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Italian Salad Dressing

ByAva
Published OnDec 7, 2025
Updated OnJun 24, 2026

Italian salad dressing is one of the most versatile salad dressings of all time, with notable tangy flavours enhanced with herbaceous flavours, this vinaigrette is ideal for many different types of salads.

Italian salad dressing can be drizzled on many different types of salads, including roasted vegetables, and it can also be used as a marinade for grilled meats. Even though, the flavour notes are Italian; this salad dressing was created in America by Italian immigrants who adapted its flavours, their version of the dressing offers a Mediterranean flair, combining fresh herbs, tangy vinegar, and lemon juice.

Ingredients

Dijon mustard, Olive Oil, Grapeseed oil, Vinegar, Lemon, Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Garlic Clove, Black Pepper, Honey, Chili flakes, and Oregano.

Use Dijon mustard; it adds a tangy flavour to the Italian salad dressing. Hot dog mustard sauce will not create the savouriness of Dijon mustard. You can use white vinegar or apple cider vinegar for this recipe. Lemon or lime juice will both work for this dressing. Onion powder and garlic powder add an extra layer of flavour, whereas honey adds sweetness. Oregano and black pepper add a subtle peppery flavour. Chili flakes add a slight heat.

This recipe uses a combination of two oils: olive and grapeseed. You can use either one in place of the other or a mixture of the two oils. Extra-virgin olive oil has a pungent flavor that detracts from the taste of the spices and other ingredients in the salad. In contrast, grapeseed oil has a neutral flavor, allowing the herbs, vinegar, and Dijon mustard to become the key notes of the salad dressing. Using a combination of the two oils will give this salad dressing a light fruitiness from the extra-virgin olive oil without adding too much of that peppery flavor. Store-bought Italian salad dressings typically use canola, sunflower, or palm oil.

Instructions

Squeeze the lemon juice. Finely chop the garlic cloves. Add the spices to a bowl and mix. Taste the flavours. Adjust by adding more honey, lemon, or vinegar to the bowl until you reach the desired level of tartness. You can also add grated parmesan cheese for added flavour.

How to Store Italian Salad Dressing?

Store in the fridge for five to seven days. If you omit the fresh garlic clove, this recipe will last for two weeks in the refrigerator. If you like that garlicky flavour, add 1/2 teaspoon more of garlic powder.

What to Serve the Italian Salad dressing on?

There is a wide range of dishes this Italian salad dressing can be paired with, such as a topping for Roast vegetables and Roast potatoes. Add it to a Green salad or an Easy pasta salad.