Homemade Italian Dressing (VIDEO)
Homemade Italian Dressing is so much better than storebought because you can add the best quality ingredients like high-quality olive oil and parmesan cheese. This zesty Italian Dressing Recipe tastes fantastic and keeps really well in the refrigerator.
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Ingredients for Italian Dressing:
The ingredients for homemade Italian Dressing are pantry and refrigerator staples that we always have on hand to quickly whip up a batch. The addition of parmesan and mayo add a creamy element to this Italian dressing.
I love to make and serve it right out of the mason jar so you can quickly re-shake it before serving and easily store the leftover dressing in the refrigerator. This is so good over a fresh green salad, Italian Pasta Salad or any recipe that calls for Italian Dressing.
Watch How to Make Italian Dressing Video:
I hope this Creamy Italian Dressing makes you fall in love with salad. If you enjoyed this video, please subscribe to our Youtube Channel and don’t forget to click the bell icon so you get a notification when we post a new video.
Which Oil Should I Use?
Store-bought dressings almost always use cheap, poor quality oils because they are cost-effective. With homemade Italian dressing, you control what goes in it. We love using extra virgin olive oil because it adds another layer of flavor. You just have to smell a bottle of extra virgin olive oil when you open it to know it will be a great choice. You can also use mild-flavored oils like regular olive oil, extra light olive oil, vegetable oil, or canola oil.
The Best Vinegar for Italian Dressing:
the most commonly used vinegar is white wine vinegar. It is less acidic than plain distilled white vinegar and has a deeper flavor because it is a vinegar made from white wine, which makes it perfect for making salad dressings. We did a test with distilled white vinegar and in a pinch, you can still use it to make homemade Italian dressing. If using distilled vinegar, you might add a little less, or just add it to taste.
Can I Omit the Sugar?
The sugar in Italian dressing doesn’t make the dressing sweet, but it balances the acidity of the vinegar but you can add the sugar to taste. If you are looking for a natural alternative, you can substitute the sugar for 1 tsp honey.
Why Did My Dressing Firm Up?
It is normal for a homemade dressing to solidify or firm up when refrigerated. Store-bought dressings add emulsifiers to prevent that but it’s an easy fix. If your dressing firms up with refrigeration, let it sit at room temperature 30 minutes before serving then shake vigorously to re-blend before serving.
Cook’s tip: Remove dressing from the refrigerator before you start making your salad so it is ready to use when you are done prepping your salad.
More Homemade Dressings and Sauces:
These homemade dressing recipes prove that making your own is best! Check out all of our condiment recipes here.
- Creamy Caesar Dressing
- Avocado Ranch Dressing
- Tzatziki Sauce
- Homemade Marinara Sauce
- Basil Pesto Sauce
- Chimichurri Sauce
Italian Dressing
Ingredients
- ½ cup extra virgin olive oil
- 3 Tbsp white wine vinegar
- 1/4 cup Parmesan Cheese, finely grated
- 1 Tbsp mayonnaise
- 1 tsp granulated sugar
- 1 garlic clove, finely grated or pressed
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp dried parsley
- 1/2 tsp dried basil
- 1/2 tsp fine sea salt, or more to taste
- 1/2 tsp black pepper, or to taste
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients in a mason jar, cover tightly with lid and shake until well combined and emulsified.* Add more salt to taste if desired. Use right away or refrigerate up to 2 weeks.
Notes
Nutrition Per Serving
If you make this recipe, I’d love to see pics of your creations on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter! Hashtag them #natashaskitchen
Natasha Kravchuk
Hi! I'm Natasha Kravchuk. Here you'll find delicious, trusted recipes with easy step-by-step photos and videos. 
This is hands down the best tasting dressing ever created in the history of the universe.
Thank you for your great feedback, we appreciate it!
This recipe is absolutely delicious! I have been searching for a recipe like this for years and am so happy I found this one! It is a keeper! Thank you!
I’m so glad that you tried our Italian Dressing recipe and loved it!
Very good recipe. Great on salad and chicken breasts. Thank you
You’re welcome! I’m so happy you enjoyed it, Mike!
This recipe is so easy and tastes so much better than bottled dressing. I did opt to leave out the mayonnaise due to some allergies, but it was still fantastic!
Love your recipes. Always tasty, easy to prepare and never fails. Thank you
I’m so glad you’re enjoying my recipes!
First rate recipe. I used olive oil mayo instead of regular mayo with excellent result. Used the dressing to make a chicken, whole wheat pasta, and tomato dish. Delicious! Thank you so much. Quick and easy.
Nice to know that it worked! Thanks so much for this review and for sharing.
