Homemade Italian Dressing
Homemade Italian Dressing is so much better than storebought because you can add the best quality ingredients like high-quality olive oil and parmesan cheese. This zesty Italian Dressing Recipe tastes fantastic and keeps really well in the refrigerator.
Ingredients for Italian Dressing:
The ingredients for homemade Italian Dressing are pantry and refrigerator staples that we always have on hand to quickly whip up a batch. The addition of parmesan and mayo add a creamy element to this Italian dressing.
I love to make and serve it right out of the mason jar so you can quickly re-shake it before serving and easily store the leftover dressing in the refrigerator. This is so good over a fresh green salad, Italian Pasta Salad or any recipe that calls for Italian Dressing.
Italian Dressing Video
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The Best Vinegar for Italian Dressing:
the most commonly used vinegar is white wine vinegar. It is less acidic than plain distilled white vinegar and has a deeper flavor because it is a vinegar made from white wine, which makes it perfect for making salad dressings. We did a test with distilled white vinegar and in a pinch, you can still use it to make homemade Italian dressing. If using distilled vinegar, you might add a little less, or just add it to taste.
Can I Omit the Sugar?
The sugar in Italian dressing doesn’t make the dressing sweet, but it balances the acidity of the vinegar but you can add the sugar to taste. If you are looking for a natural alternative, you can substitute the sugar for 1 tsp honey.
Why Did My Dressing Firm Up?
It is normal for a homemade dressing to solidify or firm up when refrigerated. Store-bought dressings add emulsifiers to prevent that but it’s an easy fix. If your dressing firms up with refrigeration, let it sit at room temperature 30 minutes before serving then shake vigorously to re-blend before serving.
Cook’s tip: Remove dressing from the refrigerator before you start making your salad so it is ready to use when you are done prepping your salad.
More Homemade Dressings and Sauces:
These homemade dressing recipes prove that making your own is best! Check out all of our condiment recipes here.
- Creamy Caesar Dressing
- Avocado Ranch Dressing
- Tzatziki Sauce
- Homemade Marinara Sauce
- Basil Pesto Sauce
- Chimichurri Sauce
- Lemon Vinaigrette

Italian Dressing
Ingredients
- ½ cup extra virgin olive oil
- 3 cup white wine vinegar
- 1/4 cup Parmesan Cheese, finely grated
- 1 tbsp mayonnaise
- 1 tsp granulated sugar
- 1 garlic clove, finely grated or pressed
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp dried parsley
- 1/2 tsp dried basil
- 1/2 tsp ine sea salt, or more to taste
- 1/2 tsp black pepper, or to taste
Method
- Combine all ingredients in a mason jar, cover tightly with lid and shake until well combined and emulsified.* Add more salt to taste if desired. Use right away or refrigerate up to 2 weeks.