Best Homemade Zesty Italian Salad Dressing Recipe
User Reviews
5
Best Homemade Zesty Italian Salad Dressing Recipe
Description
The Best Homemade Zesty Italian Salad Dressing Recipe features a base of extra-virgin olive oil blended with red wine vinegar and a splash of balsamic vinegar, adding complexity to its tartness. Lemon juice brings fresh acidity, while garlic offers pungency, and Dijon mustard acts as an emulsifier, helping the vinaigrette unify. Dried basil and oregano contribute classic Italian herb notes. Black pepper and kosher salt season the dressing to taste.
Ingredients are combined by shaking in a jar or blended for a smooth texture. This dressing is versatile for green salads, vegetables, and marinades, delivering a bright and savory flavor profile.
Variations in herbs and seasonings can customize the flavor to personal preference, and adding parmesan cheese or sweeteners like honey can provide additional depth. Refrigerated, the dressing keeps for about a week but should be brought to room temperature before use to restore fluidity.
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil plus 2 tablespoons
- 1/4 cup red wine vinegar or white wine vinegar
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar or increase red wine vinegar by 2 tablespoons
- 1/2 large lemon squeezed, about 2 tablespoons
- 3 cloves garlic pressed or minced fine
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon basil dried leaves
- 1 teaspoon oregano dried
- 1-1 ½ teaspoons kosher salt
- ¼-½ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Place all ingredients in a jar, cover, and shake until combined.
- Or, if a smoother dressing is preferred, emulsify by using an immersion blender or processing for a few quick pulses in a blender.
Notes
- Store the dressing in an airtight jar in the refrigerator for up to one week.
- Remove from the fridge 30 minutes before use to allow olive oil to liquefy and shake well before serving.
- Customize flavors by substituting Italian seasoning for basil and oregano or adding garlic salt, onion powder, or red pepper flakes.
- Optional additions include grated Parmesan cheese, celery salt, fresh parsley, or a teaspoon of honey for personal taste twists.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 6-8 servings (makes about 13 tablespoons)
Amount Per Serving
Calories 92 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Serving | 2tablespoons | |
| Calories | 92kcal | 5% |
| Carbohydrates | 2g | 1% |
| Protein | 0.4g | 1% |
| Fat | 9g | 14% |
| Saturated Fat | 1g | 5% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 1g | 6% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 7g | 35% |
| Sodium | 611mg | 25% |
| Potassium | 39mg | 1% |
| Fiber | 1g | 4% |
| Sugar | 1g | 2% |
| Vitamin A | 11IU | 0% |
| Vitamin C | 5mg | 6% |
| Calcium | 18mg | 2% |
| Iron | 1mg | 6% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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