Hi Natasha! I’ve been following you and cooking your recipes for a while and I have nothing but thank you to say! This Italian dressing is a favorite in my home and for those who are looking for mayo substitution, I do it with plain Greek yogurt. Delicious!
That’s just awesome! Thank you for sharing your wonderful review, Viviane!
Delicious! Perfect for a keto lifestyle! My husband liked it so much he asked me to make more. Didn’t have Parmesan so I used Romano.
Hi Lora! Thanks for sharing your experience with the recipe!
I just made this, and it was fabulous! I used red wine vinegar because I didn’t have white wine vinegar and substituted stevia for sugar. I’m keeping this recipe. Thank you!
Hi Allyson! That’s great. Thank you for sharing that with us!
Hello ,
What would you substitute the mayo for those who have an egg allergy?
Hi Stephanie, I have not tested this without Mayo to know how the end result would be. You may need to add more oil. If you experiment with it, please let us know how it turns out.
Great combination of flavors, and made with ingredients I always have on hand. Easily doubled. This is definitely a “keeper.”
Hi Rosemary, thank you for your review. We’re happy to know tha tyou liked our recipe!
Don’t tell my Italian grandma, but this dressing is better than hers. So long old family recipe, hello to Natasha’s easy and delicious recipe. Soooo good. Can I rate it a 10?
Haha! That’s amazing! Thanks so much for the feedback.
Made this delicious dressing today. OMG so good and easy. I used fresh herbs because I have them in my garden. This is a keeper! Thanks
You’re so welcome, Dorothy. So glad that you love it!
Absolutely delicious! Tripled the recipe and served it at a gathering of 25 people. Heard nothing but rave reviews! It’s a keeper!
We’re so glad that you enjoyed it, Kathy!
Had to sub dried chives for dried parsley—still 5 star delicious!
Thanks for sharing and for thie wonderful review!
I made this dressing to go on a pasta salad I created and I was so pleased with how it turned out!
That’s great, Jan! So glad you loved it.
Finally found a fabulous Italian dressing recipe. Make this tonight for a fresh pasta salad… it was just fantastic. Thanks so much!
Hi Brenda! I’m so glad you found this recipe! Thank you for the review.
Hi Natasha, I have been following your cooking for so long now. amazing recipes.
Ques: Can I sub White wine vinegar with Apple cider or regular white vinegar?
and how about leaving the Mayo out?
Thanks in advance
Hi Manmeet! See my notes above “The Best Vinegar for Italian Dressing.”
I have not tested this without Mayo to know how the end result would be. You may need to add more oil. If you experiment with it, please let us know how it turns out.
Thank you so much, Natasha for prompt reply, appreciate it 🙂
You’re welcome!
Just made this dressing and it’s just delicious! And so easy to make. It never lasts a week in our house.
That’s great, Gail! I’m so glad it was a hit.
My earlier comment seems to have disappeared. The question was about using fresh basil and oregano. Is this okay, and if so, how much should I use?
Hi Joan, someone else shared that they used fresh basil and loved it. But I haven’t tried those substitutions, so I can’t speak to that. Substitutions may hinder the recipe outcome. I always suggest making a recipe as written the first time around.
I just made this for a pasta salad that I am making for dinner. I tasted it right after I made it and it is delicious! I am waiting to assemble my salad until the dressing ingredients have a chance to mingle. Thank you for another great recipe!
Hi Terry! That’s wonderful. You’re very welcome. I’m glad you enjoyed the recipe!
The recipe looks delish. Thank you for providing the nutrition facts at the bottom of the recipe.
Could you please tell me what the serving size is, though, because it’s missing from the nutrition facts. Thank you!
You’re welcome, Mimi. The serving size for this whole recipe is for 8 people. I would divide this into 8 to get the most accurate per serving size.
Flavorful, easy, and no unhealthy oils like commercial salad dressings.
Hi Vicki! I’m glad you love the recipe. Thank you for sharing.
As always from you, wonderful. Anytime I see a recipe and your name together, I know it’s going to be so, so good. You definitely know how to work flavors and textures.
Thank you for your love and support. I hope you’ll love all the recipes that you will try!
Love this recipe! It has become a standard in my kitchen. I marinate diced chicken breasts in it and then brown the chicken in a skillet. My whole family snacks on them while I saute them.
Nice one, Tricia. Happy to know that you use and love this recipe a lot!
I just don’t get this recipe…Needs to have measurements to make it a bucket at a time, for sure…! 🙂 Just perfect!! Thanks
No more store bought Italian dressing, this is THE BEST!!! It is perfect for pasta salad.
