traditional italian dressing recipe

The Best traditional italian dressing recipe

I’ve been making this traditional Italian dressing recipe for years, and it’s always a hit with my family. The best part is that it’s incredibly easy to make and requires just a few ingredients. I love that it’s a great way to get some fresh herbs into our diet, and the flavor is so rich and tangy.

My kids adore helping me mix it up in the kitchen, and we always have fun making salads or pasta dishes with this delicious dressing. The key to this recipe is using high-quality ingredients, especially the red wine vinegar and olive oil. These give the dressing its signature flavor and texture.

I like to make a big batch of it at once and store it in the fridge for up to a week, so we can enjoy it all week long. It’s also perfect for potlucks or family gatherings – everyone loves a good salad dressing! This recipe has been passed down through generations of Italian cooks, and I’m so glad I got to learn it from my mom.

She taught me the importance of using fresh herbs and letting the flavors meld together before serving. Now, whenever I make this dressing, I feel like I’m sharing a piece of our family’s history with my loved ones. And the best part?

It’s incredibly versatile – we use it on salads, as a marinade for chicken or beef, or even as a dip for cruditΓ©s or pita chips. The possibilities are endless! One thing that sets this Italian dressing apart from others is the way it balances sweet and savory flavors.

The sugar adds just the right amount of sweetness without overpowering the other ingredients. My kids always ask for seconds when we serve this with our favorite pasta dishes or grilled meats.

Traditional Italian Dressing

4.8 from 1857 votes

This classic Italian dressing is a simple blend of olive oil, red wine vinegar, garlic, and dried herbs. It is perfect for salads, marinades, or drizzling over fresh vegetables.

Prep Time5 mins
Cook Time15 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time5 mins
Servings: 8Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 120 kcal

πŸ₯˜Ingredients

For the Dressing

3/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
1/4 cup red wine vinegar
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1 clove garlic, minced
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon dried basil
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper

πŸ‘¨β€πŸ³Directions

1Combine the red wine vinegar, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and black pepper in a small bowl or mason jar.
2Whisk or shake vigorously for about 30 seconds until the salt is dissolved and the herbs are well distributed.
3Slowly drizzle in the extra virgin olive oil while whisking continuously, or if using a jar, add the oil and shake vigorously for about 1 minute.
4The dressing should emulsify and become slightly thick and cloudy, with all ingredients fully incorporated.
5Taste the dressing and adjust seasoning with more salt, pepper, or vinegar if desired.
6Use immediately or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.
7Shake well before each use.

πŸ”§Equipment

Mason jar or small bowl
Whisk or fork
Measuring cups and spoons

πŸ“ŠNutrition Facts (per serving)

πŸ”₯Calories: 120 kcal🧈Total Fat: 14gπŸ’›Saturated Fat: 2g❀️Cholesterol: 0mgπŸ§‚Sodium: 150mg🌾Total Carbs: 1gπŸ₯¦Dietary Fiber: 0g🍬Sugars: 0gπŸ₯©Protein: 0g

πŸ“Notes

For a more authentic flavor, let the dressing sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before serving to allow the herbs to infuse. You can also add a pinch of sugar or a teaspoon of honey to balance the acidity if desired.

Watch Video Of How Traditional Italian Dressing Works

One of my favorite things about this traditional Italian dressing recipe is how well it keeps – whether you’re storing it in the fridge or freezing it for later use. When reheating leftover salads or pasta dishes with this delicious dressing, simply heat them gently over low heat until warmed through.

Serve hot over steaming plates or let everyone help themselves from a buffet-style spread. Either way, you’ll be sure to please even the pickiest eaters with this tasty and versatile condiment.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Italian Dressing

Q: Can I make this Italian dressing recipe without red wine vinegar?

While traditional Italian dressing recipes call for red wine vinegar, you can substitute it with white wine vinegar or even lemon juice if you prefer. However, keep in mind that the flavor will be slightly different.

Q: How do I store this Italian dressing?

Store your homemade Italian dressing in an airtight container in the fridge for up to one week. You can also freeze it for up to three months – simply thaw it in the fridge when you’re ready to use it.

Q: Can I use this Italian dressing as a marinade?

Yes, you can use this Italian dressing as a marinade for chicken or beef! Simply pour it over your protein of choice and let it marinate in the fridge for at least 30 minutes before grilling or cooking.

Q: What if I don’t have fresh herbs like parsley or basil?

You can use dried herbs instead – just be sure to adjust the amount according to your preference. A good rule of thumb is to use half the amount of dried herbs as you would fresh herbs.

Q: Can I add garlic to this Italian dressing?

Garlic is not typically included in traditional Italian dressings, but if you love garlic, go ahead and add some minced garlic to taste! Just be sure not to overpower the other flavors.

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