Italian Dressing Recipe

Olive oil: A rich, flavorful oil that forms the base of the dressing.

Red wine vinegar: Adds a tangy, acidic note that balances the richness of the olive oil.

Lemon juice: Freshly squeezed to add brightness and a hint of citrus.

Dried oregano: Provides a classic Italian herb flavor.

Dried basil: Adds a sweet, aromatic touch to the dressing.

Garlic powder: Infuses the dressing with a subtle garlic flavor.

Onion powder: Adds depth and a mild onion flavor.

Salt: Enhances all the other flavors in the dressing.

Black pepper: Freshly ground to add a bit of heat and complexity.

To enhance the flavor of your Italian dressing, consider allowing it to sit for at least 30 minutes before using. This resting time allows the herbs and spices to meld together, creating a more cohesive and robust taste. Additionally, before serving, give the dressing a good shake to ensure the olive oil and vinegar are well combined.

• olive oil - Substitute with avocado oil: Avocado oil has a similar healthy fat profile and a mild flavor that works well in dressings.

• red wine vinegar - Substitute with apple cider vinegar: Apple cider vinegar has a tangy flavor that can mimic the acidity of red wine vinegar.

• freshly squeezed lemon juice - Substitute with lime juice: Lime juice provides a similar acidic and citrusy flavor.

• dried oregano - Substitute with dried thyme: Dried thyme has a slightly different but complementary herbal flavor.

• dried basil - Substitute with dried parsley: Dried parsley offers a mild, slightly peppery flavor that can complement the other herbs.

• garlic powder - Substitute with fresh garlic: Fresh garlic provides a more robust and aromatic flavor.

• onion powder - Substitute with shallot powder: Shallot powder has a slightly sweeter and more delicate onion flavor.

• salt - Substitute with sea salt: Sea salt can provide a similar level of saltiness with a slightly different mineral profile.

• freshly ground black pepper - Substitute with white pepper: White pepper offers a similar heat but with a slightly different flavor profile.

• To store your freshly made Italian dressing, pour it into a clean, airtight container or a jar with a tight-fitting lid. This will help maintain its freshness and prevent any unwanted flavors from seeping in.
• Place the container in the refrigerator. The olive oil in the dressing may solidify slightly when chilled, but don't worry—this is completely normal. Simply let the dressing sit at room temperature for a few minutes before using, and give it a good shake to re-emulsify.
• For optimal flavor, use the dressing within one week. The lemon juice and red wine vinegar will help preserve the dressing, but the fresh flavors are best enjoyed sooner rather than later.
• If you wish to freeze the dressing, pour it into a freezer-safe container, leaving some space at the top for expansion. Seal the container tightly.
• Label the container with the date of preparation. This will help you keep track of how long it has been stored.
• When ready to use, thaw the dressing in the refrigerator overnight. Once thawed, give it a good shake or whisk to re-emulsify the ingredients.
• Keep in mind that freezing may slightly alter the texture of the dressing, but the flavors should remain intact. If the dressing appears separated after thawing, a quick blend with an immersion blender can help restore its original consistency.
• Avoid freezing the dressing for more than three months to ensure the best quality and flavor.

• Gently shake the jar of Italian dressing to ensure all ingredients are well-mixed before reheating.
• Pour the desired amount of dressing into a small saucepan.
• Warm over low heat, stirring occasionally, until the dressing reaches your preferred temperature. Be careful not to overheat, as this can alter the flavor of the olive oil and vinegar.
• Alternatively, for a quicker method, transfer the dressing to a microwave-safe container.
• Microwave on low power in 10-second intervals, stirring in between, until the dressing is warmed through.
• Once heated, drizzle over your favorite salad, grilled vegetables, or meat dishes for a burst of flavor.

• Mixing bowl: A large bowl used to combine and mix all the ingredients together.

• Whisk: A utensil used to blend the ingredients until they are well combined.

• Measuring cups: Tools used to measure the olive oil and red wine vinegar accurately.

• Measuring spoons: Tools used to measure the lemon juice, oregano, basil, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper precisely.

• Jar with a tight-fitting lid: A container used to store the dressing and keep it fresh in the refrigerator.

Pre-mix dry ingredients: Combine dried oregano, dried basil, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper in advance and store in a small container.

Use a blender: Instead of whisking, blend all ingredients in a blender for a smoother consistency.

Make in bulk: Double or triple the recipe and store extra dressing in the fridge for future use.

Pre-squeeze lemon juice: Squeeze and store lemon juice in a small bottle to save time during preparation.

Use a measuring cup: Measure the olive oil and red wine vinegar directly into a measuring cup to minimize cleanup.