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Italian Dressing Recipe

Easy Italian Dressing

This fresh and zesty homemade Italian dressing recipe beats store-bought versions every time! Made with simple pantry ingredients like olive oil, white wine vinegar, fresh lemon juice, and aromatic herbs, it comes together in just 5 minutes. Perfect for salads, marinades, and roasted vegetables.
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 0 minutes
0 minutes
Total Time 5 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Condiment, Sauce
Cuisine: Italian, Mediterranean
Calories: 95
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Dressing Base
  • 6 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
  • 3 tablespoons white wine vinegar
  • 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
Flavor Components
  • 1½ tablespoons fresh parsley finely chopped
  • 1½ teaspoons honey or maple syrup for vegan option
  • 1½ teaspoons dried oregano
  • 1 clove garlic grated
  • ¾ teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • ¾ teaspoon dried thyme
  • ¼ teaspoon sea salt heaping
  • freshly ground black pepper to taste
Optional Addition
  • 3 tablespoons Parmesan cheese freshly grated, optional

Equipment

  • Small Mixing Bowl
  • Whisk
  • Mason jar with lid (optional)
  • Microplane grater

Method
 

  1. In a small bowl, combine the olive oil, white wine vinegar, and fresh lemon juice. Whisk together until well blended.
  2. Add the grated garlic, honey, Dijon mustard, dried oregano, and dried thyme to the bowl. Whisk vigorously until all ingredients are well incorporated.
  3. Stir in the finely chopped fresh parsley, sea salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Mix well to distribute the herbs evenly throughout the dressing.
  4. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Add more salt, pepper, or lemon juice to your preference.
  5. If using Parmesan cheese, stir it in now for a creamy, tangy finish.
  6. Alternative method: Place all ingredients in a mason jar with a tight-fitting lid and shake vigorously for 30 seconds until emulsified.

Notes

Storage: Store in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. Shake or whisk before each use as ingredients will naturally separate.
Vegan Option: Replace honey with maple syrup and omit the optional Parmesan cheese.
Make it Spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat.
Serving Tip: Let dressing come to room temperature for 10 minutes before using for best flavor distribution.