18 Best Homemade Italian Dressing Recipe Get Ready To Indulge!
Published on: Mar 15, 2024
If you're a fan of Italian cuisine, you know that the key to a delicious meal is in the dressing. And while store-bought options may seem convenient, nothing beats the fresh and flavorful taste of homemade Italian dressing. Not to mention, you have complete control over the ingredients, making it a healthier alternative. In this article, we'll share with you the best homemade Italian dressing recipe that will elevate any salad or dish.
Main Ingredients: Rotini Pasta, Italian Dressing, Genoa Salami
First up, we have a classic pasta salad with an Italian twist. This recipe calls for rotini pasta, cherry tomatoes, black olives, and red onion tossed in a tangy Italian dressing. Perfect for a summer barbecue or potluck, this dish is always a crowd-pleaser.
2of 20
Insanely Good Pasta Salad With Italian Dressing
Main Ingredients: Rotini Pasta, Red Bell Pepper, Green Bell Pepper, Genoa
If you're looking for a pasta salad with a little more pizzazz, this recipe is for you. Along with the usual pasta and veggies, this dish includes cubed ham, salami, and pepperoni for a delicious and filling meal. The secret ingredient? A splash of red wine vinegar in the Italian dressing for an extra kick.
3of 20
Antipasto Salad with Easy Italian Dressing
Main Ingredients: Romaine, Prosciutto, Salami, Artichoke Hearts, Olives
For a salad that's hearty enough to be a meal on its own, try this antipasto salad with Italian dressing. It includes salami, pepperoni, provolone cheese, green olives, and roasted red peppers for a flavor explosion in every bite. Serve this at your next dinner party and watch your guests go back for seconds.
4of 20
Spaghetti Salad with Italian Dressing
Main Ingredients: Thin Spaghetti, Italian Dressing, Mayonnaise, Red Bell
Take a break from the traditional pasta salad and try this spaghetti salad with Italian dressing. It features spaghetti, chopped vegetables, and a homemade Italian dressing with a secret ingredient – honey. The sweetness of the honey balances out the tanginess of the dressing for a unique and tasty dish.
5of 20
Pasta Salad With Italian Dressing
Main Ingredients: Dry Pasta, Italian Salad Dressing, Prosciutto, Mini
If you're a fan of feta cheese, you'll love this pasta salad with Italian dressing. Along with the usual suspects, this recipe also calls for cucumbers, red bell pepper, and of course, crumbled feta cheese. The salty and tangy cheese adds a burst of flavor to the dish.
Now, let's move on to some main course options. This Italian dressing chicken recipe is perfect for a quick and easy weeknight dinner. Simply marinate chicken breasts in Italian dressing and then grill or bake to perfection. Serve with your favorite side dishes for a delicious and effortless meal.
7of 20
Italian Dressing Chicken Breast
Main Ingredients: Skin On Boneless Chicken Breasts, Italian Dressing
If you prefer a more flavorful and tender chicken breast, try this Italian dressing chicken breast recipe. The chicken breasts are marinated in Italian dressing, lemon juice, and garlic for at least an hour before grilling. This allows the flavors to fully infuse into the meat, resulting in a juicy and delicious chicken breast.
8of 20
Italian Dressing Pasta Salad with Parmesan
Main Ingredients: Gluten Free Pasta, Bell Pepper, Red Onion, Grated
For a twist on the classic pasta salad, try this Italian dressing pasta salad with Parmesan. In addition to the usual ingredients, this recipe also calls for artichoke hearts and shredded Parmesan cheese. The artichoke hearts add a unique flavor and the Parmesan cheese adds a creamy and salty element to the dish.
9of 20
Copycat Olive Garden House Salad & Italian Dressing
Main Ingredients: Iceberg Lettuce, Romaine Lettuce, Red Onion, Black
If you're a fan of Olive Garden's famous house salad and Italian dressing, you'll love this copycat recipe. The salad features romaine lettuce, red onions, black olives, pepperoncini peppers, and croutons, all tossed in a homemade Italian dressing that tastes just like the original. Serve as a side dish or add grilled chicken for a complete meal.
10of 20
Italian Dressing Caramelized Chicken
Main Ingredients: Chicken Breast, Italian Dressing Mix, Brown Sugar
For a unique and delicious take on chicken, try this Italian dressing caramelized chicken recipe. The chicken is marinated in a mixture of Italian dressing, balsamic vinegar, and brown sugar before being grilled to perfection. The result is a sweet and tangy chicken that's perfect for any occasion.
11of 20
Everything Burger Bowl with Italian Dressing
Main Ingredients: Ground Meat, Bread, Burger Toppings, Condiments
This everything burger bowl is the perfect meal for those who love a good burger but want to cut back on carbs. The bowl includes ground beef, bacon, avocado, tomatoes, and cheddar cheese, all topped with a homemade Italian dressing. It's a hearty and flavorful meal that's also keto-friendly.
12of 20
Bowtie Pasta Salad with Italian Dressing
Main Ingredients: Farfalle Pasta, Creamy Italian Dressing, Grape
This bowtie pasta salad is a great option for a potluck or picnic. The bowtie pasta adds a fun twist to the dish, and the Italian dressing adds a delicious tanginess. Plus, the recipe also includes peas, carrots, and cubed ham for a well-rounded and tasty salad.
