Homemade Italian Dressing is such a quick and easy salad dressing recipe! Made with olive oil, vinegar, herbs and spices, this Italian Dressing recipe is one that everyone always loves!
To me, there is nothing like the flavor you can get from a homemade salad dressing. For years, I just grabbed bottles from the grocery store (and still do every once in a while), but once I started making and keeping homemade salad dressings it was amazing how much fresher my salads tasted! And it doesn’t stop with salads either!
IÂ love to use my homemade Italian Dressing recipe as a marinade with pork, chicken, fish or vegetables before cooking and it is absolutely out of this world on pasta salads! The uses are just endless for this dressing.
Homemade Italian Dressing Recipe
I love to make my Italian Seasoning Mix in large batches and keep on hand to toss into so many dishes for instant flavor – from my Marinara Sauce to my quick and easy Sheet Pan Parmesan Chicken and Vegetables. It is just indispensable and great in this dressing!
Of course, you can use fresh ingredients if you know that you’ll be using all of the dressing on the day that you make it, but I definitely recommend you to use dried if you plan to keep it in the refrigerator. Either way, you sure are in for a fresh and delicious treat!
My recipe also includes a little Parmesan cheese. I can’t recommend it enough for the additional flavor that it adds to the dressing, but if you prefer, you can absolutely omit it. But if you are a Parmesan cheese lover like I am – do it! Delish!
There’s just nothing like it!
How to Make Easy Homemade Italian Dressing
This dressing is incredibly easy to make – and oh so delicious! Here’s how I make it.
First, add the olive oil, vinegar, Italian Seasoning and Parmesan cheese (if using) to a quart mason jar with a tight fitting lid. Shake well to combine and serve. Ingredients will settle to the bottom of the dressing, be sure to shake thoroughly right before using.
If you prefer to use fresh ingredients and will be using the dressing immediately, replace the Italian Seasoning with the following ingredients:
1 garlic clove, minced
1 tablespoon chopped fresh oregano
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Can this Dressing be Made Ahead?
Yes, it most certainly can – and I think it’s the best Italian dressing out there!
You can store the Italian Dressing in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
If you omit the cheese, you may store in the refrigerator for up to 3 weeks.
To serve, allow the Italian Dressing to reach room temperature to allow the olive oil to loosen.
Here’s my Homemade Italian Dressing Recipe. I hope you love it as much as we do!
Easy Homemade Italian Dressing Recipe
Ingredients
- ¾ cup olive oil
- ¼ cup red wine vinegar
- 1 tablespoon Italian Seasoning Recipe
- 3 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese, optional
Instructions
- Add the olive oil, vinegar, Italian Seasoning and Parmesan cheese (if using) to a quart mason jar with a tight fitting lid. Shake well to combine and serve. Ingredients will settle to the bottom of the dressing, be sure to shake thoroughly right before using.
Notes
Store the Italian Dressing in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. If cheese is omitted, may store in the refrigerator for up to 3 weeks. To serve, allow the Italian Dressing to reach room temperature to allow the olive oil to loosen. If you prefer to use fresh ingredients and will be using the dressing immediately, replace the Italian Seasoning with the following: 1 garlic clove, minced 1 tablespoon chopped fresh oregano 1 teaspoon kosher salt 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Enjoy!
Robyn xo
Can coconut oil be used instead of olive oil or possibly a mixture of the two??
Is Apple cider or white vinegar ok to use?
Elizabeth, I haven’t made this with coconut oil but I’m sure you could use it. Other people have said they use white vinegar in this recipe.
I’ve been making my own italian dressing for over 25 years now. This recipe is very similar to how I make my own except I use white wine vinegar, red wine vinegar, and salad vinegar with olive oil and vegetable oil. Then along with the italian seasoning I also add a teaspoon of celery salt. So freaking delish!!!!
Super easy recipe . Tastes way better than store bought dressings.Â
Thanks so much Kris! xo
Words “easy”, “homemade”, and “mason jar” sound just like the perfect twist of a party’s menu! This is great, love how it looks and can’t wait to have it on my list! Having a really anticipated celebration soon and I would love this pretty little detail included on the menu. Thank you for this!
Super DELICIOUS, super easy!  I did use the author’s recipe for her homemade Italian seasoning as well.
This recipe sounds delicious, can’t wait to try it!
Is there any substitute for red wine vinegar though?
Thank you!
I made this for a cucumber and tomato salad marinade. It was delicious! And so much better than store-ought. Healthier, too! Try slathering it on zucchini slices/boats, and then toss them on the grill. Your tummy will thank you for this dressing!
(Robyn, I was the lucky winner of your Add A Pinch cookbook from Well Plated by Erin a couple of months ago. I have been loving the cookbook and your blog ever since! Thank you for all of it!)
I’m so thrilled you enjoyed this, Dawn! It is delicious and I’m glad you gave it a try!
How wonderful that you won the cookbook! I am so excited that you are enjoying the cookbook and the blog!
Your comment means so much to me – I hope you continue to enjoy the recipes. It is great to hear from you.
Thanks so much! xo
I made this tonight to use for some pasta salad. Have to say it turned out great but it was missing something. I added a bit of pimentos to this as well and it tastes absolutely divine. Will definitely be used more often instead of store bought Italian dressing.
Hi Ally,
I’m glad you like this. So much fresher than store bought, right?! I haven’t tried with pimentos – sounds good! Thanks!
How do you think balsamic vinegar would taste, maybe for dipping with fresh bread?
Liked the dressing but it turned solid in refrigerator. Any suggestions?
Hi Karen,
I’m glad you enjoy the dressing. Just take it out of refrigerator about 30 minutes before serving and then shake well. The olive oil turns solid at cold temperatures in the refrigerator.
Thanks!