Best Homemade Zesty Italian Salad Dressing Recipe

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This zesty Italian dressing recipe will become your new go-to Italian Vinaigrette. Packed with herbs, spices, and tangy vinegar, it’s the perfect complement to salads, sandwiches, and pasta dishes. Low Carb, vegan and gluten-free Italian dressing and marinade!

A one-jar salad dressing made of simple, pantry ingredients; so much better than Good Seasons or any other store-bought dressing.

I enjoy giving precise details in my recipe posts to lead my readers through any questions. If you’re just here for the printable recipe, feel free to click “Jump to Recipe” right under the title of this post, and you’ll head straight there!

Growing up, we made a fresh green salad almost every night for dinner, and homemade dressings were always on the table. My mom taught me young how to make this great recipe, a simple zesty homemade Italian dressing full of Italian flavors and much better than anything you will get from a dry mix, and it takes just minutes to make.

Simple Ingredients

• EVOO (Extra Virgin Olive Oil): Use high-quality extra-virgin olive oil for its rich flavor and smooth texture. Classic Italian dressing uses EVOO, but you may also use vegetable oil, or try heart-healthy avocado oil. 
• Red Wine Vinegar: Red and white wine vinegar work well in this recipe. They provide a tangy and slightly fruity note to balance the flavors.
• Balsamic Vinegar: Adds a touch of sweetness and depth. If you choose not to use it, increase the amount of red wine vinegar by 2 tablespoons.
• Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice brightens the dressing.
• Fresh Garlic: Minced or pressed garlic brings an aromatic taste to the dressing. You may certainly use garlic powder instead, about ½-1 teaspoon.
• Herbs: For the best Italian dressing, use dried basil or dried oregano, usually in every spice cabinet. If you have fresh herbs, follow my substitutions chart for replacing. 
• Dijon Mustard: Adds a subtle tang and creamy texture to the dressing. It helps emulsify the ingredients and provides a hint of spiciness.
• Salt & Pepper: Kosher salt enhances the flavors and helps balance the overall taste of the dressing and freshly ground black pepper. 

How to Make an Easy Homemade Italian Dressing Recipe

Place all ingredients in a jar, cover, and shake until combined. If preferred, emulsify using an immersion or regular blender and pulse to combine. 

That’s it! How easy is that? A perfect homemade zesty Italian dressing using basic ingredients. 

This dressing is safe to store on the counter for a couple hours before using; longer storage requires refrigeration.

Fresh homemade dressings are the best! Be sure to try my Homemade Buttermilk Ranch dressing, this Green Goddess dressing (a copycat recipe) and one of my favorites, Homemade Chunky Blue Cheese Dressing Recipe.

Is Italian dressing low carb?

Sure is, especially this homemade version, since we don’t use any sugar or sweetener! Only 2 carbs per serving.

Is Italian dressing gluten free?

YES! Naturally, without any changes either, a delicious option for your gluten-free family and friends.

Variations & Substitutions

• Replace the basil and oregano with equal amounts of Italian seasoning instead. 
• Play around with the spice mixtures; use a little garlic salt, onion powder, and a pinch of red pepper flakes; you get the idea!
• Add a few tablespoons of grated parmesan cheese or nutritional yeast for a vegan Italian dressing recipe.
• As a personal preference, add your own twist; use a touch of celery salt, maybe some fresh parsley or a teaspoon of honey, sugar or maple syrup.

Vegan Italian dressing recipe

No changes are necessary; this recipe does not use cheese and is naturally vegan. Many vegan recipes include nutritional yeast, adding a little cheesy flavor. Double-check your Dijon mustard too, I use Trader Joe’s Dijon which is vegan.

10 Best Ways to use Italian Vinaigrette

This is my favorite part; use this a versatile dressing and marinade in so many different ways:

1. Salad Dressing: Toss your favorite greens, such as mixed lettuce, romaine, iceberg, spinach, or arugula, for a flavorful and refreshing salad. Add toppings like tomatoes, cucumbers, olives, and feta cheese for extra texture and taste. Try it on my Italian Chopped Salad.
2. Marinade: Use the zesty Italian dressing recipe as a marinade for chicken breasts, fish, pork chops, beef, or vegetables. Let the protein or vegetables soak in marinade 4 hours to overnight. Grill, bake or sauté them for a delicious and infused flavor. You’ll like my Olive Garden Crock Pot Chicken.
3. Sandwich Spread: Pour the zesty Italian dressing onto your sandwiches, wraps, or paninis. We always pour this on our Italian sub sandwiches!
4. Pasta Salad: Mix cooked pasta with a generous amount of zesty Italian dressing for a vibrant and flavorful pasta salad; try it on this Italian antipasto pasta salad.
5. Roasted Vegetables: Coat bell peppers, zucchini, cauliflower, and other veggies with zesty Italian dressing before roasting for enhanced flavors and a delicious caramelized glaze.
6. Grilled Vegetables: Brush zesty Italian dressing onto eggplant, asparagus, mushrooms, and more before grilling for tangy, savory, and moist vegetables.
7. Grain Bowls: Drizzle zesty Italian dressing over grain bowls (quinoa, couscous, etc.) for added flavor and moisture, then top with grilled vegetables, protein, and fresh herbs for a wholesome meal.
8. Bruschetta: Use the zesty Italian dressing as a topping for bruschetta.
9. Coleslaw: The dressing provides a refreshing and flavorful alternative to traditional coleslaw dressings.
10. Pizza: Brush the Italian vinaigrette onto pizza dough before grilling or baking it. The dressing adds flavor and helps create a crispy and flavorful crust.

Storage Tips

• Refrigerate: Store the zesty Italian salad dressing in an airtight container or jar and keep it refrigerated for up to one week or longer, though the flavors might deteriorate over time. 
• Shake before use: Give the dressing a good shake or stir to recombine any separated ingredients and distribute the flavors evenly.
• Olive oil-based dressings may solidify in the refrigerator due to the cold temperature. Allow the dressing sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes or run the container under warm water to liquefy the oil before using.
• Make a large batch of dressing, and consider portioning it into smaller containers. This way, you can take out and use only what you need, keeping the remaining dressing sealed and fresh in the refrigerator.

Frequently Asked Questions

Best Fresh Recipes to Serve with Italian Vinaigrette

I’m going to go out on a limb and say Italian is your thing here! So let’s dive into a flavor bonanza shall we! Try my Grandpa Frank’s Italian Spaghetti Sauce, or this simple Marinara sauce or this Penna alla Vodka (30-minute meal). Or these winners below:

More Sensational Salad Recipes

Because you can never have too many salad recipes! Try this Steakhouse Wedge Salad (with Romaine) or this amazing Mexican Chopped Salad with Honey Lime Dressing and a few of my favorites below:

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