Italian Vinaigrette Homemade Dressing

This Homemade Italian Vinaigrette Dressing is the best, classic combination of simple ingredients. Grab your extra virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar, lemon juice, and a few spices for this quick dressing you can drizzle on just about anything.

Key Dressing Ingredients

• White or Red Wine Vinegar
• Olive Oil (Extra virgin Olive Oil)
• Dried Basil
• Dried Oregano
• Garlic Powder
• Onion Powder
• Crushed Red Pepper Flakes
• Lemon Juice
• Sweetener or Sugar
• Salt and Pepper

What Type of Oil to Use

I recommend extra virgin olive oil for this recipe. Extra-virgin olive oil is made from pure, cold-pressed olives. Regular olive oil is a blend, including both cold-pressed and processed oils. Extra virgin olive oil is made by grinding olives into a paste, then pressing them to extract the oil.

There’s no heat involved which is why it’s labeled cold-pressed. This results in a deep green color, a grassy, peppery flavor, and a fruity aroma. This method takes a really long time (it has to be certified), hence the larger price tag for extra virgin.

The general rule of thumb is to use regular (and cheaper) olive oil for everyday cooking needs like sautéing, air frying, etc. Use the extra virgin olive oil, the more expensive good stuff, (this is what is meant when the term “good olive oil” is used) for things like salads, dips, sauces, etc. You can taste more of the quality flavor when it’s used in an uncooked dish.

What Type of Vinegar to Use

Red wine vinegar is typically used in Italian dressing. During testing, I found white vinegar also works well with subtle differences between the two. Using red wine vinegar gave the dressing a little more of a kick and bite. It’s really subtle and I doubt most people will notice.

How to Make Italian Vinaigrette Homemade Dressing

Detailed measurements and full instructions can be found in the recipe card at the bottom of this post.

1. Combine olive oil, vinegar, lemon juice, basil, oregano, sweetener, onion powder garlic powder, red pepper flakes, salt and pepper to taste in a cup or bowl.
2. Stir and serve.

How to Store the Dressing/How Long it Will Last in the Fridge

Store the dressing tightly sealed and covered in the fridge. It will last up to a week.

What to Pair with the Dressing

Bow Tie Pasta Salad with Italian Dressing
Southwest Salad
Healthy Breakfast Salad
Green Goddess Cobb Salad
Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad
Broccoli Salad with Bacon and Cheese
Roasted Brussel Sprouts with Garlic

More Salad Dressing Recipes

Southwest Salad Dressing
Sugar Free Ranch Dressing
Mango Habanero Sauce
Honey Lime Dressing
Mango Salad Dressing (Fresh or Frozen Fruit)
Creamy Dill Sauce