Homemade Italian Dressing Recipe

Olive oil: A rich, flavorful oil that forms the base of the dressing.

Red wine vinegar: Adds a tangy and slightly sweet flavor to the dressing.

Lemon juice: Freshly squeezed to add brightness and acidity.

Dried oregano: Provides a classic Italian herb flavor.

Dried basil: Adds a sweet and slightly peppery taste.

Garlic powder: Gives a mild garlic flavor without the pungency of fresh garlic.

Onion powder: Adds a subtle onion flavor to the dressing.

Sugar: Balances the acidity and enhances the overall flavor.

Salt: Enhances all the other flavors in the dressing.

Black pepper: Adds a touch of heat and complexity.

When making this homemade Italian dressing, ensure that the olive oil and red wine vinegar are of high quality, as they are the base of the dressing and will significantly impact the flavor. To achieve a smoother blend, you can use a small blender or food processor instead of whisking by hand. This will help to emulsify the oil and vinegar more effectively, creating a creamier consistency. Additionally, let the dressing sit for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the herbs and spices to meld together, enhancing the overall taste.

• olive oil - Substitute with avocado oil: Avocado oil has a similar mild flavor and healthy fat profile, making it a good alternative.

• red wine vinegar - Substitute with apple cider vinegar: Apple cider vinegar has a comparable acidity and tanginess, which works well in dressings.

• freshly squeezed lemon juice - Substitute with lime juice: Lime juice provides a similar citrusy brightness and acidity.

• dried oregano - Substitute with dried thyme: Dried thyme offers a slightly different but complementary herbal note.

• dried basil - Substitute with dried parsley: Dried parsley adds a fresh, slightly peppery flavor that can stand in for basil.

• garlic powder - Substitute with fresh minced garlic: Fresh minced garlic provides a more intense and aromatic garlic flavor.

• onion powder - Substitute with finely chopped shallots: Finely chopped shallots offer a mild onion flavor with a hint of sweetness.

• sugar - Substitute with honey: Honey adds sweetness along with a slight floral note, enhancing the dressing.

• salt - Substitute with soy sauce: Soy sauce adds saltiness along with umami depth, enriching the overall flavor.

• freshly ground black pepper - Substitute with white pepper: White pepper provides a similar spiciness but with a slightly different flavor profile.

• To maintain the freshness of your homemade Italian dressing, pour it into an airtight container, such as a mason jar or a bottle with a tight-fitting lid. This will help prevent any unwanted flavors from seeping in.

• Store the container in the refrigerator. The olive oil in the dressing may solidify slightly when chilled, but don't worry—this is completely normal. Simply let the dressing sit at room temperature for a few minutes before using, and give it a good shake to re-emulsify.

• For optimal flavor, use the dressing within one to two weeks. The lemon juice and red wine vinegar act as natural preservatives, but the dressing is best enjoyed fresh.

• If you find yourself with an abundance of dressing, consider freezing it. Pour the dressing into ice cube trays, leaving a little room at the top for expansion. Once frozen, transfer the cubes to a freezer-safe bag or container. This method allows you to thaw only what you need, ensuring that the rest remains fresh.

• When ready to use, thaw the desired amount of dressing in the refrigerator overnight or at room temperature for a few hours. Give it a good whisk or shake to bring back its original consistency.

• Avoid storing the dressing in direct sunlight or near heat sources, as this can cause the olive oil to go rancid and alter the flavor profile of your dressing.

• If you notice any off smells, changes in color, or separation that doesn't re-emulsify with shaking, it's best to discard the dressing and make a fresh batch.

• Pour the Italian dressing into a small saucepan.
• Heat over low heat, stirring occasionally, until the dressing is warmed through. Be careful not to overheat, as this can alter the flavor of the olive oil and red wine vinegar.
• Alternatively, place the dressing in a microwave-safe container.
• Microwave on low power in 15-second intervals, stirring in between, until the dressing reaches the desired temperature.
• For a quick method, you can also place the sealed container of dressing in a bowl of warm water for a few minutes, allowing it to gently warm up without direct heat.

• Mixing bowl: A large bowl to combine all the ingredients together.

• Whisk: Used to blend the ingredients thoroughly and ensure the dressing is well mixed.

• Measuring cups: Essential for accurately measuring the olive oil and red wine vinegar.

• Measuring spoons: Necessary for measuring out the lemon juice, dried herbs, garlic powder, onion powder, sugar, salt, and pepper.

• Sealed container: For storing the dressing in the refrigerator to keep it fresh.

• Lemon squeezer: Handy for extracting freshly squeezed lemon juice efficiently.

Prepare ingredients in advance: Measure out the olive oil, red wine vinegar, and other seasonings ahead of time to streamline the process.

Use a mason jar: Combine all the ingredients in a mason jar and shake vigorously instead of whisking in a bowl. This saves time and makes storage easier.

Pre-mix dry ingredients: Mix the dried oregano, dried basil, garlic powder, onion powder, sugar, salt, and black pepper in a small container beforehand.

Double the recipe: Make a larger batch and store it in the refrigerator to have dressing ready for multiple meals.