Italian Dressing Recipe (With Pantry Ingredients)
Italian dressing is a flavorful condiment that can elevate your salads, sandwiches, and marinades. Learn how to make it at home with just a few simple ingredients!
Italian dressing is a versatile and flavorful condiment that can be used in a variety of ways. Whether you use it as a salad dressing, marinade, sandwich spread, or dip, Italian dressing adds a tangy and savory flavor to your dishes.
Making Italian dressing at home is easy and allows you to customize the ingredients and the flavor to your liking. With its simple yet delicious flavor, Italian dressing is sure to become a staple in your kitchen.
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What is Italian Dressing?
Italian dressing is a type of vinaigrette that typically contains oil, vinegar, and a blend of herbs and spices, such as oregano, basil, garlic, and onion. The exact origins of Italian dressing are unclear, but it is believed to have originated in the United States in the 1940s or 1950s.
Initially, Italian dressing was mainly used as a salad dressing, but it soon became popular as a marinade for meats and vegetables, as well as a sandwich spread. In the 1970s, bottled Italian dressing was introduced, and it quickly became a staple in American kitchens, especially in the Midwest and the South.
Today, Italian dressing is a condiment that can be found in most grocery stores and restaurants, and it has also inspired many variations and regional adaptations.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Oil – usually olive oil, but some recipes call for vegetable oil or a combination of oils. Oil is the base of the dressing and provides a smooth, rich texture.
- Vinegar – typically white wine vinegar, red wine vinegar, or apple cider vinegar. Vinegar adds acidity and tanginess to the dressing, and it also helps to emulsify the oil and water-based ingredients.
- Herbs and spices – the classic Italian dressing blend includes an Italian blend of dried herbs and spices. To get this flavor we use Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper.
- Parmesan cheese – this grated cheese has a mild, slightly salty cheese that adds a lot of extra flavor. If you want to keep this recipe vegan you can skip this.
- Salt – a pinch of salt enhances the flavors and balances the acidity of the vinegar.
- Sugar – some recipes may include a small amount of sugar or honey to balance the acidity and add a touch of sweetness.
- Optional – Red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper, lemon juice, honey, Dijon mustard
Dry Herbs vs Fresh Herbs
We use dry herbs in our recipe for two reasons: 1) we always have Italian seasoning in our pantry and 2) Dry herbs have a more concentrated flavor so you don’t need to add as much to get the same punch of flavor.
How to Make Italian Dressing
Making Italian dressing at home is easy and allows you to customize the ingredients and the flavor to your liking. Here is a basic recipe for Italian dressing:
Step 1 – Combine. Pour all ingredients into a mason jar with a tight-fitting lid or a large bowl.
Step 2 – Emulsify. Tightly fasten the jar lid in place and shake until mixed or whisk the ingredients in the bowl together. This is called emulsification which means combining two liquids that do not normally mix together.
Step 3 – Serve. Use immediately or store in the refrigerator in an air-tight container until ready to serve. Always shake well before serving.
Is Italian Dressing Healthy?
This simple homemade Italian dressing can be a healthy addition to your salad. Here are some of the potential health benefits:
Heart-healthy fats
Olive oil, the main ingredient in zesty Italian dressing, is rich in monounsaturated fats, which can help reduce the risk of heart disease.
Antioxidants
Garlic and herbs like oregano and thyme are packed with antioxidants, which can help protect your cells from damage.
Weight management
Adding zesty Italian dressing to your salad can help you feel more satisfied and full, which can aid in weight management.
Uses of Italian Dressing
Italian dressing can be used in a variety of ways, depending on your taste and preferences. Here are some common uses of Italian dressing:
Salad dressing
Italian dressing is a classic salad dressing that pairs well with greens, vegetables, and fruits. You can use it as a standalone dressing or mix it with other ingredients, such as mayo, yogurt, or sour cream, to create a creamy dressing. Some popular salad recipes that use Italian dressing include Caesar salad, Greek salad, antipasto salad, and pasta salad.
Marinade
Italian dressing can also be used as a marinade for meats, poultry, fish, and vegetables. The acidity of the vinegar and the flavor of the herbs and spices can tenderize the meat and infuse it with flavor.
To use Italian dressing as a marinade, simply pour it over the food, cover it, and let it marinate in the fridge for a few hours or overnight. You can also use Italian dressing to baste the food while grilling, roasting, or broiling.
