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Homemade Italian dressing is fresh, flavorful, and takes only a few minutes to whisk together using simple pantry ingredients.

Once you start making your own, you may never go back to the bottled version again. The flavors are brighter, you can control the ingredients, and it tastes amazing on everything from salads to marinades.

If you have ever reached for a bottle of Italian dressing at the grocery store, you might be surprised to learn just how easy it is to make at home.

Whether you are topping a crisp garden salad, marinating chicken, or adding flavor to pasta salad, this homemade Italian dressing recipe is one you'll want to keep on hand.

If you love making your own homemade dressing, be sure to check out my recipe for Homemade Ranch Dressing.

Why You'll Love Homemade Italian Dressing

Making your own dressing at home has so many benefits.

First, it tastes incredibly fresh. Store-bought dressings often sit on shelves for months, but homemade dressing uses fresh herbs and spices that really stand out.

Second, you control exactly what goes into it. No preservatives or unnecessary additives — just simple ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen.

And finally, it's versatile. This dressing works great as:

• A salad dressing
• A marinade for chicken or steak
• A drizzle over roasted vegetables
• A flavor boost for pasta salad

Ingredients for Homemade Italian Dressing

This simple homemade Italian dressing is made with avocado oil, red wine vinegar, herbs, and a little Parmesan cheese for extra flavor. It’s perfect for tossing with salads, drizzling over vegetables, or using as a marinade.

Ingredients

• ½ cup avocado oil
• ¼ cup red wine vinegar
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon honey
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• ½ teaspoon dried oregano
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon fresh-grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

Step 1: Combine the base ingredients
In a small bowl or mason jar, add the red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, and honey. Whisk together until well combined.

Step 2: Add the seasonings
Stir in the garlic powder, Italian seasoning, kosher salt, dried oregano, and black pepper.

Step 3: Add the oil
Slowly pour in the avocado oil while whisking continuously until the dressing begins to emulsify.

Step 4: Add the Parmesan
Stir in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese. This gives the dressing a rich, savory flavor.

Step 5: Mix and serve
Whisk well or seal the jar with a lid and shake until fully combined.

Serve immediately over your favorite salad or store in the refrigerator until ready to use.

Storage

Store homemade Italian dressing in an airtight container or mason jar in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. Shake well before using since the oil and vinegar may separate.

Tips for the Best Italian Dressing

Let the dressing rest
Allowing the dressing to sit for about 10–15 minutes helps the herbs hydrate, and the flavors meld together.

Shake before serving
Because homemade dressing doesn't contain preservatives, the oil and vinegar will naturally separate. Just shake or whisk before using.

Ways to Use Italian Dressing

This dressing is incredibly versatile and can be used in many ways beyond salad.

Try it with:

• Classic garden salad
• Pasta salad
• Marinating chicken before grilling
• Roasted vegetables
• Drizzled over sandwiches or wraps

It is also perfect for summer cookouts and potlucks.

Final Thoughts

Once you learn how to make homemade Italian dressing, you will see how quick and simple it really is. With just a few pantry staples, you can create a flavorful dressing that tastes far better than anything from the store.

Plus, it's easy to customize with your favorite herbs and flavors.

Give it a try the next time you need a salad dressing — you might just find yourself making it again and again.

Love making your own dressings? Check these recipes out!

• The Best Homemade Poppyseed Dressing
• Strawberry Spinach Salad with Balsamic Dressing
• Copycat Olive Garden Salad Dressing Recipe