Homemade Italian Dressing is fresh, zesty, and so easy to make, you’ll never want to buy the bottled version again. With a simple blend of olive oil, vinegar, herbs, and spices, this classic dressing is perfect for tossing with an amazing Italian chopped salad, drizzling over grilled veggies, or a classic pasta salad. It’s bright, flavorful, and ready in minutes!
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🧄 The Ingredients
Fresh parsley, garlic, lemon juice, and Parmesan blend with honey, herbs, and olive oil to create a zesty, tangy-sweet Italian dressing with just the right kick. Find ingredient notes (including substitutions and variations) below.
👉 Substitutions and Variations
Substitutions
- Fresh parsley: Swap with fresh basil, cilantro, or even dried parsley in a pinch.
- Fresh garlic: Use garlic powder for a milder flavor.
- Lemon juice: Replace with lime juice or red wine vinegar.
- Honey: Try maple syrup, agave, or sugar for sweetness.
- White wine vinegar: Sub with apple cider vinegar, red wine vinegar, or champagne vinegar.
- Parmesan cheese: Pecorino Romano or Asiago work well too.
Variations
- Spicy kick: Add extra red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
- Creamy version: Whisk in a spoonful of mayonnaise or Greek yogurt.
- Herby twist: Mix in fresh dill, thyme, or chives for a different flavor profile.
- Vegan option: Omit Parmesan or use a plant-based alternative.
🇮🇹 Tips & Tricks for the Best Homemade Italian Dressing
- Emulsify well: Whisk or shake the dressing vigorously in a jar to help the oil and vinegar blend smoothly.
- Let it rest: Allow the dressing to sit for at least 10–15 minutes before serving so the flavors can meld together.
- Store properly: Keep in a sealed jar in the refrigerator for up to 5–7 days; shake well before each use.
- Adjust to taste: Add more honey for sweetness, extra lemon juice for brightness, or red pepper flakes for heat.
- Grate fresh Parmesan: Freshly grated cheese melts into the dressing better than pre-shredded.
Expert Tip
For the brightest flavor, use freshly squeezed lemon juice and freshly grated Parmesan—these fresh ingredients make the dressing taste restaurant-quality and far more vibrant than bottled versions.
😋 How to Make Homemade Italian Dressing
- Step 1: Add the parsley, garlic, lemon juice, honey, white wine vinegar, and Parmesan cheese into a glass jar (with a lid).
- Step 2: Next, add the dried herbs and onion powder.
- Step 3: Add the extra virgin olive oil.
- Step 4: Affix the lid tightly and shake vigorously to emulsify.
- Step 5: Chill, preferably for at least 1 hour.
- Step 6: Serve with pasta salads and tossed salads. Or with grilled veggies.
🍽️ How to Serve
- Toss with fresh green salads for a light, zesty flavor.
- Drizzle over roasted or grilled vegetables.
- Use as a marinade for chicken, shrimp, or pork.
- Spoon over grain bowls or pasta salads for extra brightness.
- Serve as a dip with crusty bread or fresh veggies.
🙋🏽♂️ Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, it keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 5–7 days in a sealed jar. Just give it a good shake before serving.
Yes, all the ingredients are naturally gluten-free. Just double-check labels on Parmesan and spices to be sure.
Absolutely—you can leave it out for a dairy-free version, or substitute with a plant-based Parmesan alternative.
Add extra honey for sweetness, more lemon juice or vinegar for tang, or an extra pinch of red pepper flakes for heat.
🥗 More Homemade Salad Dressing Recipes
Ready to make the best homemade dressing in town? Go for it!
And when you do, be sure to take a picture of it, post it on Instagram, and tag @HowToFeedaLoon and #HowTofeedaLoon!
Homemade Italian Dressing
Video
Equipment
- Jar with tight fitting lid, or blender
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- Juice from 1 lemon
- 1 tablespoon honey
- ⅓ cup white wine vinegar
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 2 tablespoon Parmesan cheese grated
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- ½ teaspoon Kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- ⅔ cup extra-virgin olive oil
Instructions
- Add all the ingredients into a large jar with a tight fitting lid.1 tablespoon fresh parsley, 2 cloves garlic, Juice from 1 lemon, 1 tablespoon honey, ⅓ cup white wine vinegar, 1 teaspoon dried oregano, 1 teaspoon dried basil, 1 teaspoon onion powder, 2 tablespoon Parmesan cheese, ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes, ½ teaspoon Kosher salt, ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, ⅔ cup extra-virgin olive oil
- Fasten the lid into place and shake the jar vigorously for 1 to 2 minutes in order to emulsify (or blend) the oil with the vinegar.
- Chill for at least one hour. Shake the jar again when ready to serve.
Veronica says
You guys did it again! You came to my rescue today and saved the day, as well as, my tortellini salad for a 4th of July BBQ. Your Italian Dressing is great! Although I must admit I was a little sceptible to combine lemon juice and white vinegar but I resisted making changes and followed the recipe as written. It sure works and I’ll never doubt you again!
Kris Longwell says
Hi Veronica!!! Woo hoo!! We are so so happy our Italian dressing came to the rescue! And no doubt it would be delicious with your fabulous tortellini salad! Sounds amazing. We hope you and your loved ones had a wonderful 4th of July and thank you so much for sharing your success and for the GREAT review! That means so much to us!!! All the best, Kris & Wesley
diana carter says
Dear Kris and Wesley,
I appreciate your response for the Homemade Italian Dressing, I am new to your blog. and I have tried a few of your recipes. They came out delicious, I now have you on my favorites listing .I am now retired from the Nuclear field of work and never had the time to devote to culinary skills. I am so glad that I found you guys. Please say hello to Eb & Flo.
Thank you !
Diana
Kris Longwell says
Hi Diana! That is amazing!! That is wonderful that you can now step away from what must have been a pretty stressful (but incredible) job, and do something fun and relaxing like cooking! And we are so thrilled to help you out in anyway we can! Please stay in touch and Eb and Flo send their love! Kris & Wesley
diana carter says
How much onion powder ? Listed in what you need but not in recipe.
Kris Longwell says
Hi Diana! So sorry about that and thanks for bringing that to our attention. Go with 1 teaspoon of onion powder. We’ve updated the recipe to reflect this. Let us know if you make the dressing and what you think!! Best, Kris & Wesley