Whip up a batch of this Easy Homemade Italian Dressing recipe and bring a burst of flavor to your salads! It’s quick to make, full of zesty herbs, and perfect for drizzling over your favorite greens or marinating veggies + more —your taste buds will thank you! Completely Vegan.
Say goodbye to store-bought Italian dressing! This homemade version is ridiculously easy to whip up and tastes way better than anything from the store. After making my own Italian seasoning, I knew it was time to share my favorite Homemade Italian Dressing recipe. It’s seriously just a matter of whisking everything together, and you”re all set!
It’s super easy to make, with simple, wholesome ingredients, and it’s zesty, fresh, and bright! This dressing is a staple in our house. Pour it over salads like tomato or smashed cucumber salad, mix it into pasta salad, or use it as a marinade for chicken, your favorite meats, or plant-based proteins like tofu. Trust me, you’ll be reaching for it all the time!
For all my dressing lovers, if you’re looking to whip up more homemade goodness, try my Creamy Cilantro Lime Dressing, Creamy Honey Mustard Dressing, and Creamy Carrot Ginger Dressing! Or head over to my sauces, seasonings + dressings section to explore even more flavorful options!
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What Does Easy Homemade Italian Dressing Taste Like?
- Light + refreshing with a hint of lemony zest
- Garlicky and fresh thanks to the minced garlic
- Balanced with a smooth olive oil base
- Savory and well-seasoned
- Perfectly balanced between acidity and richness
- Versatile and great for salads, marinades, or dipping!
Ingredients For Homemade Italian Dressing
The great thing about this Italian dressing recipe is that it uses very simple ingredients that you probably already have at home!
DRESSING:
- Extra virgin olive oil. Feel free to use your favorite high-quality EVOO. My fave tried and trusted brand is California Olive Ranch.
- White vinegar. Adds tang and brightness.
- Filtered water. To thin dressing out slightly.
- Garlic cloves. Freshly minced for the best flavor!
- Seasonings + dressings. Dried oregano, basil, sea salt + black pepper.
- Fresh parsley. Chopped finely.
- Red pepper flakes. Reduce for less spiciness.
How To Make Easy Homemade Italian Dressing
To whip up your homemade Italian dressing, just toss in the olive oil, white vinegar, water, freshly minced garlic, oregano, basil, salt, finely chopped parsley, black pepper, and a pinch of red pepper flakes into a bowl. Give everything a good whisk until it’s smooth and well-combined.
Then, pour the dressing into a mason jar or a tightly sealed container and pop it in the fridge. It’ll stay fresh for 7-10 days—ready to drizzle on your favorite dishes whenever you need!
SHOP MY FAVORITE TOOLS FOR COOKING, ESPECIALLY FOR THIS DRESSING!
Here, I’ve curated a list of cooking + baking essentials that I use to achieve my favorite baked goods or cooked meals, especially with this Easy Homemade Italian Dressing. Everything from my fave baking sheet, dutch ovens, immersion hand-blender, mixing bowls, and more. SEE THEM HERE!
How To Use Homemade Italian Dressing
This dressing is super versatile and can be used in so many fun ways! Here are a few of my favorites:
- Drizzle it over fresh salads like a classic green or tomato salad.
- Toss it with pasta salad for a zesty kick.
- You can use it as a marinade for chicken, pork, or beef, or even tofu + tempeh for a tasty vegan twist! Just use about ½ cup of the dressing for every pound of protein to soak up all that delicious flavor.
- Brush it over veggies before roasting or grilling.
- Dip fresh bread or veggies in it as a snack.
- Mix it into grain bowls for extra flavor.
- Add it to sandwiches or wraps for a tangy touch.
Easy Homemade Italian Dressing Q + A’s
Stored in a tightly sealed container in the fridge, it will stay fresh for about 7-10 days.
Absolutely! While white vinegar is classic, you can experiment with red wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar for a different flavor.
Definitely! Just double the amount of fresh herbs to get that burst of flavor.
Add more red pepper flakes or even a dash of hot sauce, or Jamaican Green Seasoning to kick up the heat!
Of course! Feel free to double it if you want to have more on hand for later!
Yes, natural dressings separate. Just give it a good shake before using.
More Homemade Sauces + Dressings
Check out these mouthwatering sauce/dressing recipes that your whole family will love, especially after trying this delicious Easy Homemade Italian Dressing recipe!
MADE OUR RECIPE(S)?
If you tried this Easy Homemade Italian Dressing recipe or any other recipe on my website, please please leave a 🌟 star rating and let me know how you go in the 📝 comments below. And don’t forget to tag @orchidsnsweettea_ on Instagram and hashtag it #orchidsandsweettea! I love hearing from you!
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 5 minutes
Serves: 14 servings
DRESSING:
- 1 cup Extra virgin olive oil
- ½ cup white vinegar
- ⅓ cup filtered water
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped finely
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (Reduce for less spiciness)
TO MAKE THE DRESSING:
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Add the olive oil, white vinegar, water, minced garlic cloves, oregano, basil, salt, finely chopped parsley, black pepper, and red pepper flakes, whisking until combined and smooth.
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Add dressing to your favorite mason jar or tightly sealed container and refrigerate for 7-10 days for optimal freshness.
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Bon Appetit!
Calories: 140kcal | Carbohydrates: 0.4g | Protein: 0.1g | Fat: 15g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 11g | Sodium: 168mg | Potassium: 11mg | Fiber: 0.1g | Sugar: 0.02g | Vitamin A: 14IU | Vitamin C: 0.2mg | Calcium: 6mg | Iron: 0.3mg
