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Elevate your salads to the next level with this zesty Italian salad dressing recipe which is versatile, tangy, and oh-so delicious! This homemade dressing is brimming with the bold and vibrant flavors of summer and will tantalize your taste buds.
I don’t know about you guys, but this zesty Italian salad dressing is my go-to for summer and easter salads.
And unlike store-bought versions, this recipe for zesty Italian salad dressing is made with fresh ingredients and requires just a few pantry staples at best.
It’s the perfect dressing for your salads, roasted veggies, and appetizers– so basically anything!
Plus, you can also store this dressing for up to 2 weeks. What more could you ask for!?
Loved this? Check out this honey dijon vinaigrette and white balsamic vinaigrette.
Why You’ll Love This Dish
- Bold & Tangy Flavor: The meddling of vinegar, herbs, and spices creates a tangy flavorful dressing that’s just the right balance of savory and zesty.
- Versatile: This dressing is ideal for all kinds of salads, but it can also be used as a marinade for meats, and veggies, or even as a dipping sauce for bread.
- Quick & Easy: You can whip up this dressing in just 5 minutes for busy weeknights or last-minute salad prep.
Ingredients in This Zesty Italian Salad Dressing Recipe
Olive Oil: Extra virgin olive oil works best for its fruity and robust taste and provides a rich base for the dressing. It is also really good for your overall health.
Red Wine Vinegar: It adds the tangy kick that gives this dressing its signature zesty flavor. You can also use white wine vinegar at your convenience.
Dijon Mustard: A touch of Dijon mustard helps emulsify the dressing and adds a bit of sharpness.
Garlic: Fresh minced garlic brings an aromatic savory depth that is hard to meet.
Oregano: The classic herb of Italian cuisine that adds a fragrant flavor.
Dried Basil: Another essential Italian herb that complements the oregano and gives the dressing a herby taste.
Honey: A small amount of honey infuses just the right amount of sweetness to balance the tangy vinegar and mustard.
Red Pepper Flakes: For a touch of heat, if you prefer a spicy kick to your dressing.
Salt & Pepper
How to Make Zesty Italian Salad Dressing
Step 1: Combine the Ingredients
In a small jar, add the olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, oregano, red chili flakes, basil, honey, salt, and pepper.
Step 2: Whisk or Shake
Whisk the ingredients together until they’re well combined. If you’re using a jar, simply close the lid tightly and shake until everything is emulsified and smooth.
Step 3: Adjust, Serve, & Enjoy
Taste the dressing and adjust the seasoning to your liking, once the dressing is ready, pour it over your favorite salad, toss to combine, and serve.
Tips & Variations
Creamy Italian Salad Dressing: If you prefer a creamy version, simply whisk in a couple of tablespoons of mayonnaise, sour cream, or Greek yogurt. This will give the dressing a rich, smooth texture that’s perfect for hearty salads.
Make it Gluten-Free: This dressing is naturally gluten-free, so it’s a great option for those with dietary restrictions.
Add Fresh Herbs: If you have fresh basil or oregano on hand, feel free to swap them in for the dried herbs for a more vibrant, aromatic dressing.
Serving Options
Salads: Obviously, this dressing is exceptional on green salads, but I love to slather it on pasta salads, quinoa salads, or any other vegetable-based salad.
Marinade: You can use this zesty Italian salad dressing as a marinade for grilled chicken, fish, or vegetables.
Dipping Sauce: Serve it as a dipping sauce for crusty bread or roasted veggies for an extra burst of flavor.
Sandwiches and Wraps: Drizzle it on sandwiches, wraps, or flatbreads for a flavorsome twist on your lunchtime favorites.
How to Store
In the Fridge: Store your homemade dressing in an airtight container or jar in the fridge for up to 1-2 weeks. The best part is that the flavors continue to meld and deepen over time.
Meal Prep Tip: This recipe for zesty Italian salad dressing is perfect for meal prepping! Make a large batch and store it in the fridge to have on hand for the week. It’s an easy way to add flavor to your salads and meals in no time.
FAQs
Can I use balsamic vinegar instead of red wine vinegar?
Yes, balsamic vinegar will add a sweeter, richer flavor, but it can work well as a substitute if you prefer a slightly different taste.
Can I use garlic powder instead of minced garlic?
Yes, garlic powder also works great! But they have a more intense flavor so keep the quantity little low.
More Salad Dressing Recipes To Try
- Lemon Ginger Salad Dressing
- Caesar Salad Dressing Recipe Without Anchovies
- Apple Vinaigrette
- Sugar Free Stir Fry Sauce
- Honey Mustard Lime Vinaigrette Dressing
Please rate and comment if you make this zesty Italian salad dressing recipe so I know how much you like it.
Homemade Zesty Italian Salad Dressing Recipe
Equipment
- Mason Jar
Ingredients
- ½ cup Olive oil extra virgin
- ⅓ cup Red or White Wine Vinegar
- ½ tbsp Honey
- 1 tbsp Dijon Mustard
- ½ tsp Oregano
- ¼ tsp Red Chili Flakes
- 2 cloves Garlic minced
- ¼ tsp Salt
Instructions
- In a small jar, add the olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, oregano, red chili flakes, basil, honey, salt, and pepper.
- Whisk the ingredients together until they’re well combined. If you're using a jar, simply close the lid tightly and shake until everything is emulsified and smooth.
- Taste the dressing and adjust the seasoning to your liking, once the dressing is ready, pour it over your favorite salad, toss to combine, and serve.
Notes
- Creamy Italian Salad Dressing: If you prefer a creamy version, simply whisk in a couple of tablespoons of mayonnaise, sour cream, or Greek yogurt. This will give the dressing a rich, smooth texture that’s perfect for hearty salads.
- Make it Gluten-Free: This dressing is naturally gluten-free, so it’s a great option for those with dietary restrictions.
- Add Fresh Herbs: If you have fresh basil or oregano on hand, feel free to swap them in for the dried herbs for a more vibrant, aromatic dressing.