Thank you Natasha!
Thank you for this wonderful review!
Yummy! Made this for a party and it was a big hit. It’s a keeper! I subbed in fresh basil.
Great to hear! I hope you’ll love all the recipes that you will try.
Perfect with spaghetti squash….used fresh basil… delish!
So sorry for spelling your name wrong when I gave my review and comments about your recipe ! Again great recipe!!!!❤️
No problem at all, Tara. Thank you for your review!
What is the serving saline and how many servings in this recipe ?
Hi Tara, serving size: 8 people.
Hello Natalie!
I came across your recipes this evening as I was looking for an Italian dressing recipe for my pasta salad I made yesterday but I was out of Italian dressing . I had all ingredient suggestions on hand except I substituted canola oil for olive oil and used distilled white vinegar for the red wine vinegar. I also added some Mrs. Dash Extra Spicy salt substitute and used Lawry Seasoned salt for the sea salt ! I was amazed at how good this dressing was and will not have to buy store bought again ! Thank you for the recipe !😊
You’re welcome, happy to hear that you liked this recipe a lot!
Just wanted to say that I love all your recipes. Thank You
and keep them coming
Aww, thank you, Beverly! Will do!
Made this for our vegetable salad tonight. It’s a winner! Delicious taste!
So glad you enjoyed this dressing!
This is absolutely delicious and so easy to make! I used it as a marinade for pork tenderloin, but kept some back for salads after tasting it. Love it!
So glad to hear that, Kristin!
This was excellent! I always wondered how to get a creamy consistency, and the mayo was the key! It emulsified the mixture really well. I used garlic powder instead of the clove since it was easier haha. I also omitted the sugar. Other than that I followed the recipe and it was amazing.
Great to hear that you enjoyed the dressing!
Oh my goodness, this was soooo much tastier than the store bought kind, which used to be my favorite dressing. Thanks for sharing this!
You’re welcome, glad you think so!
This has become my “go to” salad dressing. It is so easy and delicous. When my growns kids come home, they always request it. Thank you for this amazing recipe!
Yay, that’s great! Thanks for sharing your good comments with us.
Can I would use this dressing as a marinade for my antipasto skewers or will it solidify? They need to marinade in the dressing overnight.
Hi Linda, I haven’t tried it, but one of my readers mentioned this made a great chicken marinade!
I made this today with fancy infused olive oil and raspberry balsamic vinegar I received as a gift and it is delicious. Quick and easy
That’s just awesome! Thank you for sharing your wonderful review, Terry!
Oh my Natasha! This was absolutely the most delicious salad dressing recipe that I have ever made! Thank you so much for your wonderful recipes!! Also, I always enjoy your videos! They are so much fun to watch!
You’re very welcome! We’re so glad that you’re enjoying our recipes, Malinda. Thank you for your wonderful comments!
I absolutely LOVE this dressing!
Make it all the time and agree with someone’s comment that its drinkable!
I’m so happy you enjoyed that. Thank you for sharing that with us, Crystal!
Really great dressing! Entire family lives it! Used it for the pasta salad tomorrow.
So glad to hear that, Michelle! Thank you for sharing.
Wonderful! Tastes great.
So sick of the “sea salt” thing.
Salt is salt. Salt from salt mines was deposited millions of years ago from ancient…….. seas.
Yeah, great grandma was using sea salt. Actually pretty hard to find salt that wasn’t sea salt.
I will NEVER buy store bought Italian dressing again!!!! So fresh, simple, and flavorful!!!!
We love it! I’m glad you do too! 🙂
My decade long search for the perfect Italian Dressing ends here! Thank you so much, Natasha! As usual, your recipes are amazing! This is “drinkable” 😜😜
That’s so great, Sandy! I’m happy you found this recipe. Thank you.
Can I use apple cider vinegar instead? I rarely buy white wine vinegar. Will it be too sour for the dressing?
Hi Jaye! I haven’t tried that but I saw someone else comment this “I made this batch using apple cider vinegar and half olive oil, half avocado oil, and absolutely loved it! Thank you!” I hope that helps.
I wanted to show my 11 year old how much better, and how easy it was to make your own salad dressing. I found yours and put her to work. After pouring it on the salad, she and her big sister ended up mopping up the leftover dressing with salami! Best Italian dressing I’ve ever had and you’ve definitely convinced my kids that homemade beats store-bought!
I’m so glad you loved this recipe! Thank you for sharing, Rebecca!
Wonderful dressing and especially good on your pasta salad recipe. Thank you for another great recipe!
You’re welcome! I’m so happy you enjoyed it, Cheryl!