Sandwich spread
Italian dressing can add a tangy and savory flavor to your favorite sandwiches and wraps. You can use it as a replacement for mayo, mustard, or ketchup, or mix it with these condiments for a more complex flavor.
Some sandwich recipes that use Italian dressing include turkey and avocado sandwiches, chicken and pesto wraps, grilled veggie panini, and tuna salad sandwiches.
Dip
Italian dressing can also be used as a dip for veggies, chips, and bread. You can serve it as a standalone dip or mix it with other ingredients, such as cream cheese, sour cream, or hummus, to create a creamy dip.
Some popular dip recipes that use Italian dressing include spinach and artichoke dip, buffalo chicken dip, roasted red pepper dip, and bruschetta dip.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes! a vinaigrette is simply a mix of vinegar and oil with various herbs and spices added for flavor. This Italian dressing is simply one variation of Italian vinaigrette.
Italian dressing has a tangy and savory flavor with a slight sweetness. The dressing typically contains a blend of oil, vinegar, and herbs such as oregano, basil, and thyme. Other common ingredients include garlic, onion, and black pepper, which add depth and complexity to the flavor. The acidity of the vinegar and the sweetness of the herbs work together to create a well-balanced dressing that complements a variety of ingredients. Overall, Italian dressing has a bright and zesty taste that is perfect for salads, marinades, and as a dipping sauce for bread.
Vinaigrette dressings are typically made with a combination of oil, vinegar, or lemon juice, and seasonings such as salt, pepper, and herbs. The oil and vinegar do not emulsify, so the dressing has a thinner, more runny consistency. Vinaigrette dressings can be made with different types of vinegar, such as balsamic vinegar or red wine vinegar, and can be customized with different herbs and spices to suit your taste.
On the other hand, creamy dressings are made with a base of mayonnaise or sour cream, which gives the dressing a thicker, creamier texture. Creamy dressings can be flavored with a variety of ingredients, such as garlic, herbs, or cheese. Ranch dressing, Caesar dressing, and blue cheese dressing are all examples of creamy dressings.
Overall, the main difference between vinaigrette and creamy dressings is their texture and the ingredients used to make them. While vinaigrette dressings are lighter and have a more tangy flavor, creamy dressings are richer and have a more indulgent flavor.
It depends on the recipe or the brand. Italian dressings can be vegan when they are made with plant-based oils and vinegar, and do not contain any animal products. However, our recipe and some store-bought Italian dressings may contain dairy so it’s important to check the ingredients list.
Most Italian dressings are gluten-free, as they do not contain any wheat, barley, or rye. However, some store-bought Italian dressings may contain gluten as a thickener or a flavor enhancer, so it’s important to check the labels if you have celiac disease or gluten intolerance.
Homemade Italian dressing can last up to a week in the fridge, while store-bought Italian dressing can last up to a year if unopened and stored in a cool, dry place.
It is not recommended to freeze Italian dressing as it can change the texture and flavor of the dressing. However, if you have leftover Italian dressing that you won’t be able to use within a week, you can store it in an airtight container in the freezer for up to three months. When you’re ready to use it, let it thaw in the fridge overnight and give it a good shake or stir before using.
What are some alternatives to Italian dressing?
If you’re looking for a different flavor profile or want to try something new, here are some alternatives to Italian dressing:
- Ranch dressing: A creamy and tangy dressing made with buttermilk, mayo, and herbs.
- Balsamic vinaigrette: A sweet and tangy dressing made with balsamic vinegar, olive oil, and honey.
- Honey mustard dressing: A sweet and savory dressing made with Dijon mustard, honey, and vinegar.
- Citrus Dressing: This slightly sweet, tangy dressing is a refreshing addition to any salad.
- Caesar dressing: A creamy and garlicky dressing made with anchovies, Parmesan cheese, and egg yolks.
- Southwest Salad Dressing: This bold salad dressing is inspired by the creamy salsa salad dressing from Chik-fil-A.
- Green goddess dressing: A creamy and herby dressing made with avocado, parsley, and chives.
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Homemade Italian Dressing
Ingredients
- 1 cup Olive oil
- 1/2 cup White wine vinegar
- 3 tablespoons Grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon Onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon Garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Sugar
- 1.5 teaspoons Kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon Black pepper
Instructions
- Pour all ingredients into a mason jar with a tight-fitting lid or a large bowl.
- Tightly fasten the jar lid in place and shake until mixed or whisk the ingredients in the bowl together.
- Use immediately or store in the refrigerator in an air-tight container until ready to serve. Always shake well before serving.
Nutrition
