The BEST Italian Dressing (Easy + Homemade) Recipe
This easy homemade Italian dressing is a vibrant and flavorful blend of olive oil, white wine vinegar, fresh lemon juice, honey, and classic Italian herbs. Perfect for salads or as a marinade, it’s a fresh and simple alternative to store-bought dressings that comes together in just minutes.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Salad Dressing
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
Base Ingredients
- 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil OR neutral vegetable oil
- 1/4 cup white wine vinegar OR red wine vinegar
- 2 tablespoons water
- 1 to 2 teaspoons honey
- 1 teaspoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
Seasonings and Herbs
- 3 tablespoons freshly grated Parmesan
- 3/4 teaspoon garlic salt
- 3/4 teaspoon dried parsley
- 3/4 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/8 teaspoon dried oregano
- Pinch of red pepper flakes
- Freshly ground black pepper (to taste)
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients: Measure all ingredients into a jar with a tight-fitting lid to prepare for emulsification.
- Shake to Emulsify: Shake vigorously until the dressing is well blended and emulsified, ensuring the oil and vinegar mix thoroughly.
- Taste and Adjust: Taste the dressing and adjust seasonings as needed, adding more salt or freshly ground black pepper to suit your preference.
Notes
- You can substitute extra-virgin olive oil with a neutral vegetable oil for a lighter flavor.
- White wine vinegar can be replaced with red wine vinegar if preferred.
- Adjust honey amount based on desired sweetness.
- Freshly grated Parmesan adds a nice savory touch, but can be omitted for a dairy-free version.
- Store dressing in the refrigerator for up to one week; shake well before each use as separation may occur.
