Fitness / July 28, 2023

Easy Italian Salad Dressing Recipe

Jazz up your salads with this incredibly easy-to-make, flavorful, and fresh Italian salad dressing — a perfect homemade blend of love and taste!

Table of Contents

This is how Italy does salad dressings — with the same flair they do most other things. This dressing is the lovechild of some really great ingredients mixed in just the right proportions and explodes with epic flavors.

But as much as those ingredients work well together, it’s also incredibly adaptable, just like most typical vinaigrettes. It would also taste fantastic drizzled over another Italian export: the Caprese Salad. It’s oil and vinegar but with the extra touch of shallot and honey that makes this Italian babe so unforgettable and totally rare.

Is Italian Salad Dressing Healthy?

Raw olive oil is a healthy fat.
Compared to creamy dressings, this Italian dressing is relatively low in calories.
It’s mostly made of olive oil (amazing for your heart) and red wine vinegar (tons of health benefits there!) but features herbs and spices, giving it a killer flavor and topping up your nutrients at the same time. The lemon juice provides vitamin C, the garlic fights against infection, and the honey is an anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant.

INGREDIENTS

This might seem long but once you’ve gathered the ingredients, all that’s left to do is blend, so it’s not a very time-consuming recipe overall.

½ cup olive oil
¼ cup red wine vinegar
2 tbsp lemon juice
1 shallot, finely diced
1 clove garlic, crushed
1 tsp Dijon mustard
1 tbsp honey
2 tsp dried oregano
2 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped
½ tsp salt
¼ tsp black pepper, freshly ground

INSTRUCTIONS

Prepare

Add all the prepared ingredients to a bowl.

Whisk

Emulsify them with a whisk.

Store

Let it sit for 20 minutes before pouring it into a jar.

Tips & Tricks

I usually allow the dressing to sit for a few minutes before using, I like letting the flavors to meld together.
You can make it in advance and store it in the fridge for up to a week, so you can cut down on prep on the day you want to serve it.
If you wadial up the intensity, infuse the olive oil with the shallots and garlic by lightly sautéing them before adding to the mix.

FAQs

Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh and vice versa?

Yes, dried herbs and fresh herbs work really well in this dressing. I prefer fresh, but it’s up to you.

Can I use whole-grain mustard instead of Dijon mustard?

Yes, I actually love using whole-grain mustard, it gives the dressing a slightly different texture.

Can I swap out the vinegar?

I think red wine vinegar is what gives that distinctive tart taste but if you want a sweeter touch try balsamic vinegar, another Italian staple.

Can I switch out the honey if I’m not a fan?

If you’re not a fan or on a vegan diet, you can swap it out. I have used agave nectar or maple syrup, they are both great alternatives.

Can I switch things up with this recipe?

Get creative and throw in some crumbled feta cheese for a creamy feta dressing, or add some capers and olives for a Mediterranean-inspired twist.

Serving Suggestions

This Easy Italian Salad Dressing shines when drizzled over a fresh garden salad with a variety of crunchy veggies. I also like it atop my Quinoa Salad. As I noted above, it can work with a Caprese salad for an Italian touch, or use it to marinate chicken or shrimp before grilling to add a zesty burst of flavor.

Make Ahead and Storage

This Italian Salad Dressing can be made ahead of time. In fact, it’s even tastier after the flavors get a chance to hang out together. Pop any leftovers into a sealed jar and park it in the fridge; it should keep for 2 weeks. Just give it a shake before using it again.