Italian dressing – the perfect condiment to elevate any meal from ordinary to extraordinary. With its tangy, savory flavor and versatility in both salad dressings and marinades, it’s no wonder why this beloved sauce has been a staple in many cuisines for centuries. But what happens when you take the classic Italian dressing recipe and add your own twist? The possibilities become endless! In this article, we’ll be exploring 20 flavorful Italian dressing recipes that will tantalize your taste buds and inspire your culinary creativity.
From creamy to zesty, herby to spicy, our collection of Italian dressings offers something for everyone. Whether you’re a fan of classic flavors or prefer bold twists on traditional recipes, we’ve got you covered. So grab your mixing bowl, your favorite herbs and spices, and get ready to dive into the world of deliciously tangy Italian dressings!
Classic Italian Dressing with Olive Oil and Herbs
This recipe makes a flavorful and aromatic Italian dressing using olive oil, herbs, and a touch of acidity. Perfect for salads, marinades, or as a dip.
Ingredients:
– 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
– 1/4 cup red wine vinegar
– 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
– 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, garlic, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until well combined.
2. Add chopped parsley and basil leaves; stir gently to combine.
3. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
4. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
Cooking Time: None
Creamy Italian Dressing with Parmesan
Elevate your salads and sandwiches with this creamy and tangy Italian dressing, infused with the rich flavor of parmesan cheese. This recipe is quick to make and perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup mayonnaise
– 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
– 2 tablespoons white wine vinegar
– 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
– 1 teaspoon dried oregano
– 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a medium bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, yogurt, vinegar, mustard, oregano, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until smooth.
2. Stir in the Parmesan cheese until well combined.
3. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
4. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
5. Serve chilled, garnished with chopped parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: None! This recipe is quick and easy to prepare, with no cooking required.
Zesty Lemon Garlic Italian Dressing
Elevate your salads with this tangy and flavorful homemade Italian dressing! With a perfect balance of citrus, garlic, and herbs, you’ll never go back to store-bought again.
Ingredients:
– 1/2 cup olive oil
– 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon white wine vinegar
– 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
– 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a small bowl, whisk together lemon juice, garlic, vinegar, and mustard until smooth.
2. Slowly pour in the olive oil while continuously whisking until fully incorporated.
3. Add oregano, salt, and pepper; stir well to combine.
4. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
Cooking Time: None! This dressing is ready to use immediately.
Yield: Approximately 1 cup
Balsamic Italian Dressing with Honey
Elevate your salads with this rich and flavorful dressing, featuring the perfect balance of balsamic vinegar, honey, and herbs.
Ingredients:
– 1/2 cup balsamic vinegar
– 1/4 cup olive oil
– 2 tablespoons honey
– 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
– 1/2 teaspoon chopped fresh parsley
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a small bowl, whisk together the balsamic vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until well combined.
2. Slowly pour in the olive oil while continuously whisking the mixture until it’s smooth and emulsified.
3. Stir in the chopped parsley.
4. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.
Cooking Time: 5 minutes
Yield: 1 cup (enough for 4-6 salads)
Spicy Italian Dressing with Red Pepper Flakes
This recipe adds a bold kick to traditional Italian dressing by incorporating red pepper flakes, perfect for those who like a little heat. This spicy twist is great on salads, as a marinade, or as a dip.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup olive oil
– 2/3 cup apple cider vinegar
– 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
– 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
– 1 teaspoon dried oregano
– 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to desired level of spiciness)
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. In a blender or food processor, combine olive oil, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and dried oregano.
2. Blend until smooth, stopping to scrape down the sides as needed.
3. Add red pepper flakes and blend for an additional 10 seconds to distribute evenly.
4. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if desired.
5. Transfer dressing to a jar or airtight container and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
Cooking Time: None, as this is a refrigerator-based recipe.
Greek Yogurt Italian Dressing
Elevate your salad game with this creamy and tangy Greek yogurt-based Italian dressing. This recipe combines the richness of Greek yogurt with the brightness of lemon juice, garlic, and herbs for a flavor profile that’s both familiar and innovative.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup Greek yogurt
– 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt, lemon juice, and garlic until smooth.
2. Add the olive oil and whisk until fully incorporated.
3. Stir in the chopped parsley.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cooking Time: 5 minutes (plus chilling time)
Combine all ingredients and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving. This dressing will keep in the fridge for up to 1 week. Enjoy!
