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This Creamy Italian Dressing Recipe is rich, tangy, and full of bold, herby flavor. It’s made with real ingredients like ricotta cheese, garlic, lemon, and Parmesan. It’s the ultimate upgrade to store-bought dressing and comes together in minutes with a whisk or blender.
Try my Parmesan vinaigrette dressing or zesty Italian dressing.
Why This Recipe Stands Out
What’s the secret to this creamy dressing recipe? A base of rich ricotta cheese (or Greek yogurt) blended with zesty lemon, bold garlic, and nutty Parmesan. We skip the mayo and use ricotta cheese for an authentic Italian taste. It’s the kind of dressing that elevates even a simple bowl of greens or Italian crispy rice salad into something crave-worthy.
It is customizable and versatile—great on antipasto pasta salad, grilled chicken thighs, or as a dip for fresh veggies.
Table of Contents
Simple Ingredients
Homemade dressings allow you to control the ingredients, ensuring freshness and avoiding preservatives. Naturally thick and creamy from ricotta, no need for stabilizers or thickeners. You’ll love how fresh this tastes!
- White wine vinegar – Adds a crisp, balanced acidity that brightens the dressing without overpowering.
- Lemon juice & zest – Gives the dressing a fresh, citrusy lift and enhances the herbs.
- Extra virgin olive oil – The base fat that brings richness, body, and that signature Italian flavor.
- Ricotta cheese – Makes the dressing ultra-creamy and light; a unique twist from traditional mayo.
- Fresh garlic – Infuses bold, savory flavor; use finely minced for best texture.
- Italian seasoning – A classic dried herb blend (usually oregano, basil, thyme) that gives it an unmistakably Italian taste.
- Fresh parsley – Adds brightness, color, and a layer of herbaceous freshness.
- Honey (optional) – A hint of sweetness to balance acidity and round out the flavor.
- Parmesan cheese – Adds salty, nutty depth and boosts the umami in the dressing.
See the recipe card for exact quantities.
Substitutions and Variations
- Ricotta: Use Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, buttermilk, or dairy-free yogurt. Try my ricotta nduja toast next time.
- Parmesan: Try Pecorino, Grana Padano, or nutritional yeast (vegan).
- Vinegar: Swap with apple cider or red wine vinegar. Try my balsamic vinaigrette dressing.
- Honey: Use maple syrup, agave, or leave it out.
Spicy: Add red pepper flakes or Calabrian chili paste. - Lemon-Herb: Boost lemon juice + fresh herbs like basil or thyme. You’ll love my orange vinaigrette salad dressing.
- Vegan: Use dairy-free yogurt and skip the cheese or sub nutritional yeast.
- Thinner: Add more olive oil or a splash of water.
- Green Goddess Style: Blend in basil or parsley for a fresh green version.
How To Make Creamy Italian Dressing
This is a step-by-step photo overview of the recipe; the full instrcutions are in the recipe card below. Whisk or blend—two easy methods depending on your mood or kitchen tools.
Step #1: Start by adding the ricotta and olive oil to a food processor or blender.
Step #2: Add the rest of the creamy dressing ingredients to the food processor.
Step #3: Blend until well combined and creamy.
Step #4: If desired, add a small amount of water to achieve the desired consistency.
My Pro Tip
Recipe Tips
- Use whole milk ricotta for the creamiest texture and richest flavor.
- Whisk or blend thoroughly to fully emulsify the oil and vinegar.
- Add cold water slowly to thin—just a tablespoon at a time.
- Let it rest in the fridge for at least 30 minutes before serving to deepen the flavor.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan (not pre-shredded) for better taste and smooth texture.
- Balance acidity and sweetness—taste and adjust lemon, vinegar, or honey to your liking.
- Double the batch—it stores well and is great on salads, sandwiches, or as a veggie dip.
FAQ’s
For the smoothest consistency, use a blender or food processor to emulsify the ingredients thoroughly. If you prefer a more rustic texture, whisking by hand works well too—just ensure the garlic is finely minced.
Absolutely! The tangy and herby flavors make it an excellent marinade for chicken, pork, or vegetables. Marinate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to penetrate.
Italian dressing is a vinaigrette-style dressing made with oil, vinegar, herbs, and seasonings—it’s light, tangy, and transparent.
Creamy Italian dressing has a similar flavor base but includes a creamy ingredient like mayonnaise, ricotta, or yogurt, giving it a thicker texture and a richer, smoother taste. It’s a heartier option that clings beautifully to leafy greens.
Make-Ahead Storage and Reheating
- Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5–7 days.
- Shake or stir before each use, as natural separation may occur.
Best Salad for Creamy Italian Dressing
Serve this creamy Italian dressing over a simple salad of butter lettuce, arugula, cherry tomatoes, Castelvetrano olives, cucumbers, croutons, and thinly sliced red onion for a fresh and flavorful side. More salad recipes to try:
- Italian Chopped Salad
- La Scala Salad
- Pear Gorgonzola Salad
- Antipasto Pasta Salad
- Italian Potato Salad
Serving Suggestions
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Creamy Italian Dressing
Ingredients
- ¼ cup white wine vinegar
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- ⅓ cup extra virgin olive oil, high quality
- ¾ cup full-fat ricotta cheese, or substitute with mayonnaise or Greek yogurt
- 1-2 cloves garlic, finely minced
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 2 teaspoons honey, optional, for sweetness
- ¼ cup Parmesan cheese, finely grated
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Cold water, as needed to thin dressing to desired consistency
Instructions
Whisk Method
- In a bowl, whisk vinegar, lemon juice, zest, and olive oil until smooth.
- Add ricotta, garlic, Italian seasoning, parsley, honey (if using), and Parmesan. Whisk until creamy.
- Season with salt and pepper. Add cold water a little at a time to thin if needed.
- Chill for 30 minutes before serving. Stir before using.
Blender Method
- Add all ingredients to a blender or food processor.
- Blend until smooth and creamy.
- Thin with cold water as needed.
- Chill and shake before serving.
Notes
- Store in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 5–7 days.
- Stir or shake before using—natural separation is normal.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
A family favorite that everyone loves. We love to dress any salad with this yummy dressing.