This homemade Italian dressing from scratch is so delicious, you’ll want to put it on everything.
Mix up the base and keep it stored in the pantry. When ready to make a batch, add oil, vinegar and water; it’s ready to go.
Homemade Italian Dressing
CREAMY ITALIAN DRESSING FROM SCRATCH
3/4 cup olive oil
1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
2 TBS water
2 tsp white sugar
1 tsp garlic, minced
1-1/2 tsp kosher salt
1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper, or to taste
2 TBS freshly grated parmesan cheese
Combine all ingredients and whisk until well incorporated. Pour into a glass bottle and refrigerate overnight before using. Shake well before serving.
This is the recipe that you can make ahead and store in the pantry until you need it.
DRY ITALIAN DRESSING MIX
1-1/2 tsp garlic powder
1 TBS onion powder
2 TBS oregano
1 TBS dried parsley
1 tsp dried basil
1 TBS white sugar
1 TBS kosher salt
1 tsp freshly ground black pepper
1/2 tsp dried celery leaves or flakes
Mix ingredients together and store in a tightly closed container in a cool and dry place.
When you are ready to make the salad dressing, add:
1/4 cup vinegar
1/2 cup olive oil
2 TBS water
2 TBS Italian Dressing Mix (above)
Shake well and chill the night before you use it.
FRESH ITALIAN SALAD DRESSING FROM SCRATCH
2 small garlic cloves, pressed
2 tsp granulated sugar
2 tsp dried mustard
coarse salt and freshly ground black pepper
1/4 to 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (to taste)
1/4 cup plus 2 TBS red wine vinegar
1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
1/2 cup canola oil (or use more olive oil or another favorite oil)
1/4 cup finely chopped fresh basil
2 tsp finely chopped marjoram
1 tsp finely chopped oregano
Whisk garlic, sugar, mustard, 1-1/2 teaspoons salt, 1/2 teaspoon pepper, red pepper flakes and red wine vinegar in a medium bowl.
Whisk the other oils together and add the spice mixture in a slow, steady stream. Whisk continually until emulsified. Whisk in fresh herbs and taste to see if you need more salt and pepper. Refrigerate for up to 1 week – but I don’t think it will last that long. For more homemade salad dressings and authentic Italian food recipes – click on link below.