Tangy, herby, and made in minutes—this homemade Italian dressing will upgrade every salad and veggie plate with bold, vibrant flavor.

🍋 The Freshest Way to Dress a Salad

Homemade Italian Dressing is one of those pantry staples that always surprises people. “Wait, you made this from scratch?” Yes—and it’s easier than you think! Once you taste the zippy tang of red wine vinegar, the bite of fresh garlic, and the blend of classic Italian herbs—all perfectly balanced with a swirl of olive oil—you may never buy the bottled stuff again.

Growing up, this was the dressing my mom whipped up on the fly. I can still remember her shaking it up in an old mason jar, the ingredients dancing together like a mini vinaigrette symphony. We’d pour it over everything—crisp romaine, juicy tomatoes, grilled chicken, and even roasted potatoes.

This recipe brings that nostalgic, zesty goodness straight to your kitchen.

🌿 Key Ingredients (and What They Do)

Olive Oil

The rich, velvety base of the dressing. Use extra virgin for the best flavor.

Red Wine Vinegar

Adds brightness and tang. It’s the backbone of the dressing’s sharp, clean taste.

Garlic

Fresh minced garlic gives a bold punch. One clove is usually enough, but feel free to adjust to your liking.

Dijon Mustard

Acts as an emulsifier, helping the oil and vinegar blend together. Adds a subtle depth.

Honey (or Sugar)

Balances the acidity and rounds out the flavor. You only need a touch.

Dried Oregano & Basil

The classic Italian herb duo. They infuse the dressing with savory, herby notes.

Salt & Black Pepper

Essential for seasoning. Freshly ground black pepper gives a little heat.

Optional: Crushed Red Pepper Flakes

Add for a slight kick of heat—totally optional but highly recommended!

👩‍🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions

Grab a Mason Jar or Bowl
Use a small jar with a lid or a mixing bowl and whisk. The jar makes shaking and storing easy.
Add All Ingredients
Combine 1/2 cup olive oil, 1/4 cup red wine vinegar, 1 clove minced garlic, 1 tsp Dijon, 1 tsp honey, 1 tsp oregano, 1/2 tsp basil, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper.
Shake or Whisk
Seal the jar and shake vigorously, or whisk in a bowl until the dressing emulsifies. This blends the oil and vinegar so they don’t separate quickly.
Taste and Adjust
Taste and tweak—add more vinegar for tang, more honey for sweetness, or extra herbs if you like it punchier.
Serve or Store
Pour over your favorite salad immediately or refrigerate in the jar for up to a week. Shake again before each use.

🥗 Serving Suggestions

Classic Green Salads: Romaine, cherry tomatoes, red onions, cucumbers, and olives love this dressing.
Marinade Magic: Use it to marinate chicken, shrimp, or even tofu for a herby, zesty kick.
Pasta Salads: Toss with cooked pasta, bell peppers, olives, and cheese for a bright summer side.
Roasted Veggies: Drizzle over warm roasted potatoes or grilled zucchini for a flavor boost.

🧊 Storage & Reheating Tips

Refrigeration

Store in a sealed jar or container in the refrigerator for up to 7 days.
Natural separation is normal—just shake before using.

Freezing

Not recommended. The oil and vinegar texture changes when frozen.

✨ Final Thoughts

Homemade Italian Dressing is proof that a few pantry ingredients can come together to create something truly special. It’s vibrant, versatile, and infinitely better than anything off the shelf. Whether you’re dressing a salad, marinating proteins, or adding flavor to roasted vegetables, this dressing brings that irresistible zing every time.

Try it once, and it’ll be your new go-to. Don’t forget to leave a comment and share how you used it—or if you made your own twist!

❓ FAQ: Homemade Italian Dressing

Can I use white wine vinegar instead of red?
Yes! White wine vinegar has a slightly milder flavor but works well.

Is this dressing vegan?
Yes—just use maple syrup or sugar instead of honey.

How can I make it creamy?
Add 1–2 tablespoons of mayonnaise or Greek yogurt and whisk until smooth.

What oil can I substitute for olive oil?
Avocado oil is a great neutral substitute. Avoid vegetable oil for this one—it lacks the flavor you want.

Homemade Italian Dressing – Zesty, Fresh, and Better Than Store-Bought