18 Copycat Creamy Italian Dressing Recipe Elevate Your Taste Buds!
Published on: Mar 16, 2024
Creamy Italian dressing is a staple condiment in many households, but store-bought versions can be loaded with preservatives and unhealthy ingredients. Luckily, creating a copycat version at home is simple and allows you to control the ingredients and customize the flavor to your liking. In this article, we will provide a professional and well-organized introduction to making your own copycat creamy Italian dressing. Say goodbye to store-bought dressings and hello to a healthier and tastier option! So, put on your apron and get ready to create your own creamy Italian dressing from scratch.
Italian Power Salad with White Beans, Sun-dried...
Main Ingredients: Canola Oil, Zucchini, Eggplant, Salt, Pepper, Spinach
This hearty and flavorful salad is packed with protein and nutrients, making it the perfect meal for active individuals or fitness enthusiasts. The combination of tender grilled chicken, creamy white beans, and tangy sun-dried tomatoes creates a delicious and satisfying dish. Italian herbs and spices add a burst of flavor, while fresh vegetables like spinach, bell peppers, and onions provide a nutritious crunch.
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Bowtie Pasta Salad with Italian Dressing
Main Ingredients: Farfalle Pasta, Creamy Italian Dressing, Grape
This classic pasta salad is a crowd-pleaser at any gathering or potluck. Tender bowtie pasta is tossed in a zesty Italian dressing, along with crisp vegetables like cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, and olives. For added protein and flavor, Italian salami and crumbled feta cheese can be added to the mix. This dish is versatile and can be served as a side or main course.
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Bubbly Cheese Garlic Bread
Main Ingredients: Garlic, Creamy Italian Salad Dressing, Italian Bread
No Italian meal is complete without a side of warm, gooey garlic bread. This recipe takes it to the next level with a bubbly cheese topping. Simply spread butter, minced garlic, and Italian herbs on a baguette, then cover with a generous amount of shredded mozzarella cheese. Bake until the cheese is melted and bubbly, then serve alongside your favorite pasta dish.
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Cold Tortellini Salad
Main Ingredients: Tortellini, Broccoli Flowerettes, Parmesan Cheese
This refreshing salad is perfect for hot summer days. Italian tortellini, crisp vegetables, and tangy Italian dressing come together to create a light and flavorful dish. For added protein, sliced grilled chicken or diced salami can be added. This salad is also great for meal prep, as it can be made ahead of time and enjoyed throughout the week.
If you're a fan of creamy pasta salads, this Italian version will not disappoint. Tender pasta is coated in a creamy dressing made with sour cream, mayonnaise, and Italian seasoning. Crunchy vegetables like celery, bell peppers, and onions add texture and flavor. This dish is perfect for picnics, potlucks, or as a side for your next BBQ.
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Crab Salad
Main Ingredients: Shell Pasta, Imitation Crab Meat, Green Pepper, Cherry
This light and refreshing salad is perfect for seafood lovers. Fresh crab meat is combined with Italian dressing, diced red onions, chopped celery, and sliced black olives for a flavorful and crunchy dish. Serve on a bed of greens or on top of a flaky croissant for a delicious sandwich option.
This colorful and crisp salad is a great way to add some Italian flair to your dinner table. Chopped romaine lettuce is topped with diced salami, sliced black olives, halved cherry tomatoes, and crumbled feta cheese. Toss with Italian dressing for a quick and easy salad that is full of flavor.
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Easy Chicken Sorrento
Main Ingredients: Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breast Halves, Salt, Pepper
This Italian spin on the classic chicken parmesan is a simple and delicious meal that can be made in under 30 minutes. Breaded chicken breasts are topped with sliced mozzarella cheese and diced tomatoes, then baked until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Serve over a bed of spaghetti with freshly grated parmesan cheese for a satisfying dinner.
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Peg's Salad - Italian Raw Veggie Salad
Main Ingredients: Cauliflower, Broccoli, Baby Carrots, Shredded
This fresh and crunchy salad is a great way to get your daily dose of vegetables. Thinly sliced zucchini, grated carrots, chopped bell peppers, and shredded cabbage are tossed in a Italian dressing for a flavorful and nutritious dish. This salad can be enjoyed on its own as a light lunch or as a side for your favorite Italian dish.
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Poultry Dinner Budget-friendly
Main Ingredients: Bone In Chicken Thighs, Creamy Italian Salad Dressing
This budget-friendly meal is perfect for families or those on a tight budget. Tender boneless, skinless chicken breasts are breaded and baked until crispy, then topped with a simple Italian tomato sauce and shredded mozzarella cheese. Serve with a side of spaghetti and freshly grated parmesan cheese for a satisfying and affordable meal.
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Beer Battered Fish Sandwich
Main Ingredients: Gorton S Beer Batter Fillets, Vegetable Oil, Sandwich
This Italian twist on a classic fish sandwich is a must-try for seafood lovers. Fresh fish fillets are dipped in a beer batter made with flour, egg, and Italian seasoning, then fried until crispy and golden brown. Serve on a toasted bun with crisp lettuce and a spicy Italian mayo for a delicious and flavorful sandwich.
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Slow Cooker Chicken with Rosemary and White Beans
Main Ingredients: Chicken Breasts, Great Northern Beans, Carrots, Celery
This Italian inspired slow cooker meal is perfect for busy weeknights. Tender boneless, skinless chicken breasts are slow cooked with Italian herbs and spices, garlic, and white beans for a hearty and flavorful dish. Serve with crusty garlic bread and a simple Italian salad for a complete meal.
