Description
This Homemade Italian Dressing is a simple and flavorful blend of olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, and aromatic herbs and spices. Perfect for salads, marinades, or dipping, this dressing combines tangy and savory elements with a hint of sweetness for a well-balanced taste. Easily prepared in just 5 minutes, it can be stored in the refrigerator and shaken before use for the freshest flavor.
Ingredients
Scale
Italian Dressing Ingredients
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup red wine vinegar
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Combine Oil and Vinegar: In a medium-sized bowl, combine the olive oil and red wine vinegar, which will form the base of the Italian dressing.
- Add Mustard and Honey: Add the Dijon mustard and honey to the oil and vinegar mixture to introduce creaminess and a touch of sweetness.
- Whisk Ingredients: Whisk the ingredients together until the mustard and honey are fully incorporated into the oil and vinegar, ensuring a smooth texture.
- Incorporate Garlic and Onion Powder: Stir in the garlic powder and onion powder to add depth and savory flavor to the dressing.
- Add Herbs: Add the dried oregano and dried basil, which provide classic Italian herbaceous notes.
- Season with Salt and Pepper: Sprinkle in the salt and black pepper to enhance all the flavors present.
- Mix Thoroughly: Continue whisking until all ingredients are well blended and the dressing is smooth and consistent.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste the dressing and adjust the seasoning if necessary, adding more salt, pepper, or honey to suit your preference.
- Store Dressing: Pour the dressing into a clean jar or bottle suitable for storage.
- Seal and Refrigerate: Seal the jar or bottle with a lid and refrigerate the dressing to keep it fresh and allow flavors to meld.
- Shake Before Use: Before serving, shake or stir the dressing to redistribute any ingredients that may have separated during storage.
Notes
- Shake dressing well before each use as ingredients may separate over time.
- For a spicier variation, add a pinch of red pepper flakes.
- Use fresh herbs instead of dried for more vibrant flavor, adjusting quantity accordingly.
- Store refrigerated and use within 1-2 weeks for optimal freshness.
- This dressing works great as a marinade for chicken or vegetables.
- Adjust honey amount to control sweetness based on taste preference.