Description
An easy and delicious homemade Italian dressing that brings life to any salad or meal with its bright, tangy flavors and simple ingredients.
Ingredients
Base Ingredients
- 1/2 cup olive oil (Use high-quality olive oil.)
- 3 tablespoons red wine vinegar (Can substitute with white wine vinegar or lemon juice.)
Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (Helps emulsify the dressing.)
- 1 teaspoon honey (Optional, for sweetness.)
- 1 small clove garlic, grated or minced (Can use 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder.)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano (A key herb for Italian flavor.)
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil (Adds aromatic flavor.)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (Adjust to taste.)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper (Freshly cracked is preferred.)
- pinch red pepper flakes (Optional for a kick.)
Instructions
Mixing the Dressing
- In a jar with a lid, combine olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey, grated garlic, oregano, basil, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes.
- Shake the jar vigorously for about 15 seconds until thoroughly mixed.
- Taste the dressing and adjust ingredients as needed: add more oil for richness, more vinegar for tang, or a pinch of salt if it tastes flat.
- Let it sit for about 10 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld.
Notes
Perfect for salads, sandwiches, and marinades. Store in a sealed jar in the fridge for up to 1-2 weeks, depending on the ingredients used.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Condiment, Dressing
- Cuisine: Italian