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Instant Pot Risotto with Shrimp and Veggies
Main Ingredients: Butter, Yellow Onion, Garlic, Arborio Rice, White Wine
This creamy and flavorful risotto is made in the Instant Pot for a quick and easy meal. Arborio rice is sautéed with garlic and Italian seasoning, then pressure cooked with chicken broth, shrimp, and vegetables. Top with a sprinkle of freshly grated parmesan cheese for a decadent and satisfying dish.
This Italian dressing is perfect for those who prefer a creamier option over vinaigrettes. Simply mix together mayonnaise, sour cream, white vinegar, and Italian seasoning for a creamy, tangy, and flavorful dressing. This dressing is great on salads, sandwiches, or even as a dip for veggies.
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Low Carb Pasta Salad
Main Ingredients: Zucchini, Creamy Italian Dressing, Black Olives, Banana
If you're watching your carb intake, this low carb pasta salad is a great option. Whole wheat pasta is tossed with crisp vegetables like bell peppers, cucumbers, and cherry tomatoes, along with crumbled feta cheese and a light Italian dressing. This salad is fresh, flavorful, and perfect for those following a low carb lifestyle.
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Antipasto Zoodle Salad
Main Ingredients: Medium Zucchini, Red Onion, Green Bell Pepper, Cherry
This creative and light salad is a great way to add some Italian flavors to your meal. Zucchini noodles are tossed with sliced pepperoni, diced mozzarella cheese, halved cherry tomatoes, and a simple Italian dressing. This dish is perfect for those looking for a healthier alternative to traditional pasta salads.
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Antipasto Salad
Main Ingredients: Pepperoni Slices, Genoa Salami, Peppers, Mozzarella
This hearty and flavorful salad is great for those who enjoy a variety of Italian meats and cheeses. Thinly sliced salami, sliced pepperoni, chopped ham, diced provolone cheese, and sliced black olives are tossed with crisp lettuce and a light Italian dressing for a delicious and filling salad.
This refreshing and crunchy coleslaw is a great side for any Italian meal. Shredded cabbage and carrots are tossed with a light Italian dressing, along with chopped bell peppers, sliced black olives, and crumbled feta cheese for a flavorful and colorful dish. This coleslaw is also great for topping sandwiches or tacos.
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Tortellini and Pepperoni Pasta Salad
Main Ingredients: Cheese Tortellini, Fresh Mozzarella, Pepperoni, Cherry
This robust and savory pasta salad is a great way to incorporate some Italian meats into your meal. Whole wheat tortellini is combined with sliced pepperoni, diced mozzarella cheese, halved cherry tomatoes, and a light Italian dressing for a flavorful and satisfying dish. Serve as a side or add some sliced grilled chicken for a complete meal.
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Spicy Italian Egg Rolls
Main Ingredients: Canola Oil, Egg Roll Wrappers, Provolone Cheese, Deli
These crispy and spicy egg rolls are a unique and tasty way to enjoy Italian flavors. Ground Italian sausage, sautéed vegetables, and shredded mozzarella cheese are rolled up in egg roll wrappers and deep fried until golden brown. Serve with a spicy marinara sauce for dipping for a delicious appetizer or snack.
Ingredients You Will Need
Oil and Vinegar
The base of any dressing is oil and vinegar, and for this copycat creamy Italian dressing, we recommend using a high-quality extra virgin olive oil and red wine vinegar. These ingredients will provide a rich and tangy flavor to your dressing.
Herbs and Spices
To achieve that classic Italian flavor, you will need garlic, oregano, basil, and thyme. Fresh herbs are always preferred, but you can also use dried herbs if that's what you have on hand. Crushed red pepper flakes can also be added for a bit of heat.
Dairy
To add creaminess to the dressing, we will be using mayonnaise, sour cream, and grated parmesan cheese. These ingredients will give your dressing a rich and velvety texture.
Dijon Mustard
A little bit of Dijon mustard will add a tangy and slightly spicy kick to the dressing. It also helps to emulsify the oil and vinegar, creating a smooth and well-blended dressing.
Steps to Make Copycat Creamy Italian Dressing
Step 1: Mix Oil and Vinegar
In a small bowl, whisk together ¼ cup of extra virgin olive oil and 2 tablespoons of red wine vinegar until well combined.
Step 2: Add Herbs and Spices
Next, add in 1 clove of minced garlic, ½ teaspoon of oregano, ½ teaspoon of basil, ½ teaspoon of thyme, and a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes. Whisk everything together until the herbs and spices are evenly distributed.
Step 3: Incorporate Dairy
Add in ¼ cup of mayonnaise, 2 tablespoons of sour cream, and 2 tablespoons of grated parmesan cheese to the bowl. Whisk until all ingredients are well combined and no lumps remain.
Step 4: Finish with Dijon Mustard
Finally, add in 1 tablespoon of Dijon mustard and whisk until the dressing is smooth and creamy.
Enjoy Your Homemade Copycat Creamy Italian Dressing
Your copycat creamy Italian dressing is now ready to be enjoyed! You can use it as a salad dressing, dip for vegetables, or marinade for chicken or fish. Store any leftover dressing in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. With this simple and delicious recipe, you can say goodbye to store-bought dressings and hello to a homemade option that is healthier and bursting with flavor.