As the crisp autumn breeze rolls in and the trees begin to don their fiery hues, there’s something truly comforting about returning to familiar, homemade flavors. Whether you’re tossing together a cozy harvest salad, marinating your favorite vegetables, or adding a pop of brightness to roasted chicken, this Italian Dressing Recipe brings that perfect touch of zesty warmth to your fall table.
Loved for its balance of tangy, savory, and herbaceous notes, this easy homemade dressing is a go-to for readers who want a fresh alternative to store-bought bottles. It’s quick to whisk up, endlessly versatile, and made with pantry staples you likely already have on hand. Whether you’re prepping a hearty pasta salad or drizzling it over roasted vegetables, this dressing is sure to become a kitchen staple.
Let’s dive into how to make your own classic Italian dressing from scratch—bursting with flavor and made with love.
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Italian Dressing Recipe
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 1 cup dressing
Description
This Italian Dressing Recipe brings zesty, herbaceous flavor to your fall table—perfect for salads, marinades, and more. A simple homemade vinaigrette made with pantry staples in under 10 minutes.
Ingredients
- ¾ cup extra virgin olive oil
- ¼ cup red wine vinegar
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder (or 1 clove fresh garlic, minced)
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup
- Salt and freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
- Optional: 1 tablespoon grated Parmesan or 1 tablespoon Greek yogurt for a creamier version
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl or jar, whisk together the red wine vinegar and Dijon mustard until smooth.
- Add garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, basil, red pepper flakes, honey or syrup, salt, and pepper. Stir well.
- Slowly drizzle in olive oil while whisking or shake in a sealed jar until emulsified.
- Taste and adjust flavors as needed—more vinegar for tang, more honey for sweetness.
- Let sit for 10–15 minutes to allow flavors to meld, then serve or store in the refrigerator.
Notes
Use high-quality extra virgin olive oil for best results. Shake well before each use as natural separation will occur. Letting it rest before serving enhances the flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Dressing
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Italian-American
🥄 Ingredients for Italian Dressing
This Italian Dressing Recipe uses simple ingredients that come together to create a vibrant, balanced vinaigrette. Here’s what you’ll need:
- ¾ cup extra virgin olive oil – for richness and a smooth texture
- ¼ cup red wine vinegar – adds tang and acidity
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard – helps emulsify and deepen flavor
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder – or 1 fresh clove, finely minced
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for a touch of heat)
- 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup – balances acidity
- Salt and freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
Tip: For a creamier texture, you can also add 1 tablespoon of grated Parmesan or a spoonful of Greek yogurt.
👩🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions
Making this dressing is incredibly easy—even if you’re new to homemade vinaigrettes. It takes less than 10 minutes from start to finish!
1. Whisk the Vinegar and Mustard
In a medium mixing bowl or a glass jar, combine the red wine vinegar and Dijon mustard. Whisk until smooth. This helps the oil blend evenly into the mix.
2. Add the Herbs and Seasonings
Stir in the garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, basil, red pepper flakes, honey (or maple syrup), salt, and pepper. Mix well to combine the dry seasonings thoroughly.
3. Drizzle in the Olive Oil
Slowly pour in the olive oil while whisking continuously (or shake vigorously if using a jar with a lid). This helps emulsify the dressing so it doesn’t separate too quickly.
4. Taste and Adjust
Give your Italian dressing a quick taste. Need more tang? Add a splash more vinegar. Prefer it sweeter? A bit more honey does the trick. Like it spicy? More red pepper!
💡 Tips for Dressing-Making Success
Here are a few helpful tips to make your Italian Dressing Recipe a flawless success every time:
- Use high-quality olive oil. Since oil is the base, it impacts the overall flavor—opt for extra virgin for best results.
- Let it sit. If time allows, let the dressing sit for 10–15 minutes before using. This gives the herbs time to infuse.
- Shake before serving. Natural separation occurs—just give it a good shake before using again.
- Store it right. Use a glass jar with a tight lid for easy mixing and storing.
🍂 Variations to Try
Looking to make this recipe your own? Here are a few delightful twists:
✔ Gluten-Free Version
This recipe is naturally gluten-free! Just make sure your Dijon mustard and vinegar are certified gluten-free.
✔ Creamy Italian Dressing
Blend in 2 tablespoons of Greek yogurt or mayonnaise for a creamy twist—perfect as a sandwich spread or veggie dip.
✔ Parmesan Upgrade
Add 1–2 tablespoons of freshly grated Parmesan cheese for a savory boost. Great for Caesar-style salads or chicken marinades.
✔ Fresh Herb Option
Have fresh herbs on hand? Substitute dried herbs with chopped fresh basil, oregano, and parsley for a garden-fresh flavor.
✔ Lemon Zest Boost
Add the zest of one lemon for an extra citrusy punch that pairs beautifully with fall greens and roasted vegetables.
🧊 Storage Recommendations
Your homemade Italian dressing will stay fresh and flavorful for up to 10 days when stored properly:
- Container: Use a glass jar or airtight bottle.
- Refrigeration: Always refrigerate your dressing after making it.
- Separation: It’s normal for the oil and vinegar to separate—just shake or stir before each use.
Note: If your olive oil solidifies in the fridge, leave the jar out at room temperature for 10–15 minutes before using.
🍁 Why This Italian Dressing Recipe Is a Fall Favorite
This Italian Dressing Recipe isn’t just a salad dressing—it’s a kitchen essential. Its bold, savory flavor adds depth to fall-inspired dishes like roasted squash salads, apple-studded grain bowls, and even marinated chicken thighs for cozy weeknight dinners.
Plus, making it yourself means you skip unnecessary preservatives and get to control the sweetness, acidity, and spice. Whether you’re preparing a Thanksgiving starter or meal-prepping autumn lunches, this dressing brings seasonal comfort in every drop.
Final Thoughts
Homemade salad dressing might seem like a small detail, but it’s the kind of upgrade that makes everyday meals feel extra special. With just a few simple ingredients and five minutes of your time, this Italian Dressing Recipe adds warmth, flavor, and heart to any dish you serve this season.
So the next time you’re reaching for a bottle in the fridge, why not shake things up—literally—and make your own? 🍂