Parmesan Vinaigrette Recipe (Salad Dressing)
Updated Apr 14, 2025, Published Mar 13, 2025
This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our disclosure policy.
Make your salads unforgettable with this Parmesan Vinaigrette Dressing—simple, fresh, and packed with bold Italian flavor in every bite!
It’s the secret to the famous La Scala Chopped Salad.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
The perfect balance of tangy red wine vinegar, nutty Parmigiano-Reggiano, rich olive oil, and garlicky depth creates a flavor-packed vinaigrette that takes any salad to the next level. It’s simple, fresh, and full of Italian-inspired goodness—the kind of dressing you’ll want to drizzle on everything- more than your favorite salad recipe!
- Big, Bold Flavor – Tangy, garlicky, cheesy, and rich—this dressing has it all!
- Simple & Quick – Just a few quality ingredients come together in minutes.
- Better Than Store-Bought – No additives, just pure, homemade deliciousness.
- Versatile & Delicious – Toss it with my Italian chopped salad, drizzle over roasted broccoli, pasta salad, and vegetables, or use it as a marinade for chicken or fish.
Once you try this Parmesan Vinaigrette Dressing, you’ll never go back to store-bought—trust me, it’s that good! You’ll also love my orange vinaigrette, balsamic vinaigrette, and Italian salsa verde.
Table of Contents
Simple Ingredients
This creamy, garlicky, cheesy dressing is simple, flavorful, and delicious!
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil – The rich, velvety base that brings smoothness and depth.
- Red Wine Vinegar – Adds a bright, tangy acidity to balance the richness.
- Garlic – Finely minced for a bold, aromatic kick.
- Dijon Mustard – Helps emulsify the dressing while adding a subtle tangy bite.
- Dried Oregano – Infuses classic Italian herb flavor with a hint of earthiness.
- Parmigiano-Reggiano (or Pecorino Romano) – Finely grated for a salty, nutty depth that makes this dressing irresistible.
- Sea Salt & Black Pepper – Essential for bringing out all the flavors and adding the perfect finishing touch.
See the recipe card for quantities.
How To Make Parmesan Vinaigrette
Better than store-bought! This homemade parmesan vinaigrette is easy to make with just a few fresh ingredients. The full instructions are at the bottom of this post.
Add all ingredients (except the cheese and pepper) to a small bowl and whisk until emulsified. You can also use an immersion blender or food processor or shake it in a Mason jar with a lid.
Add the freshly grated Parmigiano cheese and add pepper to taste. Whisk to combine.
My Pro Tip
Recipe Tips
- Use High-Quality Olive Oil – The richness of the dressing comes from the olive oil, so choose a high-quality extra virgin variety for the best flavor.
- Freshly Grate the Parmesan – Skip the pre-grated cheese and use freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano or Pecorino for a richer, nuttier taste.
- Let It Sit – Allow the dressing to rest for at least 10 minutes before using it to let the flavors fully develop.
- Whisk or Shake Well – The mustard helps emulsify the dressing, but always whisk vigorously or shake in a sealed jar to keep it well blended.
- Adjust to Taste – If you want more tang, add a splash of vinegar; for extra creaminess, stir in a little more Parmesan.
Substitutions and Variations
- Cheese Swap – Use Pecorino Romano for a sharper bite or Asiago for a milder, nutty flavor.
- Add Sweetness- add a teaspoon of maple syrup or honey.
- Vinegar Options – Swap red wine vinegar with white wine vinegar or fresh lemon juice for a different tang.
- Fresh Herbs – Add fresh or dried basil, thyme, or Italian seasoning for extra depth.
- Creamier Version – Blend in Greek yogurt or a touch of mayo for a thicker, creamier dressing.
- Garlic-Free Option – If you prefer a milder taste, reduce or omit garlic and add a pinch of shallots instead.
- Spicy Kick – Stir in red pepper flakes or a drizzle of Calabrian chili oil for heat.
This dressing is super versatile—adjust it to fit your taste and enjoy it on everything!
Make Ahead and Storage
- Make Ahead: This Parmesan vinaigrette tastes even better after resting! Prepare it up to 5 days in advance and store it in the fridge.
- Storage: Keep the dressing in an airtight jar or container in the refrigerator. Shake or whisk before using as the oil may separate.
- Pro Tip: Let it sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before serving to loosen up the consistency.
This flavor-packed dressing is perfect for meal prep and makes salads extra delicious all week long!
More Vinaigrette Recipes
- You will also love this vibrant orange vinaigrette that is refreshing, lively, and naturally sweet with a subtle tangy kick!
FAQ’s
Olive oil solidifies when cold! Let the dressing sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes, then shake or whisk to bring it back to its original consistency.
Subway’s MVP Parmesan Vinaigrette is a creamy, tangy dressing made with Parmesan cheese, vinegar, oil, garlic, mustard, and herbs, giving it a rich, zesty Italian-inspired flavor. It also likely contains stabilizers and preservatives to extend its shelf life- this homemade recipe is only made with fresh ingredients!
Italian vinaigrette has a bright, herby, and tangy flavor with a balance of vinegar, olive oil, garlic, oregano, and sometimes Parmesan or Romano cheese for extra depth. It’s bold but well-balanced.
Parmesan vinaigrette can be a healthier option with high-quality ingredients like olive oil and fresh Parmesan. However, store-bought versions (like Subway’s) may contain added sugars, preservatives, and processed oils, which can be less healthy. If you’re looking for a cleaner option, making it home is the best choice!
More Salad Dressings and Sauces
Serving Suggestions
In addition to salads, drizzle it over grilled eggplant, grain bowls, porchetta sandwiches, or even roasted potatoes for an extra flavor boost.
💙 MADE THIS RECIPE AND LOVED IT? 💙 Please leave a ⭐️STAR rating and COMMENT below- I love connecting with you! Tag me with your creations on Instagram and find me on Pinterest.
Parmesan Vinaigrette Recipe
Ingredients
- ½ cup extra virgin olive oil
- 3 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 1-2 garlic cloves, finely chopped
- 3 teaspoons Dijon mustard
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- ½ cup Parmigiano or Parmesan cheese, finely grated (or Pecorino cheese)
Instructions
- Whisk the Base: In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, and Dijon mustard until smooth.
- Add Garlic & Seasonings: Stir in the minced garlic, dried oregano, and grated Parmesan until well combined.
- Season & Blend: Add sea salt and black pepper to taste, then whisk again or shake in a jar until emulsified.
- Let It Rest: Allow the dressing to sit for at least 10 minutes before using to let the flavors meld.
- Serve & Store: Drizzle over your chopped salad and enjoy! Store leftovers in a sealed jar in the fridge for up to 5 days (shake before using).
Notes
- Use High-Quality Olive Oil – The richness of the dressing comes from the olive oil, so choose a high-quality extra virgin variety for the best flavor.
- Freshly Grate the Parmesan – Skip the pre-grated cheese and use freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano or Pecorino for a richer, nuttier taste.
- Let It Sit – Allow the dressing to rest for at least 10 minutes before using to let the flavors fully develop.
- Whisk or Shake Well – The mustard helps emulsify the dressing, but always whisk vigorously or shake in a sealed jar to keep it well blended.
- Adjust to Taste – If you want more tang, add a splash of vinegar; for extra creaminess, stir in a little more Parmesan.
- Make Ahead for Convenience – Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days; shake well before using.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
We love this as a salad dressing and even baked chicken marinade!