Go Back
–+ servings
Homemade Italian Dressing in a glass mason jar on a wood cutting board with vinegar, oil, garlic, lemon juice, basil, parsley, oregano, salt and pepper
Print Pin

Homemade Italian Dressing Recipe

This Homemade Italian Dressing is quick and easy to make, 1000X better than store bought, fresh and natural and is wonderfully versatile!It's a balanced tangy and zesty blend of olive oil, red wine vinegar, pantry herbs and spices and the best part – Parmesan Cheese!  This Italian Dressing recipe elevates and enlivens everything it touches from salads to vegetables and makes an excellent marinade for chicken, fish, pork and steak.  This Italian Dressing also keeps for 2-3 weeks in the refrigerator!
Prep Time 5 minutes
Total Time 5 minutes
Servings 1 cups

Ingredients

  • 3/4 cup olive oil
  • 1/4 cup red wine vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice
  • 1/4 cup finely freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 tsp EACH dried parsley, dried basil, garlic powder, onion powder
  • 3/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 tsp EACH dried oregano, paprika, pepper
  • 1/2-1 teaspoon sugar or more to taste

Instructions

  • Add all the ingredients to a mason jar, cover and shake vigorously OR combine add all ingredients to a medium bowl and whisk to combine.
  • Taste (most accurate taste comes by dipping lettuce in dressing) and adjust according to taste. For less acidity- add more sugar, less tang - add more olive oil, more tang - add additional vinegar.
  • Cover and refrigerate for up to 2 weeks. Shake to recombine before serving.

Video

Notes

  • The sugar mellows out the acidity of the dressing, but you may add more or less to taste.
  • Grate the Parmesan on the smallest hole of your grater.
  • You can substitute the freshly grated Parmesan cheese with canned but it will not taste quite as good because fresh Parm is the best!  Freshly grated Parmesan will also dissolve much better for a smoother texture.
  • Don’t  substitute the garlic for fresh unless you expect to use your Italian Dressing within a few days because minced garlic does not keep very long.
  • For a great shortcut, you can whisk up all of the dried herbs and spices in advance and keep them in a sealed container or bag.
Use Italian Dressing on:
  • Green salads
  • Shaved brussels sprouts (salad)
  • Coleslaws
  • Fresh Tomatoes, cucumbers, green beans
  • Pasta salads (My Italian Pasta Salad coming soon is out of this world!)
  • Warm pasta
  • A marinade for chicken, pork, fish, steak, veggies
  • Coating for roasted or steamed veggies
  • Dip or sauce for veggies
  • Spread for sandwiches, burgers or wraps
  • Added to cream, sour cream, cream cheese or butter for spreads/sauces/dips