Homemade Italian Dressing

This Homemade Italian Dressing is made with a simple blend of oil, vinegar, herbs, Dijon mustard, and a hint of fresh garlic. Just shake everything together in a jar and use it on your favorite salads or as a marinade – so easy!

My mom always made her own Italian dressing. I never bothered to ask why, but I’m guessing it had a lot to do with the fact that homemade tastes a whole lot better. It’s also way healthier—no sugar, nasty additives, or preservatives. Now, all these years later, I find myself doing the same.

Italian dressing is surprisingly versatile. It’s fantastic on salads, as a marinade, drizzled over sandwiches, and used to make your favorite Italian pasta salad. And even though it’s easier to grab a bottle of pre-made and pre-mixed stuff, you can’t beat the flavor of homemade.

Key Ingredients

Find the printable recipe with measurements in the recipe card below.

• Extra-virgin olive oil: I recommend using extra-virgin olive oil to make homemade Italian dressing, but regular olive oil will also work. A neutral oil, like canola, safflower, or avocado oil, can also be used if that’s your preference.
• White wine vinegar: Or red wine vinegar. White and red wine vinegar are the most popular choices. They add zest, tanginess, and acidity.
• Parmesan cheese: A little bit of finely shredded parmesan cheese adds a rich, umami flavor and adds texture to the dressing.
• Garlic: I prefer fresh garlic, although powdered garlic may also be used.
• Dijon mustard: Mustard adds flavor and helps emulsify the dressing so that the oil and vinegar do not separate.
• Herbs and Seasoning: We’re adding dried oregano, dried parsley, and salt. Feel free to include other dried herbs like thyme, rosemary, or basil. You can also include some red chili flakes for a little heat.
• Sugar (optional): A small amount of sugar or honey helps to balance the vinegar’s acidity. You don’t need much. For example, this recipe calls for just half a teaspoon of sugar.

How to Make Homemade Italian Dressing

Add the olive oil, vinegar, Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, Dijon, herbs, salt, and sugar to a small bowl, and whisk to combine. Alternatively, place all of the ingredients in a jar with a tight-fitting lid and shake, shake, shake, until the dressing is emulsified. Season to taste, and enjoy.

How to Store Leftover Italian Vinaigrette

Transfer any leftover salad dressing to a jar with a tight-fitting lid and refrigerate for 3-5 days (or up to one week if parmesan cheese has not been added). You’ll notice some separation as it sits, so shake well before using.

More Homemade Dressing Recipes

If you love this homemade Italian salad dressing, try one of these other homemade dressings or vinaigrettes next:

• Chipotle Ranch Dressing
• Lemon Tahini Dressing
• Green Goddess Dressing
• Homemade Ranch Dressing Recipe
• Easy Dijon Vinaigrette
• Champagne Vinaigrette Recipe