Description
This homemade Italian dressing is tangy, herby, and endlessly versatile. Made with pantry staples like olive oil, vinegar, and dried herbs, it’s perfect for tossing over fresh greens, marinating meat, or using as a dipping sauce for crusty bread. It’s ready in just 5 minutes and far surpasses anything you’ll find in a bottle. Plus, it’s adaptable—whether you prefer it sweet, spicy, or extra garlicky, you can tweak it to suit your taste. Once you try it, you’ll never go back to store-bought again. This is one of those simple, back-pocket recipes that turns into a weekly staple.
Ingredients
- ½ cup extra virgin olive oil
- ¼ cup red wine vinegar
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon honey (or sugar)
- 1 small garlic clove, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon dried basil
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- In a bowl or mason jar, combine red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, garlic, honey, oregano, basil, onion powder, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper.
- Whisk or shake to combine.
- Slowly drizzle in the olive oil while whisking continuously (or shake vigorously if using a jar).
- Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
- Store in an airtight jar in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. Shake well before each use.
Notes
- For a creamier texture, blend the dressing or add 1 tablespoon of Greek yogurt.
- Fresh herbs can be used in place of dried for a brighter finish—use three times the amount.
- Always taste after mixing; you may want more acid, sweetness, or heat.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salad Dressing / Condiment
- Method: Whisk / Shake
- Cuisine: Italian-American