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Simple Italian Dressing

This homemade Italian dressing is incredibly easy to whip up and bursts with a zesty, vibrant flavor that blows any store-bought version out of the water.
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Prep Time 9 minutes
Course Dressing
Cuisine Italian

Ingredients
  

  • ¼ cup Extra-Virgin Olive Oil
  • 2 tbsp White or Red Wine Vinegar
  • 2 tbsp Fresh Lemon Juice
  • 1 tsp Dijon Mustard
  • 1 Minced Garlic Clove
  • 1 tsp Dried Oregano
  • 1 tsp Dried Basil
  • 1 tsp Dried Thyme Or 1 teaspoon fresh chopped thyme.
  • 1 tbsp Finely Chopped Parsley
  • 1 tsp Maple Syrup or Honey
  • 1 tsp Fresh Grated Lemon Zest
  • ¼ tsp Fine Sea Salt
  • ½ tsp Freshly Ground Black Pepper
  • 1 pinch Crushed Red Pepper Flakes optional

Instructions
 

Whisking in a Bowl

  • Combine Flavor Base: In a small mixing bowl, add the white or red wine vinegar, fresh lemon juice, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, all herbs (oregano, basil, thyme, parsley), maple syrup or honey, salt, and pepper. If you're using them, add the lemon zest, capers, and parmesan cheese now as well.
  • Whisk the Base: Whisk these ingredients together until they are thoroughly combined. This step helps dissolve the salt and allows the flavors to start melding.
  • Slowly Emulsify: While continuously whisking, slowly drizzle in the extra-virgin olive oil. Adding the oil slowly while whisking is the key to creating a stable emulsion, which means your dressing will stay blended longer.
  • Taste and Adjust: Once all the oil is incorporated and the dressing is smooth, give it a taste. The best way to do this is by dipping a piece of lettuce into the dressing. You may want to add another pinch of salt, a little more vinegar for tang, or a bit more honey to mellow the acidity.

The Easy Jar Method

  • Add all Ingredients: Combine all the ingredients—olive oil, vinegar, lemon juice, mustard, garlic, herbs, sweetener, and seasonings—into a mason jar or any container with a tight-fitting lid.
  • Shake Vigorously: Secure the lid tightly and shake the jar vigorously for about 15-20 seconds. You should see the ingredients combine into a smooth, emulsified dressing.
  • Taste and Serve: Open the jar, give it a taste, and adjust seasonings if needed. This method is excellent for both mixing and storing the dressing.

Notes

Storage Instructions
Store the Italian dressing in an airtight container or jar in the refrigerator for up to one week. The extra-virgin olive oil may solidify when chilled; this is completely normal. To use, simply let the dressing sit at room temperature for about 20-30 minutes, or run the jar under warm water for a minute to liquefy the oil. Once liquified, give it a vigorous shake to recombine before serving.
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