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This flavorful Zesty Italian Dressing recipe is perfect for drizzling over your favorite green salads, tossing with pasta salads, or even using as a marinade. It’s bright, herbaceous, and just the right amount of tangy!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
It’s the kind of dressing I grew up seeing on the table in Italy—whisked together quickly and drizzled over crisp greens or rustic vegetable salads. It’s also incredibly versatile. I love using it to marinate grilled chicken, as a dressing for Italian potato salad, or antipasto pasta salad for a light, refreshing bite. Best of all? You can whip it up in 5 minutes flat!
Once you try this homemade salad dressing, you’ll never go back to the bottled stuff. It’s clean, flavorful, and made with amore! Try my parmesan salad dressing next.
Table of Contents
Recipe Ingredients
This Italian salad dressing is fresh, bold, and made with pantry staples—it does not contain additives or preservatives like store-bought versions.
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil – The heart of the dressing that gives it a rich, smooth texture.
- Red Wine Vinegar or Lemon Juice – Provides acidity to brighten up the flavors.
- Garlic – Minced fresh for a punch of aromatic depth.
- Dijon Mustard – Helps emulsify the dressing while adding subtle tanginess.
- Dried Oregano – a Classic Italian herb that enhances Mediterranean flavors.
- Italian Seasoning – A blend of herbs like parsley, basil, thyme, rosemary, and spices for extra depth.
- Salt & Black Pepper – Essential seasonings to bring out the full flavor of the salad.
See recipe card for quantities.
Substitutions and Variations
- Vinegar: Swap red wine vinegar with white, balsamic, or apple cider vinegar.
- Garlic: Instead of fresh garlic, use a little onion or garlic powder.
- Mustard: Try whole grain or yellow mustard instead of Dijon for a different flavor profile.
- Herbs: Use fresh oregano or basil if you have it—double the amount.
- Add Sweetness: Whisk in 1 teaspoon of honey or maple syrup for a hint of sweetness. Add a bit of Parmesan cheese for creaminess.
- Spicy Kick: Add a dash of chili oil or more red pepper flakes.
How To Make Italian Dressing
Follow these step-by-step photos to help you make the best homemade Italian dressing. The printable recipe card below provides more instructions.
Add all ingredients to a small bowl and whisk to combine.
Alternatively, add to a Mason jar with a lid and give a quick shake to combine.
My Pro Tip
Recipe Tips
- Use high-quality olive oil for the best flavor—it’s the base of the dressing, so make it count!
- Mince garlic finely or use a microplane to avoid big bites of raw garlic.
- Let it sit for 10–15 minutes before serving to let the flavors meld beautifully.
- Double the batch and keep it on hand for quick salads, marinades, or roasted veggies all week.
This fabulous dressing is great on everything. Make in big batches and keep in the fridge. You’ll start to crave that zesty Italian flavor.
How To Store
Store in an airtight jar or container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Shake or whisk well before each use, as natural separation may occur. Use it on your favorite salads, like my Italian chopped salad recipe.
FAQ’s
Zesty Italian Dressing is typically made with extra-virgin olive oil, vinegar (or lemon juice), garlic, Dijon mustard, dried herbs like oregano and Italian seasoning, plus salt and pepper. The “zesty” comes from the punchy garlic, tangy vinegar, and bold herbs that give it a little extra kick
Zesty Italian dressing has a bolder, more vibrant flavor compared to regular Italian dressing. It often includes Dijon mustard, extra garlic, and sometimes red pepper flakes or more herbs for added zip. Regular Italian dressing is usually milder and less tangy.
Red wine vinegar is the classic choice for Italian dressing—it’s tangy but smooth and pairs beautifully with olive oil and herbs. White wine or apple cider vinegar are excellent substitutes, and fresh lemon juice also works for a citrusy variation.
How To Use Italian Dressing
- Salads: Drizzle over leafy greens, chopped veggie salads, or antipasto salads.
- Pasta Salads: Toss with cold pasta, fresh veggies, and cheese for a light and flavorful dish.
- Add to your favorite warm or cold grain bowl.
- Marinade: Use it to marinate chicken, grilled shrimp, or vegetables before grilling or roasting.
- Roasted Veggies: Spoon over warm roasted potatoes, parmesan brussles sprouts, roasted zucchini, or peppers for a zesty finish.
- Sandwiches & Wraps: Add a splash inside a wrap or Caprese Sandwich for a herby, tangy kick.
More Homemade Dressing Recipes
Looking for other recipes like this? Try these:
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Zesty Italian Dressing Recipe
Ingredients
- ½ cup extra-virgin olive oil
- 3 tablespoons red wine vinegar, or freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon homemade Italian seasoning, store bought is also fine
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
Combine Ingredients:
- In a small bowl or jar with a tight-fitting lid, add the olive oil, red wine vinegar or lemon juice, minced garlic, Dijon mustard, oregano, and Italian seasoning (if using).
Season:
- Add a generous pinch of salt and freshly ground black pepper.
Whisk or Shake:
- Whisk vigorously until emulsified, or secure the lid and shake the jar until the dressing is fully combined.
Taste & Adjust:
- Taste and adjust seasoning. Add more salt, pepper, or a splash of vinegar or lemon juice to brighten, if needed.
Serve or Store:
- Use immediately, or refrigerate in a sealed jar for up to 5 days. Bring to room temperature and shake well before serving.
Notes
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- Salads: Drizzle over leafy greens, chopped veggie salads, or antipasto salads.
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- Pasta Salads: Toss with cold pasta, fresh veggies, and cheese for a light and flavorful dish.
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- Add to your favorite warm or cold grain bowl.
-
- Marinade: Use it to marinate chicken, grilled shrimp, or vegetables before grilling or roasting.
-
- Roasted Veggies: Spoon over warm roasted potatoes, parmesan brussles sprouts, roasted zucchini, or peppers for a zesty finish.
-
- Sandwiches & Wraps: Add a splash inside a wrap or Caprese Sandwich for an herby, tangy kick.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
