Why drive to the store to buy Italian dressing that’s loaded with chemicals, additives, and preservatives, when you can make it at home quicker and better? I promise that as soon as you try my Italian Dressing, you’ll wonder why you never made your own. Unlike its store-bought counterpart, my Italian dressing is made with whole ingredients and names you can easily pronounce. Not only that, but the list of ingredients in a homemade salad dressing such as this is a short list as the store-bought versions typically contain a long laundry list of chemicals that are added to the dressing to retain shelf life.
My insanely healthy and tangy dressing is perfect over salads, on sandwiches, and inside wraps. The possibilities are endless as this simple yet mouthwatering dressing is tasty on just about anything you can imagine! I love making salad dressing and storing it in a Mason jar – then when it’s time to eat, just shake the bottle. If you like homemade dressings, then you must try my easy Homemade Balsamic Vinaigrette, Homemade Thousand Island, and Homemade Ranch Dressing recipes!
Italian dressing contains high quality extra virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar, fresh basil, garlic powder, dried oregano, onion powder, salt, pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes, and is done in only 3 minutes, making it one of the quickest homemade Italian dressing recipes out there!
Special Diets
This recipe is naturally gluten free, low carb, paleo, Whole 30, vegetarian, and vegan, making it suitable for those following a special gluten free, paleo, Whole 30, vegetarian, and or vegan diet. If you have celiac disease and can’t eat gluten, you’ll love this easy Italian dressing recipe.
Ingredients in Homemade Italian Dressing
Extra virgin olive oil. High quality extra virgin olive oil forms the foundation of this dressing recipe.
Red wine vinegar. Acidic red wine vinegar blends with the extra virgin olive oil to achieve the perfect level of balance and flavor.
Basil. You can use fresh or dried basil in this recipe. We like to use fresh for the best flavors and aroma.
Garlic powder. Aromatic garlic powder provides a garlic taste and adds flavor to the dressing.
Oregano. Dried oregano provides flavor and blends well with the basil and other seasonings to produce the perfect level of aroma and taste.
Onion powder. Onion powder adds a hint of onion flavor. It’s a versatile seasoning the enhances the flavors of the other dressing ingredients.
Salt. Salt provides flavor and seasoning in the salad dressing.
Pepper. Freshly cracked black pepper tastes best although regular black pepper can be used. Black pepper is packed with antioxidants and according to Healthline’s post, may benefit your brain and improve blood sugar levels.
Crushed red pepper flakes. Crushed red pepper flakes add a hint of spice and give the Italian dressing a good kick.
How to make the best Homemade Italian Dressing
STEP 1: In a medium bowl or in a Mason jar, whisk (or, if using a Mason jar, shake) the extra virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar, basil, garlic powder, oregano, onion powder, salt, pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes.
STEP 2: Pour into a Mason jar or lidded container and chill in the fridge for up to 4 weeks.
STEP 3: If you make this recipe, don’t forget to leave a rating and comment!
More recipes you can’t live without!
Homemade Balsamic Vinaigrette Dressing
Homemade Thousand Island Dressing
Doritos Taco Salad with Creamy Dressing
Authentic Hawaiian Macaroni Salad
Final Thoughts
Finally, if you make this Homemade Italian Dressing, be sure to leave a comment and/or give this recipe a rating! I love to hear from everyone who makes this recipe and always try my best to respond to all comments.
If you do make this recipe, don’t forget to tag #elisemccollister on Instagram! It makes me so happy to see your recipe photos!
Homemade Italian Dressing
Equipment
Ingredients
- ½ c extra virgin olive oil
- ¼ c red wine vinegar
- 1 tbsp fresh basil chopped
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp pepper freshly cracked
- ⅛ tsp crushed red pepper flakes
Instructions
- In a medium bowl or in a Mason jar, whisk (or shake, if using a Mason jar) the olive oil, red wine vinegar, basil, garlic powder, oregano, onion powder, salt, pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes.
- Pour into a mason jar or lidded container and chill in the fridge for up to 3-4 weeks.
- If you make this recipe, don’t forget to leave a rating and comment!
Notes
Nutrition (per serving)
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