18 The Best Creamy Italian Dressing Recipe Cook Up Something Special!
Published on: Mar 18, 2024
Italian dressing is a staple in many kitchens and can elevate a simple salad or sandwich to a whole new level. However, store-bought dressings often contain preservatives and additives, making them less healthy and less flavorful. The good news is, with just a few simple ingredients, you can create the best creamy Italian dressing right in your own kitchen. This recipe is easy to make, delicious, and completely customizable to suit your taste preferences. So, put away that store-bought bottle and get ready to make a dressing that will impress your taste buds.
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 delicious Italian flavors. The combination of white beans, sun-dried tomatoes, and grilled chicken creates a satisfying and filling meal. The best part? It's super easy to make! Simply toss all the ingredients together and drizzle with a homemade Italian dressing made with olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and Italian herbs. Serve it as a main dish or side for your next barbecue or potluck.
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Bowtie Pasta Salad with Italian Dressing
Main Ingredients: Farfalle Pasta, Creamy Italian Dressing, Grape
This refreshing pasta salad is perfect for summer. It's a twist on the classic Italian pasta salad, with the addition of bowtie pasta and fresh vegetables like cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, and bell peppers. Toss it all together with a zesty Italian dressing and you have a delicious and colorful dish that's sure to be a hit at any gathering. It's also a great way to use up any leftover grilled chicken or veggies from your beer can chicken dinner.
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Bubbly Cheese Garlic Bread
Main Ingredients: Garlic, Creamy Italian Salad Dressing, Italian Bread
No Italian meal is complete without some garlic bread. This recipe takes it to the next level by adding a layer of bubbly cheese on top. Simply spread a mixture of butter, garlic, and Italian herbs on a sliced baguette, sprinkle with mozzarella cheese, and bake until golden and bubbly. It's the perfect side dish to pair with your beer can chicken or any other Italian-inspired dish.
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Cold Tortellini Salad
Main Ingredients: Tortellini, Broccoli Flowerettes, Parmesan Cheese
If you're looking for a refreshing and flavorful side dish to serve with your beer can chicken, look no further than this cold tortellini salad. It's made with cheese tortellini and tossed with a homemade Italian dressing, fresh veggies, and salami. It's a great make-ahead dish for potlucks or picnics and can be easily customized with your favorite ingredients.
This creamy and flavorful pasta salad is a crowd-pleaser. It's made with tricolor rotini, fresh veggies, and a creamy Italian dressing made with mayonnaise, red wine vinegar, and Italian seasoning. It's a great side dish to serve with your beer can chicken, or you can add some grilled chicken to make it a complete meal.
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Crab Salad
Main Ingredients: Shell Pasta, Imitation Crab Meat, Green Pepper, Cherry
If you're a fan of seafood, you'll love this refreshing and light crab salad. It's made with imitation crab, celery, red onion, and a tangy Italian dressing. Serve it on a bed of lettuce or as a filling for a sandwich or wrap. It's a great option for a light and healthy lunch or dinner.
This colorful and crunchy salad is full of Italian flavors. It's made with a mix of lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers, olives, and salami, and tossed with a homemade Italian dressing. It's a great way to get your daily dose of veggies and can be easily customized with your favorite toppings or add some grilled chicken to make it a complete meal.
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Easy Chicken Sorrento
Main Ingredients: Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breast Halves, Salt, Pepper
This delicious and easy chicken dish is inspired by the flavors of Sorrento, Italy. It's made with chicken breasts marinated in a mixture of olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and Italian herbs, then grilled to perfection. Serve it with a side of pasta or salad for a complete Italian meal.
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Peg's Salad - Italian Raw Veggie Salad
Main Ingredients: Cauliflower, Broccoli, Baby Carrots, Shredded
This simple and refreshing salad is a great way to showcase the flavors of fresh raw veggies. It's made with a mix of cucumbers, tomatoes, red onion, bell peppers, and Italian dressing. The longer it sits, the more the flavors will meld together, making it a great make-ahead dish for potlucks or picnics.
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Poultry Dinner Budget-friendly
Main Ingredients: Bone In Chicken Thighs, Creamy Italian Salad Dressing
Looking for a budget-friendly meal that's still full of flavor? This beer can chicken recipe is the perfect option. It's made with a whole chicken, beer, and a mix of spices for a juicy and flavorful dish. Serve it with some of the other Italian-inspired dishes on this list for a complete and budget-friendly meal.
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Beer Battered Fish Sandwich
Main Ingredients: Gorton S Beer Batter Fillets, Vegetable Oil, Sandwich
If you're not in the mood for chicken, why not try this delicious beer battered fish sandwich? It's made with tilapia fillets dipped in a beer batter and fried until crispy. Serve it on a bun with some tartar sauce and lettuce for a tasty and easy dinner option.