Natasha, Is the EXACT white wine vinegar the one with AGED in the name? Colavita Aged White Wine Vinegar – Is that it? Thanks! Second time asking..want to make sure I get the exact one you use. Thank you! Going to make this for a birthday celebration so gathering the ingredients.
Hi Kathy, the white wine vinegar linked to the recipe is the one we used, this one HERE. See the section titled: The Best Vinegar for Italian Dressing: in the recipe for more notes on that! I hope you love this recipe!
Awesome dressing! Never store bought again! Thank you for sharing!
You’re welcome! Thank you for the review, I’m happy you loved this dressing. 🙂
I do not have any Mayo. Can I substitute something else for it?
Thank you!
I haven’t tried anything else but the next best thing would probably be plain yogurt. You could also try leaving it out.
Hello Michelle!
I used Miracle Whip Lite for when I made the recipe tonight because I am not a mayonnaise person. But I would think you’ could use plain or Greek yogurt just the same way ! I loved the recipe!!!!❤️
Thanks for sharing!
Love this – I made it to use on pasta salad and it’s perfect. So glad I used this instead of store-bought Italian dressing. It was super quick to whisk together. I didn’t have sugar, but substituted some honey. Made for a really lovely, light Summer dish. Thank you!
It truly is perfect for an nice summer dish! I’m so glad you loved it, Patricia!
I would love to try your recipe but there is an ad covering part of it that I cannot remove. Thanks any way.
The same here. I don’t see the video. Love Natasha and her recipes but it is so hard to find video recipes. Is it possible to have them on the top of the post?
Thank you!
Hi Ksenia, thank you for that suggestion! I have the video right underneath the ingredients photo towards the top of the page.
Would it be ok to substitute yeast flakes for the Parmesan & fresh herbs for the dried ones?
Hi Lin, I haven’t tried those substitutions, so I can’t speak to that. Substitutions may hinder the recipe outcome. I always suggest making a recipe as written the first time around.
I’ve made a lot of dressing recipes over the years but this recipe is it!! Creamy Italian is not usually my first pick, but that tablespoon of mayo makes ALL the difference in flavor and consistency! I’ve already printed the recipe and will definitely make it again. Never going back to those store seasoning packets again!!
That’s wonderful! So glad you enjoy it.
Delicious dressing made it for pasta salad. Will definitely be making again.
Great to hear that you enjoyed it, Pam!
I’m going to make this. I don’t like bought dressings. I love all your recipes.
I hope you love this dressing, Barbara!
Natasha the best dressing I’ve made in a long time..It’s drinkable..lol
It really is that good lol! Thanks for your great feedback, Shannon!
Made this last night for a pasta salad. Super easy and really good. Doubled the recipe and glad I did. Now, I have some for a nice salad tomorrow.
I’m happy to hear you enjoy this recipe, Angela. Thank you!
Just made this delicious dressing for my pasta salad! Wonderful!
That’s just awesome! Thank you for sharing your wonderful review, Ellen! I’m glad you loved it!
This italian pasta salad is delicious 😋 thank you so much for giving your recipes. Kip up the good work.
You’re welcome! I’m so happy you enjoyed it, Lilia!
The dressing is delicious, today I served a salad with this dressing, everyone was delighted, thank you!
I’m so glad you enjoyed it, Wanda! Thank you so much for sharing that with me!
Where can i buy your salad dressing mason jar?
Also, how many ounces does it hold?
Hi Helen, I was re-purposing my old 13 oz jar from Bonne Maman preserves that I purchased at the grocery store.
This has become my go-to dressing… everyone loves it! Made it many times with different variations including Red Wine Vinegar (so good!) This last time, I omitted the cheese and subbed Monk Fruit sweetener for the sugar to make it Keto friendly… and it was absolutely delicious!!! Thanks Natasha, you always have the BEST recipes!!
I’m so glad it was a hit, Lisa!
I need to count calories.
But I don’t know what a serving size is, can you tell me please?
Hi Holly, this recipe makes for 8 servings. One serving will be 1/8th of that recipe. The simplest way to do this is to measure the recipe in grams (or ounces) and divide that number by 8 and that is your one serving.
This is the best dressing I have ever made! I’ve made it now at least 6 times this month. Everyone loves it! Thank you so much for sharing this great Italian dressing recipe!
Wow, looks like it is now your new favorite dressing recipe! I’m glad you love it.
So delicious. And the best thing is I know exactly what is in it. No additives, no extras. No more store bought Italian Dressing. Trying to limit the addition of those into our diets. THANK YOU.
You’re welcome! I’m so happy you enjoyed it, Mary Jo!
