Homemade Italian Dressing Recipe
User Reviews
5
Homemade Italian Dressing Recipe
Description
This Homemade Italian Dressing Recipe blends olive oil and red wine vinegar with lemon juice and honey to achieve a lively, tangy flavor tempered by subtle sweetness. Dijon mustard and dried herbs like basil, oregano, and parsley add depth and complexity, while freshly grated Parmesan cheese lends a mild creaminess and umami richness. The garlic powder or fresh garlic provides a gentle pungent touch that rounds out the dressing.
The vinaigrette is emulsified through whisking, producing a smooth texture suitable for coating leafy greens or as a flavorful marinade. Salt and fresh ground black pepper are added to taste, enhancing the overall balance without overwhelming the herbs and cheese.
This dressing works well on a variety of salads and can be stored in the refrigerator covered for up to four days, making it convenient to prepare in advance. Adjusting the lemon juice or vinegar allows customization of acidity, and fresh herbs can replace dried for a brighter flavor if preferred.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup red wine vinegar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (from 1 lemon, see note 1)
- 2 teaspoons honey
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (see note 2)
- 1 teaspoon basil see note 3, dried
- 1 teaspoon oregano dried
- 1 teaspoon parsley dried
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder or 1 clove minced fresh garlic
- 1/4 cup Parmesan Cheese freshly grated
- salt freshly ground
- black pepper freshly ground
Instructions
- In a large bowl, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, lemon juice, honey, Dijon mustard, basil, oregano, parsley, and garlic powder. Stir in Parmesan cheese.
- Season to taste with salt and pepper (I like 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper). Store covered in the refrigerator.
Notes
- Store leftover dressing in a covered container in the refrigerator for up to four days.
- For added lemon flavor, zest the lemon before juicing and incorporate the zest into the dressing.
- Dijon mustard aids emulsification and flavor; ground mustard powder is a workable substitute.
- Dried basil, oregano, and parsley provide traditional herbs, but fresh herbs can substitute using roughly three times the amount by volume.
- This recipe yields about one cup of dressing, suitable for 8 salad servings at 2 tablespoons each.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 8servings (2 tbsp each)
Amount Per Serving
Calories 140 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Serving | 2 tbsp | |
| Calories | 140kcal | 7% |
| Carbohydrates | 2g | 1% |
| Protein | 1g | 2% |
| Fat | 14g | 22% |
| Saturated Fat | 2g | 10% |
| Cholesterol | 2mg | 1% |
| Sodium | 58mg | 2% |
| Fiber | 1g | 4% |
| Sugar | 2g | 4% |
| Vitamin A | 24IU | 0% |
| Vitamin C | 1mg | 1% |
| Calcium | 44mg | 4% |
| Iron | 1mg | 6% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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