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Make this easy from scratch Italian dressing recipe in just 5 minutes using simple ingredients. Perfect to drizzle over salads or used as marinade for grilled chicken.

jar of from scratch Italian dressing recipe sitting next to some vegetables and a wooden spoon

When you live in the country, access to a grocery store isn’t always easy. Or convenient. Usually you’re miles away from the nearest shop. And running all the way into town for something small, such as a bottle of salad dressing is a waste of time.

Thankfully our small country town does have a grocery store for those times when we run out of an item mid meal preparation. In a pinch we will run over there but unfortunately the organic options are slim to none.

If I’m being honest, there have been times when I go to make dinner and realize I forgot an ingredient. Or worse, have it in the pantry but realize it expired 3 months ago. Ugh!

There are some things that are worth the trip to the store and others, like salad dressing, that aren’t worth it because I can easily whip it up at home in no time.

My Mom and I have used this homemade dressing recipe for years. It’s a cross between a vinaigrette and an Italian dressing. We enjoy drizzling it over salads and dipping our veggies into it. I absolutely love the flavor it adds to fried chicken salads – yum!

And the best part about this recipe? It allows you to use fresh herbs and veggies straight from your garden. Of course, if you’re reading this during the winter, this recipe is still delicious with dried herbs.

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What is Italian Dressing Good For?

Homemade Italian dressing can be used in more ways than just drizzling over a bowl of greens. Here are few other ways to use Italian dressing:

  • Marinade for meat such as chicken or steak
  • Drizzle over pasta salad instead of using mayonnaise
  • Use as a dip for vegetables or bread
  • To season homemade croutons
  • Use as a base for garlic cheese bread
  • Use as a condiment for a sandwich or even a wrap
  • To flavor stir fry

Tips

  • This from scratch Italian dressing recipe is flexible to suit your taste. Love garlic? Add another clove. I am a big fan of dill so occasionally I toss in 2 heaping teaspoons … or maybe 3 teaspoons into the dressing. Make it your own!
  • Use fresh or dried herbs — whatever you have on hand will be delicious.
  • Olive oil and avocado oil are some of the healthiest oil options to use. Keep in mind that olive oil can become cloudy or solidify in the fridge. Many times if I have it on hand, I like to use the expeller pressed organic sunflower oil from Azure Standard.
  • I store my dressing in a simple mason jar but there are plenty of other airtight salad bottles available online or at your local store.
  • Separation of homemade salad dressing is normal. Just give it a good shake and it’ll once again become one.

pinterest graphic displaying homemade dressing, sliced veggies on a wooden cutting board

Tools You May Need

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Liquid measuring cups

Measuring spoons

Cutting board

Sharp knife

Blender

Storage container

ingredients to make salad dressing sit on a kitchen counter

Italian Dressing Ingredients

What are the ingredients of Italian salad dressing? Less than 10 ingredients, that you likely already have within your pantry make up this from scratch Italian dressing recipe.

Oil – Olive oil, avocado oil or organic sunflower oil are all good options.

Apple Cider Vinegar – I love the depth of flavor and the probiotics that apple cider vinegar bring to this Italian vinaigrette recipe. If you don’t have any on hand, white vinegar is a good substitute.

Shallot – Gives the salad dressing a nice onion flavor without being overpowering.

Dijon Mustard – Helps to emulsify the dressing while giving it a tang.

Dill – My favorite herb! You can never have too much, if I dare say so.

Garlic – When I have it on hand, I love to toss in a couple cloves of my fermented garlic to amp of the nutrition in the dressing.

Salt – Himalayan pink salt as well as mineral-rich Celtic sea salt is delicious and nutritious.

Pepper – Just a pinch will do you.

top down view of a mason jar filled with salad dressing next to a wooden spoon and some sliced cucumbers and tomatoes

How to Make Italian Dressing

To make this dressing, you’ll need a blender and a few common ingredients that you probably already have on hand. Simply toss them together into the blender and mix until smooth. Feel free to adjust the ingredients to your taste.

Makes: 8 ounces

Ingredients

3/4 cup oil
2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar (white vinegar can be substituted)
1 tablespoon shallot
1 teaspoon dijon mustard, optional
2 teaspoons dill
1-2 garlic cloves
Pinch of salt
Pinch of ground pepper

blender filled with ingredients to make Italian dressing

Directions

Gather ingredients. Chop shallot, garlic and dill (if using fresh).

Place all ingredients together in a blender. Mix until smooth with little to no chunks remaining.

Serve. Drizzle over salads or use as a dipping sauce for fresh vegetables. Store in the fridge in an airtight container for up to two weeks.

FAQ

What is the Healthiest Dressing for a Salad?

Homemade vinaigrettes, like this zesty Italian dressing recipe are among the healthiest dressings due to their healthy fats and use of quality ingredients.

Can Italian Dressing be Used as a Marinade?

Yes! Whip up a recipe of this easy Italian dressing, then drizzle it over your chicken (I love chicken legs) and set the bag of meat into the fridge for at least one hour. The longer it marinates, the more flavorful and tender the chicken will be.

How Long Will Dressing Keep in the Refrigerator?

This easy Italian dressing recipe from scratch can last anywhere from 1 to 2 weeks in the fridge.

How to Make Homemade Dressings Last Longer?

Add a fermented element to your homemade salad dressing! The brine from sauerkraut, apple cider vinegar with the mother in it or some fermented garlic can help to extend the shelf life of dressings made at home.

More From Scratch Recipes

Avocado Kefir Dressing

Cultured Vegetable Dip

7 Layer Salad Recipe

Sandwich Bread Recipe

Sugar Free Strawberry Lemonade

Yield: 8 ounces

Simple Homemade Italian Dressing

Simple Homemade Italian Dressing

Make this easy from scratch Italian dressing recipe in just 5 minutes using simple ingredients. Perfect to drizzle over salads or used as marinade for grilled chicken.

Ingredients

  • 3/4 cup oil
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar (white vinegar can be substituted)
  • 1 tablespoon shallot
  • 1 teaspoon dijon mustard, optional
  • 2 teaspoons dill
  • 1-2 garlic cloves
  • Pinch of salt
  • Pinch of ground pepper

Instructions

  1. Gather ingredients. Chop shallot, garlic and dill (if using fresh).
  2. Place all ingredients together in a blender. Mix until smooth with little to no chunks remaining.
  3. Serve. Drizzle over salads or use as a dipping sauce for fresh vegetables. Store in the fridge in an airtight container for up to two weeks.
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