Name: Homemade Italian Salad Dressing Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Total time: 5 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: ½ cup extra-virgin olive oil; ¼ cup red wine vinegar; 1 tablespoon lemon juice; 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard; 2 teaspoons honey; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; ½ teaspoon garlic powder; ½ teaspoon onion powder; ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional); ½ teaspoon salt; ¼ teaspoon black pepper

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe· 4.3 from 45 reviews

If you’re craving a bright, zesty touch to bring your greens and veggies to life, this Homemade Italian Salad Dressing Recipe is an absolute game-changer. With just a handful of fresh, pantry-friendly ingredients, this dressing bursts with tangy red wine vinegar, smooth olive oil, and a perfect blend of herbs and spices that marry into a luscious, creamy vinaigrette. Whether drizzled over a crisp salad, used as a marinade, or even as a dip, this Italian classic brings vibrant flavor and a touch of sunshine to every bite.

Homemade Italian Salad Dressing Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Getting your ingredients together for this dressing is refreshingly simple, yet every component plays a special role in creating that iconic Italian flavor profile. Each ingredient balances acidity, sweetness, texture, and aroma to make your homemade dressing truly unforgettable.

Extra-virgin olive oil: Provides a silky, fruity base that’s rich in healthy fats and adds smoothness.
Red wine vinegar: Brings the dressing’s signature tang and brightness with subtle depth.
Lemon juice: Adds fresh citrus notes that lift and brighten the overall flavor.
Dijon mustard: Works as a natural emulsifier and adds gentle sharpness for complexity.
Honey: Balances acidity with a hint of natural sweetness to round out the taste.
Dried oregano: Infuses earthy, herbaceous Italian flavors that make this dressing authentic and fragrant.
Garlic powder: Adds a savory punch without overpowering the delicate balance.
Onion powder: Contributes subtle savory sweetness and depth.
Crushed red pepper flakes (optional): For a mild kick of heat that livens up the dressing.
Salt: Enhances all the flavors and brings harmony to the ingredients.
Black pepper: Adds gentle warmth and a touch of spice to finish.

How to Make Homemade Italian Salad Dressing Recipe

Step 1: Combine the Vinegar and Flavorful Ingredients

Start by whisking together the red wine vinegar, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, honey, dried oregano, garlic powder, onion powder, crushed red pepper flakes if you’re using them, salt, and black pepper in a medium bowl or jar. This blend is the flavor powerhouse of the dressing, where acidity and spice begin to harmonize before the olive oil joins.

Step 2: Slowly Add the Olive Oil While Whisking

Slowly drizzle in the extra-virgin olive oil while whisking continuously. This slow addition while mixing vigorously is what emulsifies the dressing, turning it into a beautifully thick and creamy vinaigrette that clings perfectly to your veggies. If you prefer a hands-off method, you can place all ingredients in a tightly sealed jar and shake vigorously until combined.

Step 3: Taste and Adjust

Once emulsified, give your dressing a taste test. More salt? A little extra honey? Feel free to tweak the seasonings according to your palate. This flexibility is what makes the Homemade Italian Salad Dressing Recipe so personal and satisfying each time you make it.

How to Serve Homemade Italian Salad Dressing Recipe

Garnishes

To elevate your salad experience, consider tossing the dressed greens with fresh garnishes like torn basil leaves, shaved Parmesan, or halved cherry tomatoes. These ingredients bring a fresh burst of color, texture, and even more Italian flair that complements the dressing beautifully.

Side Dishes

This dressing isn’t just for salads! It pairs magnificently as a drizzle over grilled chicken, roasted vegetables, or even grain bowls with quinoa or farro. The tang and herbs add a wonderful lift that brightens simple side dishes and elevates weeknight meals effortlessly.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve this dressing in a small rustic jar alongside a Mediterranean-inspired antipasto platter featuring cured meats, olives, and crusty bread for dipping. You can also turn it into a zesty marinade or finishing sauce on fish or tofu. The Homemade Italian Salad Dressing Recipe is versatile enough to spark your culinary creativity in so many ways.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store your Italian salad dressing in an airtight container or jar in the refrigerator for up to one week. Because the oil and vinegar naturally separate over time, be sure to shake or whisk it before each use to bring back that creamy consistency.

Freezing

Freezing this dressing is not recommended as it can cause the olive oil to solidify and separate in unappealing ways. For best results, stick to refrigeration and make small batches as needed.

Reheating

Reheating isn’t necessary since this dressing is meant to be served cold or at room temperature. Just give it a good shake or stir after removing it from the fridge and it will be ready to drizzle.

FAQs

Can I use any vinegar instead of red wine vinegar?

While red wine vinegar is classic for this recipe, you can substitute with apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar for a slightly different but still delicious flavor. Just keep in mind the intensity and color may vary.

Is there a vegan option for this dressing?

Absolutely! Simply replace the honey with maple syrup or agave nectar to keep it vegan while maintaining the perfect touch of sweetness.

How long does this dressing keep in the refrigerator?

This Homemade Italian Salad Dressing Recipe stays fresh for up to one week when stored properly in a sealed container in the fridge.

Can I add fresh herbs instead of dried oregano?

Yes! Fresh herbs like oregano or basil can be a lovely substitute. Use about three times the amount of dried herbs for fresh and add them just before serving to preserve their vibrant flavor.

What salads work best with this dressing?

This dressing pairs wonderfully with classic Italian-style salads featuring romaine, tomatoes, cucumbers, olives, and red onions, but it’s versatile enough for nearly any green or chopped vegetable salad you love.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly special about crafting your own Homemade Italian Salad Dressing Recipe from scratch—it’s quick, fuss-free, and infinitely more flavorful than store-bought options. I encourage you to give this recipe a try and watch how it transforms your salads and dishes into vibrant celebrations of taste. Once you have this recipe in your kitchen arsenal, it will become a favorite go-to that makes every meal a little brighter and more delicious.