Creamy Italian Dressing
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This Creamy Italian Dressing is made with whole-milk ricotta cheese, extra virgin olive oil, white wine vinegar, fresh lemon, garlic, herbs, and Parmesan for a rich, tangy dressing with a smooth, creamy texture. Unlike traditional creamy Italian dressings made with mayonnaise, ricotta gives this dressing body while keeping the flavor fresh and herb-forward. Ready in 10 minutes, it is delicious on green salads, pasta salads, vegetables, and more.
Try my Parmesan Vinaigrette Dressing and Zesty Italian Dressing next.
Quick Look: Creamy Italian Dressing
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Servings: 12 people
- Dietary Info: Vegetarian and gluten-free
- Method: Whisked or blended
- Technique: Combine the oil and acidic ingredients, add ricotta, Parmesan, garlic, and herbs, then whisk or blend until creamy. Adjust the consistency with cold water and chill before serving.
- Flavor/Texture: Creamy, tangy, herby, garlicky, savory, lightly sweet
Why This Recipe Stands Out
I love using ricotta as the creamy base for this Italian dressing because it gives the dressing a rich, smooth texture without making it feel heavy. The combination of lemon, white wine vinegar, garlic, Italian herbs, and Parmesan keeps the flavor bright and savory, while whole-milk ricotta adds just enough richness to coat every leaf of salad. It is one of those dressings I like to keep in the refrigerator because it turns a bowl of greens into something I actually look forward to eating.
It is customizable and versatileโgreat on Grilled Chicken Thighs or as a dip for fresh veggies.
Made With Amore,
โMade this last week and it was delicious. Light and tasty. Ate it on salad and even dipped grilled chicken in it. So good!โ
โ Nikki
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.
- Whole-Milk Ricotta Cheese: Creates the creamy base and gives the dressing body without relying on mayo.
- White Wine Vinegar and Lemon: Provide the acidity that keeps the rich ricotta balanced and bright.
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil: Adds richness and helps create a smooth, pourable dressing.
- Garlic and Italian Seasoning: Bring savory garlic and classic herb flavor to the dressing.
- Parmesan Cheese: Adds salty flavor and savory depth.
See recipe card for full information on ingredients and quantities.
Substitutions and Variations
- Ricotta: Whole-milk ricotta gives the creamiest texture, but Greek yogurt can be used if you prefer a tangier dressing. Try my Ricotta Nduja Toast next time.
- Parmesan: Substitute finely grated Pecorino Romano or Grana Padano for a slightly different savory flavor.
- Honey: Leave it out for a more savory dressing, or keep it in for a subtle balance of sweetness and acidity.
- Vinegar: Swap with apple cider or red wine vinegar. Try my Balsamic Vinaigrette.
How to Make Creamy Italian Dressing
This ricotta dressing comes together quickly by whisking or blending the ingredients until smooth and creamy. Follow the step-by-step photos and see the recipe card at the bottom for a printable version.
- Start by adding the ricotta and olive oil to a food processor or blender.
- Add the rest of the creamy dressing ingredients to the food processor.
- Blend until well combined and creamy.
- If desired, add a small amount of water to achieve the desired consistency.
Ricotta Italian Dressing FAQs
For the smoothest ricotta salad dressing, use a blender or food processor. Whisking by hand also works and gives the dressing a slightly more rustic texture. If the dressing becomes too thick, add cold water one tablespoon at a time until it reaches the consistency you like. Keep in mind that ricotta dressing will thicken slightly as it chills, so it is better to thin it gradually rather than adding too much water at once.
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 seasoningsโitโs 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. Itโs a heartier option that clings beautifully to leafy greens.
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5โ7 days. Shake or stir before each use, as natural separation may occur.
Serving Suggestions
This creamy Italian dressing is also delicious drizzled over roasted vegetables, like Parmesanย Roastedย Broccoli, used as a dip for fresh vegetables, or tossed with pasta salad, like Antipasto Pasta Salad. Try it with Crispy Rice Salad (Italian Style) or added to Grilledย Chicken Sandwiches an easy way to add creamy, tangy flavor to your meal.
My Pro Tips
Recipe Tips
- Use whole-milk ricotta for the creamiest texture and richest flavor.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan so the cheese blends smoothly into the dressing.
- Blend thoroughly if you want an especially smooth ricotta dressing.
- Add cold water gradually because the dressing will continue to thicken as it chills.
- Let the dressing chill for about 30 minutes before serving so the garlic, herbs, lemon, and Parmesan have time to meld.
More Salad Dressing Recipes
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Creamy Italian Dressing
Ingredientsย
- ยผ cup white wine vinegar
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- โ cup extra virgin olive oil, high quality
- ยพ 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
- ยผ cup Parmesan cheese, finely grated
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Cold water, as needed to thin dressing to desired consistency
Instructionsย
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
- Use whole-milk ricotta for the creamiest texture and richest flavor.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan so the cheese blends smoothly into the dressing.
- Blend thoroughly if you want an especially smooth ricotta dressing.
- Add cold water gradually because the dressing will continue to thicken as it chills.
- Let the dressing chill for about 30 minutes before serving so the garlic, herbs, lemon, and Parmesan have time to meld.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Made this last week and it was delicious. Light and tasty. Ate it on salad and even dipped grilled chicken in it. So good!
I know there are 12 servings in this recipe but can you tell me approximately what is a serving? Would it be a couple of tablespoons or more like a 1/4 cup? Thanks – trying to fit it into a weight watchers plan!
A couple of tablespoons. Enjoy!
A family favorite that everyone loves. We love to dress any salad with this yummy dressing.