This quick and easy Italian dressing recipe is so flavorful and delicious, you’ll never buy store bought again!
Salads are a huge part of dinner in my house. I grew up with my mom serving a Syrian Salad almost every night, and I’m nothing if not a creature of habit. That habit, however, still allows for varying types of salads and different dressings, including this amazing Italian Dressing that will keep you from ever buying store bought again.
Ingredients
- Garlic: Nutty, earthy, with a bit of a spicy zing of flavor.
- Whole grain mustard: A lovely, coarse texture with a bright, tangy flavor.
- Sugar: A bit of sweetness to balance out all of the savoriness.
- Dried oregano: A deliciously bold and earthy herb that is commonly found in Italian dishes.
- Dried basil: Slightly peppery and aromatic, it adds a slight sweetness to dishes.
- Dried fennel: A strong crunchy texture with a mild licorice flavor.
- White wine vinegar: Lightly fruity in flavor, it’s a mild vinegar.
- Lemon juice: Bright, citrus to bring a freshness to the dressing.
- Olive oil: A healthy, smooth oil perfect for dressing any salad.
How to Make Italian Dressing
To start your Italian dressing, crush your dried herbs together using a mortar and pestle.
Once your herbs are adequately crushed, add them to a small bowl or measuring cup.
Next, using a microplane or cheese grater, freshly grate your garlic in with the herbs.
Add the mustard, sugar, and a bit of salt and pepper, and give it all a good mix.
Next add your freshly squeezed lemon juice, catching any seeds before they can fall in.
Then add the white wine vinegar.
Finish the dressing by adding the olive oil and whisking it all together.
Drizzle over you favorite salad, and enjoy!
Change It Up
- Switch the vinegar. Instead of white wine vinegar, use balsamic vinegar for a stronger flavor.
- Use a flavored olive oil. Try a rosemary infused or chili infused olive oil to ramp up the flavor profile.
Frequently Asked Questions:
What if I don’t have a mortar and pestle?
Try a coffee grinder, or place the spices in a plastic bag and use a rolling pin or another blunt object.
What ingredients in a salad go well with a Italian dressing?
With your favorite kind of lettuce, I like to add tomatoes, red onions, Parmesan cheese, and olives. All pair wonderfully with Italian dressing.
How long does Italian dressing keep?
If kept refrigerated in an airtight container, this dressing will keep up to a week.
More Salad Dressings
- Healthy Ranch Dressing
- Creamy Avocado Cilantro Dressing
- Honey Mustard Vinaigrette
- Light Blue Cheese Dressing
Salad Recipes
- Middle Eastern Syrian Salad
- Lebanese Eggplant Salad
- Strawberry Arugula Salad
- Traditional Greek Salad
- Italian Garden Salad
Did you try this dressing? The next time you make it, snap a picture and share it to your socials! Tag @thelemonbowl and #thelemonbowl so we can admire and share your dish.
If salads aren’t your favorite thing, it’s amazing what a difference a good dressing can make, and this Italian Dressing may be just the thing that makes you crave salads.
Your fork is waiting.
Italian Dressing {Better Than Store Bought!}
Ingredients
- 1 clove garlic (grated)
- 1 teaspoon whole grain mustard (or Dijon)
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried fennel
- 2 tablespoons white wine vinegar (or rice wine vinegar)
- ¼ cup lemon juice
- ½ cup extra virgin olive oil
- salt and pepper (to taste)
Instructions
- Using a mortar and pestle, carefully crush the fennel seeds along with the oregano and basil. Place in a liquid glass measuring cup or small bowl and add the grated garlic (I like to use a microplane), sugar, mustard, salt and pepper.
- Whisk the lemon juice and vinegar in to the mixture then begin slowly drizzling in the olive oil to emulsify. Check for seasoning and add more salt and pepper to taste. Serve over salad greens or store for up to 10 days in the refrigerator.