With a classic bright herbal flavor, this easy Italian vinaigrette is delicious on salads, sandwiches, and more. Made with simple, shelf-stable ingredients, this dressing will be a new pantry staple!
Quick Look at the Recipe
- 🍽️ Flavor: Rich herbal flavor with a slight tang
- ⏱️ Prep Time: 2 minutes
- 👥 Yield: 1 pint
- 🥣 Main Ingredients: Olive oil, apple cider vinegar, dried herbs
- 📖 Dietary Info: Gluten-free, dairy-free, egg-free, refined sugar-free, vegan, Whole30, paleo, keto
- 👩🍳 Tip: This dressing is flavored with dried herbs and spices so it can be stored at room temperature.
It Took Me Long Enough
You know how there are things you know you should be doing… but just don’t? For years, making my own salad dressing was one of those things. I know, funny coming from someone who makes everything from water kefir to cashew butter.
When I finally got tired of buying expensive dressings (or cheap ones full of seed oils), I realized homemade Italian vinaigrette takes about the same time as grabbing a bottle off the shelf. Now it’s one of my favorite pantry staples! It’s delicious on salads and so many other dishes, and I love feeling good what I’m serving my family.
What Makes this Homemade Dressing Special?
- Made with shelf-stable ingredients so you don’t have to deal with olive oil firming up in the fridge.
- Classic rich herbal flavor with a subtle vinegar tang.
- Quick and easy dressing that’s ready in minutes.
Ingredients
Tools Needed
Step-By-Step Instructions
Step 1: First, pour the oil and vinegar into a pint mason jar.
Step 2: Then, add the spices, salt, and pepper.
Chef’s tip: I always recommend making a recipe exactly as written the first time. After that, feel free to adjust the spices to suit your taste and make it your own.
Step 3: Screw the lid onto the jar and shake to combine. The ingredients will separate again quickly, so you will have to shake the jar each time before using.
Step 4: Serve immediately over a fresh salad or store at room temperature for up to a month.
If you’re looking for more homemade condiment recipes, check out my yogurt lime crema and easy dill sauce!
Customization Ideas
This simple Italian vinaigrette can easily be customized to your specific taste preferences.
Add cheese – Grated parmesan cheese makes almost any Italian food better!
Honey – Add up to a few teaspoons of honey for sweetness and rich flavor.
Dijon mustard – Start with a 1 teaspoon and add more if you like.
Use fresh garlic – I use garlic powder to keep this recipe shelf stable, but fresh is always more flavorful! Use 1-2 cloves.
Change up the spices – This recipe works well with so many savory spices, so feel free to change things up!
Swap the vinegar – Apple cider vinegar is my favorite, but red wine vinegar and balsamic vinegar are also wonderful choices. I don’t recommend white vinegar.
Substitute lemon juice for some of the vinegar – For a slightly brighter flavor, substitute a few tablespoons of the vinegar for lemon juice.
Violet’s Tips for Serving
Italian dressing isn’t just for salads! Try it on a wrap, as a meat marinade, or use it to flavor roasted veggies. The options are endless!
FAQs
Because this Italian vinaigrette is made with shelf-stable ingredients, it can be stored at room temperature for up to a month. There’s no need to refrigerate it unless you add something perishable, like fresh lemon juice or minced garlic.
Yes! Fresh herbs add bright flavor but will shorten the shelf life. If using fresh herbs, store the dressing in the refrigerator and use within one week.
Yes, homemade Italian vinaigrette made with olive oil and simple ingredients is packed with good fats and other nutrients.
If you try this recipe, let me know in the comments! Tag me on Instagram @violet_rightathome
2-Minute Italian Vinaigrette Dressing with Dried Herbs
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups olive oil
- 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
- 2 teaspoons dried basil
- 2 teaspoons dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- 1 teaspoon dried sage
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/8 teaspoon pepper
Instructions
- Pour the oil and vinegar into a pint mason jar.1 1/2 cups olive oil, 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
- Add the spices, salt, and pepper.2 teaspoons dried basil, 2 teaspoons dried oregano, 1 teaspoon dried parsley, 1 teaspoon dried sage, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon onion powder, 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes, 1/4 teaspoon salt, 1/8 teaspoon pepper
- Screw the lid onto the jar and shake to combine.
- Serve immediately or store at room temperature for up to a month.
Nutrition
If you tried this homemade dressing, I’d love to hear how it turned out for you! Please make sure to come back and leave a comment and a ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ rating.
This easy recipe is my go-to salad dressing! I try to always keep it on hand, but if I run out it only takes a few minutes to make more.