopped cucumber, tomato, and red onion for a quick side.
Perfect for Pasta Salads
- Use it to dress cold pasta salads with veggies and herbs. Here’s my go-to Pasta Salad with Italian Dressing recipe, with rotini, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and parsley.
Other Ideas
- Spoon over roasted or grilled vegetables (like zucchini, eggplant, mushrooms, red onions and peppers).
- Use as a marinade for chicken, pork or tofu.
- Add a splash to grain bowls with avocado or drizzle over sandwiches for extra flavor.
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Homemade Italian Dressing Recipe (Easy and Full of Flavor)
This Homemade Italian Dressing is bold, garlicky, and perfect for everything from pasta salad to leafy greens. It’s made with olive oil, vinegar, and a handful of pantry staples—no sugar, no preservatives, just real ingredients you can whisk up in minutes.
Ingredients
- ¼ cup olive oil extra virgin
- 2 tbsp red wine vinegar or white wine vinegar
- 1 shallot finely chopped
- 1 tsp minced garlic
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- ½ tsp dried basil
- ¼ tsp red pepper flakes optional, for heat
Instructions
- Add the olive oil, vinegar, shallot, garlic, salt, pepper, oregano, basil, and red pepper flakes (if using) to a bowl or jar.
- Whisk or shake until well combined and emulsified.
- Use immediately or refrigerate in a sealed jar for up to 1 week. Shake before using.
Notes
Yield: This recipe yields about 1/2 cup dressing, or 8 tablespoons.
- ½ cup dressing will coat about 6 to 8 cups of salad greens or chopped veggies for a light-to-medium coating.
- For pasta salad, ½ cup is enough for around 3 to 4 cups of cooked pasta with add-ins like veggies and herbs.
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- Replace 1 tsp dried oregano with 1 tbsp finely chopped fresh oregano
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- Replace ½ tsp dried basil with 1 tbsp finely chopped fresh basil
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- Red pepper flakes can stay the same, or use a pinch of minced fresh chili if you want a fresh-heat option
Nutrition
Calories: 130kcal | Carbohydrates: 2g | Protein: 0.3g | Fat: 14g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 10g | Sodium: 585mg | Potassium: 41mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 47IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 16mg | Iron: 1mg
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
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