Avocado Lime Italian Dressing
Elevate your salads with this refreshing and creamy dressing that combines the richness of avocados with the brightness of lime. This unique twist on traditional Italian dressing is perfect for hot summer days.
Ingredients:
– 3 ripe avocados, peeled and pitted
– 1/2 cup freshly squeezed lime juice
– 1/4 cup olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
– 1 teaspoon dried basil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a blender or food processor, combine avocados, lime juice, garlic, Dijon mustard, and basil. Blend until smooth.
2. With the blender or food processor running, slowly pour in olive oil through the top.
3. Continue blending until the dressing is creamy and well combined.
4. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
Cooking Time: 5 minutes
Yield: About 2 cups of dressing
Sun-Dried Tomato Italian Dressing
Elevate your salads with this flavorful homemade dressing, infused with the rich taste of sun-dried tomatoes and a hint of Italian flair. Perfect for pasta salads, caprese salads, or as a marinade for grilled meats.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup olive oil
– 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
– 1/4 cup mayonnaise
– 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
– 1 teaspoon dried oregano
– 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 1/4 cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes (packed in oil)
– 2 cloves fresh basil leaves, minced
Instructions:
1. In a blender or food processor, combine olive oil, apple cider vinegar, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, oregano, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
2. Blend until smooth and well combined.
3. Stir in chopped sun-dried tomatoes and minced basil leaves.
4. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
5. Store in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
Cooking Time: None
Garlic Herb Italian Dressing
Elevate your salads and sandwiches with this flavorful homemade Garlic Herb Italian Dressing. This simple recipe combines the pungency of garlic with the brightness of herbs, resulting in a rich and tangy condiment.
Ingredients:
– 1/2 cup olive oil
– 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
– 1 tablespoon chopped fresh basil
– 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions:
1. In a blender or food processor, combine olive oil, apple cider vinegar, garlic, parsley, basil, Dijon mustard, salt, and black pepper.
2. Blend until smooth and well combined.
3. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
Cooking Time: None! This recipe is ready in just a few minutes of blending.
Roasted Red Pepper Italian Dressing
Elevate your salads with this sweet and tangy homemade Italian dressing, infused with the deep flavor of roasted red peppers.
Ingredients:
– 1/2 cup red wine vinegar
– 1/4 cup olive oil
– 2 tablespoons honey
– 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
– 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 2 roasted red peppers (see note)
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Roast the red peppers by placing them on a baking sheet, drizzle with olive oil, and roast for 30-40 minutes or until skin is charred.
3. Peel off the skin, remove seeds, and chop into small pieces.
4. In a blender or food processor, combine roasted red peppers, red wine vinegar, olive oil, honey, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
5. Blend until smooth, adjusting seasoning as needed.
6. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
Cooking Time: 30-40 minutes (roasting the peppers)
Pesto Italian Dressing
Add a flavorful twist to your salads with this homemade Pesto Italian Dressing recipe.
Ingredients:
– 1/2 cup freshly made pesto (see our pesto recipe for details)
– 1/4 cup mayonnaise
– 1/4 cup red wine vinegar
– 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
– 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. In a bowl, whisk together the pesto, mayonnaise, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until smooth.
2. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
Cooking Time: 5 minutes
Mustard Infused Italian Dressing
This creamy and tangy dressing is a twist on the classic Italian recipe, featuring a hint of mustard flavor that adds depth and complexity. Perfect for topping your favorite greens or using as a marinade for grilled meats.
Ingredients:
– 1/2 cup mayonnaise
– 1/4 cup olive oil
– 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
– 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
– 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
– 1 teaspoon dried oregano
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, olive oil, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, parsley, and oregano until smooth.
2. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
3. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
4. Use immediately or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Cooking Time: 0 minutes (prep only)
Citrus Basil Italian Dressing
Brighten up your salads with this refreshing citrus basil dressing, perfect for a light and zesty addition to any meal. This homemade recipe combines the sweetness of oranges and lemons with the brightness of fresh basil.
Ingredients:
– 1/2 cup red wine vinegar
– 1/4 cup freshly squeezed orange juice
– 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon chopped fresh basil leaves
– 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a blender or food processor, combine vinegar, orange juice, lemon juice, garlic, and basil leaves. Blend until smooth.
2. Add Dijon mustard and blend until well combined.
3. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed with salt and pepper.
4. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
Cooking Time: None, just blend and chill!