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Slow Cooker Chicken with Rosemary and White Beans
Main Ingredients: Chicken Breasts, Great Northern Beans, Carrots, Celery
This slow cooker chicken dish is full of comforting Italian flavors. It's made with chicken thighs, white beans, tomatoes, rosemary, and Italian seasoning. Simply throw all the ingredients in your slow cooker and let it do the work for you. Serve it with a side of pasta or crusty bread for a complete and satisfying meal.
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Instant Pot Risotto with Shrimp and Veggies
Main Ingredients: Butter, Yellow Onion, Garlic, Arborio Rice, White Wine
Risotto may seem like a daunting dish to make, but this Instant Pot version makes it super easy. It's made with arborio rice, shrimp, vegetables, and a homemade Italian seasoning blend. The best part? It only takes 20 minutes to make in your Instant Pot. Serve it as a main dish or side for your beer can chicken dinner.
Store-bought salad dressings can be full of preservatives and additives. This homemade creamy Italian dressing is a much healthier and tastier option. It's made with mayonnaise, sour cream, vinegar, and a blend of Italian herbs. Use it on your favorite salads or as a marinade for your chicken or veggies.
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Low Carb Pasta Salad
Main Ingredients: Zucchini, Creamy Italian Dressing, Black Olives, Banana
If you're looking for a low carb option, this pasta salad is a great choice. It's made with zucchini noodles, cherry tomatoes, olives, mozzarella cheese, and a homemade Italian dressing. It's a great way to satisfy your pasta cravings without all the carbs.
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Antipasto Zoodle Salad
Main Ingredients: Medium Zucchini, Red Onion, Green Bell Pepper, Cherry
This salad is a delicious twist on the classic Italian antipasto platter. It's made with zucchini noodles and topped with salami, mozzarella cheese, olives, and a homemade Italian dressing. It's a great way to get your veggies in while still enjoying all the flavors of an antipasto platter.
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Antipasto Salad
Main Ingredients: Pepperoni Slices, Genoa Salami, Peppers, Mozzarella
If you're a fan of antipasto, you'll love this hearty and flavorful salad. It's made with a mix of lettuce, salami, cheese, olives, and a balsamic vinaigrette. It's a great option for a light lunch or as a side for your beer can chicken dinner.
This coleslaw puts an Italian twist on the classic side dish. It's made with cabbage, carrots, bell peppers, and a homemade Italian dressing. It's a great way to add some crunch and flavor to your meal, and it's a great option for picnics or barbecues.
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Tortellini and Pepperoni Pasta Salad
Main Ingredients: Cheese Tortellini, Fresh Mozzarella, Pepperoni, Cherry
This hearty and flavorful pasta salad is the perfect dish to serve at your next gathering. It's made with cheese tortellini, pepperoni, fresh veggies, and a homemade Italian dressing. It's sure to be a hit with both kids and adults alike.
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Spicy Italian Egg Rolls
Main Ingredients: Canola Oil, Egg Roll Wrappers, Provolone Cheese, Deli
Add some spice to your beer can chicken dinner with these delicious and unique egg rolls. They're filled with a mix of Italian sausage, peppers, onions, and mozzarella cheese, and served with a creamy Italian dipping sauce. They're a fun and tasty twist on traditional egg rolls and are sure to be a hit at any gathering.
Why Make Your Own Dressing?
Making your own Italian dressing has many advantages, including better taste, quality, and health benefits. By making it yourself, you can control the ingredients and ensure that they are fresh and of high quality. You can also customize the dressing to your liking, whether you prefer it tangy, garlicky, or spicy. Plus, by using natural ingredients, you can avoid the preservatives and additives found in store-bought dressings, making it a healthier option for you and your family.
The Secret to Creamy Perfection
The key to making the best creamy Italian dressing is using the right combination of ingredients. The base of this dressing is mayonnaise, which provides the creamy texture and tanginess. To balance out the tang, a touch of honey or sugar is added. Next, apple cider vinegar adds a subtle tanginess and also acts as an emulsifier, helping the dressing to stay well combined. Garlic powder and dried oregano are essential for that classic Italian flavor, while onion powder adds a hint of sweetness. Finally, Italian seasoning and black pepper round out the flavors and add a bit of heat.
Customize to Your Tastebuds
One of the best things about making your own dressing is being able to customize it to your preferences. If you like your dressing on the tangier side, add a bit more vinegar. For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes. If you're a fan of fresh herbs, feel free to swap out the dried ones for fresh. You can also adjust the sweetness and creaminess by adding more or less honey and mayonnaise. The possibilities are endless, so don't be afraid to experiment and make this dressing your own.
Ready to Make Your Own?
Making your own creamy Italian dressing is not only delicious, but it's also simple and quick. All you need to do is mix all the ingredients together in a bowl, and voila! You have a creamy, flavorful dressing ready to be drizzled over your favorite salad or used as a dip for veggies. You can also store the dressing in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week, making it a convenient option for busy weeknights. So, say goodbye to store-bought dressings and hello to the best creamy Italian dressing you'll ever taste.
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