Italian dressing, ah, the unsung hero of salads everywhere! It’s like that secret ingredient in a beloved family recipe—simple yet transformative.
Picture this: a zesty blend of herbs and spices, swirling around in a bottle, ready to dance on your taste buds.
Whether it’s drizzling over a crisp, fresh salad or used as a marinade for grilled chicken, this homemade Italian dressing will make your taste buds sing and your heart do a little happy dance.
Steps
- In a small bowl, combine extra-virgin olive oil, white wine vinegar, and fresh lemon juice.
- Add Dijon mustard, minced garlic, and honey for a balanced flavor. If you’re vegan, substitute honey with maple syrup.
- Incorporate fresh parsley and dried herbs, such as oregano and thyme, for an authentic Italian taste.
- Season with sea salt and freshly ground black pepper to enhance the flavors.
- Whisk all the ingredients together until well combined and emulsified.
- For a creamier texture and richer taste, optionally stir in freshly grated Parmesan cheese.
- Adjust seasoning to your preference, and enjoy the dressing on salads or as a marinade.
Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons white wine vinegar
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon honey (or maple syrup for a vegan option)
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
- Sea salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Optional: Freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- Optional: Pinch of red pepper flakes
FAQ
- What ingredients are essential for making homemade Italian dressing?
- The key ingredients for homemade Italian dressing include lemon juice, white wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, garlic, honey (or maple syrup for a vegan option), fresh parsley, dried oregano, thyme, extra-virgin olive oil, sea salt, and freshly ground black pepper.
- Can I customize the flavor of the Italian dressing?
- Yes, you can enhance the flavor by adding freshly grated Parmesan cheese or a pinch of red pepper flakes for some heat.
- What are some alternative uses for homemade Italian dressing?
- Besides using it on salads, you can drizzle it over roasted or grilled vegetables, toss it with cooked grains like quinoa or couscous, use it as a marinade for beans or lentils, or spoon it over grain bowls.
- How do I make the dressing suitable for vegans?
- To make the dressing vegan, replace honey with maple syrup and omit the optional Parmesan cheese.
- How can I store homemade Italian dressing?
- You can mix the ingredients in a Mason jar with a tight-fitting lid and store it in the refrigerator. Shake well before using to re-emulsify the dressing.
Tips
- For a vegan version, replace honey with maple syrup and skip the optional Parmesan cheese to maintain a plant-based dressing that retains its delicious flavor.
- To enhance the dressing’s flavor, consider adding a few tablespoons of freshly grated Parmesan cheese or a pinch of red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
- Use a Mason jar with a tight-fitting lid to combine the ingredients. This method allows you to shake the dressing until it’s emulsified, making it easier and reducing cleanup.
- Experiment with using this versatile dressing beyond salads—try it as a marinade for lentils or chickpeas, or drizzle it over roasted or grilled vegetables for added zest.
Equipment
- Mason jar with a tight-fitting lid (for shaking and emulsifying the dressing).
