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Home » Food » By Type of Dish » Sauces, Seasonings and Condiments » BEST Italian Dressing Recipe

BEST Italian Dressing Recipe

July 27, 2018 by Kimberly Killebrew · 49 Comments

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The perfect balance of flavors, get ready to whip up the BEST, most flavorful homemade Italian dressing recipe in less than 5 minutes!  Perfect on green salads, pasta salads or as a marinade!

italian dressing recipe marinade best homemade from scratch parmesan

Nothing beats the taste of good homemade Italian dressing!  The flavors are fresh, vibrant and simply wonderful.  And the flavor only gets better with time so it’s the perfect make-ahead dressing.

Not only does it taste WAY better than store-bought, making your own Italian dressing has additional benefits.  Virtually ALL store-bought dressings are made with yucky oils and junk ingredients including additives, preservatives, flavor enhancers and other undesirable ingredients that are better off left on the shelf.  As easy as it is to make it yourself, there’s just no good reason to use store-bought!

With this recipe you get an Italian dressing that not only tastes fabulous but is healthy and takes just 5 minutes to whip up!  It’s a total win-win!

italian dressing recipe from scratch healthy best homemade

Ways to Use Italian Dressing

Besides its classic use for tossed salads, this dressing has a ton of tasty uses – your imagination is the limit!

Use this dressing for:

  • Pasta salads
  • Leafy green salads
  • Vegetables
  • Sandwiches
  • Wraps
  • Marinated olives
  • As a marinade for chicken, beef, pork, shrimp, fish and kabobs
  • and any other way your creativity dictates!

How Long Does Italian Dressing Last?

Keep it in an airtight jar in the fridge where it will keep for up to two weeks.  The flavor of this dressing improves over time as the oils are released from the herbs and the flavors have time to meld.

ways to use Italian dressing

Italian Dressing Recipe

Let’s get started!

Place all of the ingredients in a blender and blend for about 30 seconds.  Flecks of Parmesan cheese will remain.

Pour into a jar or dressing dispenser and store in the refrigerator where it will keep for up to 2 weeks.

blending ingredients in blender

Enjoy!

italian dressing recipe marinade best homemade from scratch parmesan

Be sure to try these other delicious homemade dressings:

  • Ranch Dressing
  • Asian Salad Dressing
  • Blue Cheese Dressing
  • Strawberry Poppy Seed Dressing
  • Orange Poppy Seed Dressing
  • French Dressing
  • Creamy Cilantro Dressing
  • Lemon Dill Mustard Dressing

Best Italian Dressing Recipe

Kimberly Killebrew
This homemade Italian dressing tastes way better than store-bought, is much healthier, and takes 5 minutes to whip up!
Print Recipe
4.92 from 25 votes
Prep Time 5 minutes mins
Chill Time 4 hours hrs
Total Time 4 hours hrs 5 minutes mins
Course condiment, Dressing, Salad
Cuisine American, Italian
Servings 6 servings
Calories 185 kcal

Ingredients
 
 

  • 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 1/4 cup red wine vinegar
  • 4 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 teaspoons honey (vegans: use liquid sweetener)
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried parsley
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary
  • 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1/2 teaspoon Hungarian sweet paprika
  • 1/4 teaspoon sea salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1/8 teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • 1/8 teaspoon fennel seeds
  • 1/16 teaspoon celery seeds

Instructions
 

  • Place everything in a blender and blend for about 30 seconds (small of flecks of Parmesan will remain).  Pour into a jar or dressing dispenser and refrigerate.  Chill for at least 4 hours before using.  Will keep for up to 2 weeks.
    The flavor of this dressing improves over time as the oils are released from the herbs and the flavors have time to meld.  

Nutrition

Serving: 2tablespoons | Calories: 185kcal | Carbohydrates: 2g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 19g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Cholesterol: 2mg | Sodium: 150mg | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 125IU | Calcium: 42mg | Iron: 0.4mg
Keyword Italian dressing
Tried this recipe? Mention @daringgourmet or hashtag #daringgourmet
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49 Comments →

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49 Responses

  1. Anne says

    April 24, 2022 at 3:09 pm

    I thought it needed just a little more acid so added juice of half a lemon! Thank you for the recipe!

    Reply
    • Kimberly Killebrew says

      April 24, 2022 at 6:00 pm

      Thank you, Anne, I’m glad you enjoyed it!

      Reply
  2. Peter says

    January 18, 2022 at 5:37 am

    It will keep in the fridge indefinately if you leave out the parmesan. grate onto the salad last – better this way

    Reply
  3. Delaina O'Dell says

    November 5, 2021 at 7:24 pm

    Made it tonight and it was okay. Should have left the fennel out. I guess I am not a fan of fennel but that is personal preference. I made another batch without the fennel and have refrigerated it. Will be trying it tomorrow. It smelled really good.

    Reply
  4. Tré says

    July 19, 2021 at 8:24 am

    This is just delicious and well worth all the ingredients necessary. I doubled up on the basil, oregano, parsley, thyme, and rosemary. As well, I eliminated the honey altogether and used half red wine vinegar and half white balsamic vinegar since the latter has its own sweetness. This recipe is a definite keeper. Thanks so much.

    Reply
    • Kimberly @ The Daring Gourmet says

      July 30, 2021 at 5:38 pm

      Thank you, Tré, I’m so happy you enjoyed it!

      Reply
  5. Renee says

    April 2, 2020 at 1:49 pm

    Wow! I was looking for a dry spice blend but came across this. Used all ingredients except the oil and made a paste. Dubbed on my chicken and let sit for a while before pressure cooking. VERY good combination of flavors.

    Reply
    • Kimberly @ The Daring Gourmet says

      April 2, 2020 at 7:32 pm

      Great idea, Renee, and I’m so glad you enjoyed it – thanks for the feedback!

      Reply
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kimberly killebrew the daring gourmet

Welcome!  I’m Kimberly and I share delicious originals, revitalized classics and authentic dishes from around the world.  Come travel the world through your taste buds!

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