Italian dressing—it’s like a hug from a nonna, bottled and ready to drizzle over your salad. This simple concoction of herbs and zest has been my go-to for everything from marinating chicken to brightening up veggies. Remember when everyone was obsessed with sourdough during the pandemic? This dressing is like that, but for salads—timeless, comforting, and oh-so-easy to make at home.
Steps
- In a small bowl, combine extra-virgin olive oil, white wine vinegar, and freshly squeezed lemon juice.
- Add Dijon mustard, minced garlic, and a touch of honey (or maple syrup for a vegan option) to the bowl.
- Mix in freshly chopped parsley, dried oregano, and thyme to enhance the Italian flavors.
- Season the mixture with sea salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- Whisk all the ingredients together until the dressing is well emulsified and smooth.
- Optionally, stir in freshly grated Parmesan cheese for an extra flavor boost or add red pepper flakes for heat.
- Taste and adjust the seasoning as necessary before serving.
Ingredients
- Lemon juice
- White wine vinegar
- Dijon mustard
- Garlic
- Honey (or maple syrup for a vegan option)
- Fresh parsley
- Dried oregano
- Thyme
- Extra-virgin olive oil
- Sea salt
- Freshly ground black pepper
- Optional: Freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- Optional: Red pepper flakes
FAQ
- What are the key ingredients needed for homemade Italian dressing?
- The essential ingredients for homemade Italian dressing include lemon juice, white wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, garlic, honey (or maple syrup for a vegan option), fresh parsley, dried oregano, thyme, extra-virgin olive oil, sea salt, and freshly ground black pepper.
- Can I make this Italian dressing vegan?
- Yes, you can easily make this Italian dressing vegan by substituting honey with maple syrup and omitting the optional Parmesan cheese.
- How can I enhance the flavor of this Italian dressing?
- To boost the flavor of this Italian dressing, consider adding a few tablespoons of freshly grated Parmesan cheese or a pinch of red pepper flakes for added heat.
- What are some serving suggestions for homemade Italian dressing?
- This versatile dressing can be used on a variety of dishes such as salads, roasted vegetables, grilled veggies, cooked grains like quinoa or couscous, and as a marinade for lentils or beans.
- How do I store homemade Italian dressing, and how long does it last?
- Store the homemade Italian dressing in a sealed container or Mason jar in the refrigerator. It will generally last for about a week. Shake well before each use as the ingredients may separate over time.
Tips
- For a vegan version of this Italian dressing, substitute honey with maple syrup and skip the Parmesan cheese. This ensures the dressing remains plant-based without compromising on taste.
- To enhance the flavors even further, consider adding freshly grated Parmesan cheese or a pinch of red pepper flakes. The cheese adds richness, while the red pepper flakes introduce a subtle kick.
- Try mixing the dressing ingredients in a Mason jar with a tight-fitting lid instead of whisking in a bowl. This method allows for easy emulsification and convenient storage.
- Use this versatile dressing beyond just salads. Drizzle it over roasted or grilled vegetables, mix it with grains like quinoa or couscous, or use it as a marinade for beans and lentils to add a zesty flavor boost to various dishes.
Equipment
- Mason jar with a tight-fitting lid (for shaking the dressing)
- Whisk (if you prefer whisking in a bowl instead of shaking in a jar)