Made it today, followed the instructions perfectly, came out absolutely Outstanding!!! Thank you for the recipe!!
You’re welcome! I’m so happy you enjoyed it, Michael!
I made this Italian Dressing recipe for myself the other day, man it was so good! I have tried many a recipe…..This will be my go to from now on!
Thank you,
you are a joy to watch…….
I have been cooking for 50yrs.
I love to try new recipes!
That’s fantastic, Jacqueline! I’m glad you found your new go-to recipe.
Silly Question but is this real Parmesan cheese or cheese from the can?
I like to use quality parmesan cheese and grate it. 🙂
I’m excited to make this recipe, you motivate me. Thank you
Aww, that’s the best! I hope you love this recipe Liz!
Hi Natasha, I just wanted to let you know that I think your Italian dressing is probably the greatest dressing ever created! It has become my go to dressing for all salads, whether simple greens or more elaborate ones. I have been cooking for many years now and I am so impressed by your range of recipes. Everything that I have made from your website has been fantastic! Keep up the good work!!
I’m so happy this is a keeper, Dona! Thank you so much for sharing that with me!
This dressing is delicious. I always have it in fridge. Thank you for another great recipe!
You’re welcome! I’m so happy you enjoyed it, Jane!
If I could I would give this dressing a 6-star review! I had to make this twice in one day we loved it so much.
Wow, more than perfect! That is so inspiring for me, thanks a lot, Emily!
Delicious! I used a bit of white vinegar at first (didn’t measure, but didn’t want it to be too strong of a vinegar flavour), but it wasn’t enough when I taste tested. Added some rice vinegar and came out perfect! Definitely a keeper.
Love it! Thanks for sharing that with us, I’m happy that you enjoyed this dressing.
Hi! Natasha
Wanted to know if white wine vinegar could be swapped with apple cider vinegar.
Thank you 😊
I haven’t tried that but I saw someone else comment this “I made this batch using apple cider vinegar and half olive oil, half avocado oil, and absolutely loved it! Thank you!” I hope that helps.
Hi Natasha,
I can’t have dairy. Is there anyway that I can make this vinaigrette without the parmesan?
Hi Lynval, it would be more of a vinaigrette without the cheese, but I think it would still work. You may need to adjust the salt to taste as the parmesan adds a little saltiness also.
Hi Natasha,
Great recipe (As your recipes usually are
I think the sodium values in this dressing were a mistake.
This is what I have:
1/4 cup (4Tbsp) Parmesan Cheese, finely grated 90mg/Tbsp 360 mg
1 Tbsp Mayonnaise 88mg/Tbsp 88 mg
3/4 tsp fine Sea Salt 2000mg/tsp 1500 mg
Total 1948 mg
8 Servings 243 mg / per
(62mg/serving????)
That is so odd, I’m not sure why it was displaying that way, I ran it again and it actually comes up with 280 mg per serving. Thanks for catching that!
We were having a couple over for dinner and I wanted a fresh Italian dressing for my tossed green salad. I really dislike the bottled Italian dressings as they are always so bitter. I had all the ingredients including fresh grated Parmesan and garlic. The only thing I did different was add a half of teaspoon more sugar as hubby likes his Italian dressing a little on the sweeter side. It turned out excellent and I did let it sit in the fridge for a couple of hours before tossing. Thank you Natasha for a great keeper recipe.
I’m so happy you found a new keeper, Peg! That’s so great! Thank you for sharing your wonderful review with me!
So very good. I was quite hesitant to add the mayo but do it!
Best to whisk all ingredients together first except the oil. Add oil slowly while whisking for best results…great recipe!
Thanks for sharing that tip.
Great recipe! Tastes just like the Italian vinaigrette at my long time favorite pizza place in New England.
Thank you so much for sharing that with me, Lauren! I’m so glad you enjoyed it!
Made this recipe up to change the pace of the run of the mill ranch. I shouldn’t have waited so long. Delicious.
Great to hear that you enjoyed this recipe, Toby!
Just made this….one word: YUM!!!
I started with one batch and once I tasted it made a double. Thanks for the recipe. I learned a long time ago that once you start making dressing you can never go back to store bought. There is no comparison!
I absolutely agree – fresh and homemade is always best! Thank you for your lovely feedback, Pam!
Hi Natsha, I usually use the jarred minced garlic so would that be like a 1/2 tsp. Of garlic for this dressing?
Hi Judy, fresh is totally best, but that may work here. I found the jarred minced garlic is rather large, so I would get it as fine as you can get it. I hope you love this dressing!
I agree with Sabrina’s post… this dressing is sooooooo good!
Thanks so much, Donna!