Herbed Buttermilk Italian Dressing
Elevate your salad game with this creamy and tangy herbed buttermilk Italian dressing, perfect for a light and refreshing condiment.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup mayonnaise
– 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
– 1/4 cup buttermilk
– 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
– 1 tablespoon chopped fresh basil
– 1 tablespoon chopped fresh oregano
– 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
– 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a blender or food processor, combine mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, buttermilk, parsley, basil, oregano, Dijon mustard, and garlic powder.
2. Blend until smooth and creamy, stopping to scrape down the sides of the blender as needed.
3. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if desired.
Cooking Time: None, as this is a dressing recipe!
Maple Dijon Italian Dressing
This homemade Italian dressing combines the rich flavors of maple syrup and Dijon mustard with a hint of garlic, creating a unique and delicious condiment perfect for salads, sandwiches, and marinades.
Ingredients:
– 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
– 1/4 cup olive oil
– 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup
– 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
– 1 clove garlic, minced
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a bowl, whisk together apple cider vinegar, olive oil, maple syrup, Dijon mustard, garlic, salt, and pepper until well combined.
2. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.
3. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Cooking Time: None
This Maple Dijon Italian Dressing is perfect for adding a sweet and tangy twist to your favorite dishes. Enjoy!
Chimichurri Style Italian Dressing
This Argentine-inspired twist on traditional Italian dressing adds a burst of fresh flavor to salads, sandwiches, and grilled meats. With its herby aroma and tangy zip, this condiment is sure to become a new favorite.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup olive oil
– 1/2 cup red wine vinegar
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon chopped fresh oregano
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a blender or food processor, combine parsley, garlic, and oregano. Blend until well combined.
2. With the blender or food processor still running, slowly pour in olive oil and red wine vinegar. Process until smooth.
3. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
4. Transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
Cooking Time: None
Yield: About 2 cups of dressing
Smoky Paprika Italian Dressing
Transform your salads with this smoky twist on classic Italian dressing! This recipe combines the tanginess of red wine vinegar, the creaminess of mayonnaise, and the subtle heat of smoked paprika for a unique flavor experience.
Ingredients:
– 1/2 cup mayonnaise
– 1/4 cup red wine vinegar
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
– 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
– 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until smooth.
2. Slowly pour in olive oil while continuously whisking the mixture until well combined.
3. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Shelf Life: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
Apple Cider Vinegar Italian Dressing
This recipe combines the tanginess of apple cider vinegar with the richness of olive oil and herbs to create a unique and delicious take on traditional Italian dressing. Perfect for salads, marinades, or as a dip, this homemade dressing is sure to impress.
Ingredients:
– 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
– 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
– 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
– 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
– 1 tablespoon chopped fresh basil
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a blender or food processor, combine apple cider vinegar, olive oil, Dijon mustard, parsley, basil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
2. Blend until smooth and well combined.
3. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
4. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Cooking Time: None
Tahini Italian Dressing
A creamy and tangy twist on traditional Italian dressing, this recipe incorporates the nutty flavor of tahini for a unique and delicious condiment.
Ingredients:
– 1/2 cup tahini
– 1/4 cup red wine vinegar
– 1/4 cup olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Instructions:
1. In a blender or food processor, combine tahini, red wine vinegar, olive oil, garlic, Dijon mustard, salt, and black pepper. Blend until smooth.
2. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
3. Stir in chopped parsley.
4. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
Cooking Time: None required!
Roasted Garlic and Thyme Italian Dressing
Elevate your salads with this flavorful homemade dressing, featuring the richness of roasted garlic and the earthiness of thyme. This Roasted Garlic and Thyme Italian Dressing is a game-changer for any meal.
Ingredients:
– 3-4 cloves of garlic, peeled
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1/2 cup red wine vinegar
– 1/2 cup water
– 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Wrap garlic cloves in foil, drizzle with olive oil, and roast for 30-40 minutes, or until tender.
3. Let roasted garlic cool, then squeeze the flesh into a blender or food processor.
4. Add red wine vinegar, water, Dijon mustard, thyme, salt, and pepper to the blender.
5. Blend until smooth, adjusting seasoning as needed.
Cooking Time: 30-40 minutes (roasting time)
Summary
Get ready to elevate your salads, sandwiches, and more with these 20 flavorful Italian dressing recipes! From classic combinations to bold twists, each recipe features a unique blend of herbs, spices, and citrus notes. Discover the perfect dressing for your taste buds, whether you’re in the mood for something creamy, tangy, spicy, or herby. With options ranging from sun-dried tomato to pesto, there’s an Italian dressing on this list that’s sure to delight.