This Italian pasta salad is a great option for a quick and easy lunch. It includes tri-color rotini, bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, black olives, and salami, all tossed in a zesty Italian dressing. You can also add your favorite veggies or proteins to make it your own.
If you're tired of the same old chicken dishes, try this easy Italian chicken marinade. It includes Italian dressing, lemon juice, and Italian seasoning, resulting in a flavorful and tender chicken that's perfect for salads, sandwiches, or as a main course.
For all the steak lovers out there, this Italian dressing steak marinade is a must-try. The combination of Italian dressing, Worcestershire sauce, and garlic creates a delicious and tender steak that's perfect for grilling. Serve with your favorite sides for a complete meal.
16of 20
Succulent Italian Dressing Chicken
Main Ingredients: Boneless Chicken Breasts, Italian Dressing, Kosher
If you want a chicken dish that's full of flavor and easy to make, try this succulent Italian dressing chicken recipe. The chicken is marinated in Italian dressing, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning, and then baked to perfection. Serve with your favorite veggies for a well-rounded meal.
17of 20
Italian Dressing Marinated Steaks
Main Ingredients: Steak, Italian Dressing, Salt, Lemon Pepper Seasoning
For a simple yet delicious steak marinade, try this Italian dressing marinated steaks recipe. The steaks are marinated in a mixture of Italian dressing, soy sauce, and garlic for at least an hour before grilling. The result is a juicy and flavorful steak that's perfect for any occasion.
18of 20
Crock Pot Shredded Chicken with Onion Soup & Italian...
Main Ingredients: Boneless Chicken Breast, Water, Italian Salad Dressing
For a hands-off approach to cooking chicken, try this crockpot shredded chicken with onion soup and Italian dressing. Simply toss chicken breasts, Italian dressing, and dry onion soup mix into a slow cooker and let it cook for several hours. The result is tender and flavorful chicken that's perfect for sandwiches, wraps, or salads.
19of 20
Italian Dressing Marinade for Chicken
Main Ingredients: Italian Dressing, Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts
This Italian dressing marinade for chicken is perfect for those who love a little bit of spice. The marinade includes hot sauce, Italian dressing, and brown sugar for a sweet and spicy flavor. Serve with your favorite sides for a delicious and easy meal.
20of 20
Easy Italian Dressing Grilled Chicken
Main Ingredients: Boneless Chicken Breasts, Italian Dressing
For a simple and flavorful grilled chicken recipe, try this easy Italian dressing grilled chicken. The chicken is marinated in Italian dressing and Italian seasoning for at least an hour before grilling. This allows for maximum flavor and results in a juicy and delicious chicken.
The Perfect Balance of Flavors
The secret to the best homemade Italian dressing is finding the perfect balance of flavors. It should be tangy, slightly sweet, and have a hint of spice. The key ingredients for achieving this balance are olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, and Italian seasoning. These ingredients work together to create a harmonious blend of flavors that will leave your taste buds craving for more.
The Benefits of Using Olive Oil
When it comes to making homemade Italian dressing, olive oil is a must-have ingredient. Not only does it add a rich and buttery flavor to the dressing, but it also comes with a host of health benefits. Olive oil is packed with antioxidants and healthy fats, making it a heart-healthy choice. It also has anti-inflammatory properties and can help lower cholesterol levels.
The Versatility of Balsamic Vinegar
Balsamic vinegar is another essential ingredient in Italian dressing. It adds a tangy and slightly sweet flavor to the dressing, balancing out the acidity of the vinegar. Balsamic vinegar is also known for its versatility, making it a staple in many Italian dishes. It pairs well with a variety of ingredients, from fruits and vegetables to meats and cheeses.
Sweetness from Honey
To achieve the perfect balance of flavors, a touch of sweetness is needed. That's where honey comes in. It adds a subtle sweetness to the dressing, making it more palatable. Honey is also a healthier alternative to sugar, as it contains natural antioxidants and is less processed.
The Classic Italian Blend: Italian Seasoning
Italian seasoning is a classic blend of herbs and spices that adds an authentic Italian flavor to the dressing. It typically consists of dried herbs like oregano, basil, thyme, and rosemary. Italian seasoning not only adds flavor but also adds a beautiful visual element to the dressing, with its vibrant green and red specks.
With the perfect balance of flavors achieved through these key ingredients, you can easily customize the dressing to your liking by adding other ingredients like garlic for a more savory taste or red pepper flakes for a spicier kick.
Make It Your Own
The beauty of homemade Italian dressing is that you can make it your own. Experiment with different ratios of ingredients and add in your favorite herbs and spices to create a dressing that suits your taste buds. Whether you prefer a tangier dressing or one with a touch of sweetness, this recipe can easily be adjusted to your liking.
In conclusion, making your own Italian dressing is not only easy and cost-effective, but it also allows you to control the quality and flavors of your dressing. With the simple yet effective combination of olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, and Italian seasoning, you can create a delicious and versatile dressing that will take your salads and dishes to the next level.
