Basic Italian Vinaigrette Dressing

Simple and so delicious, this basic Italian vinaigrette will be a new staple recipe. It’s made with ingredients already in your pantry and comes together in less than 5 minutes!

You know how there’s things you know you should be doing but you just aren’t? For years making my own salad dressing was one of those things.

I know, it sounds silly coming from the person who makes everything from water kefir to nut butter.

Well, I finally had enough of buying expensive dressings (or cheap ones filled with seed oils). I quickly learned that making my own Italian vinaigrette took about the same amount of time as grabbing one off the grocery store shelf!

Why You’ll Love Basic Italian Vinaigrette

Quick & easy – It takes less than 5 minutes to make!

Delicious dressing – Italian vinaigrette is one of the most popular dressings for good reason!

Simple ingredients – With only a few ingredients you already have in your pantry, none of us have any excuse not to make it.

Complex flavor – The variety of spices perfectly flavor the oil and vinegar-based dressing.

Customizable – Out of one of the spices or want to mix things up? This recipe is delicious just like it’s written, but it’s also fun to experiment with!

How to Store Basic Italian Vinaigrette

Since this recipe only calls for shelf-stable ingredients, you can store it at room temperature for up to a month. There is no need to refrigerate it unless you add an ingredient that is not shelf-stable (such as lemon juice or fresh garlic).

Customization Ideas

Basic Italian vinaigrette is my go-to salad dressing recipe, and I don’t usually mix things up. However, if you want to get creative, try some of these flavor ideas or make your own!

• Honey – Add up to a few tablespoons of honey for sweetness and rich flavor.
• Dijon mustard – Start with a 1/2 tablespoon and add more if you like.
• Use fresh garlic – I use garlic powder to keep this recipe super simple, but fresh is always better! 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.
• Add cheese – Grated parmesan cheese makes almost any Italian food even better!

Tools You May Need

Measuring cups and spoons

Pint mason jar

Mason jar pouring cap – Not 100% necessary, but this lid makes pouring salad dressing from a jar a breeze!

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Ingredients for Basic Italian Vinaigrette

Olive oil – Extra virgin olive oil is the highest quality and least processed type of olive oil. It also retains it’s flavor better than more processed oil.

Apple cider vinegar – You can substitute red wine vinegar or balsamic vinegar if you prefer.

Spices – Since the spices give this vinaigrette it’s delicious flavor, make sure to use high quality spices without additives. Mountain Rose Herbs is my favorite affordable source for organic, premium spices.

Salt – Sea salt or Himalayan

How to Make Basic Italian Vinaigrette

First, pour the oil and vinegar into a pint mason jar.

Then, add the spices, salt, and pepper. Feel free to add slightly more or less of certain spices depending on your taste preferences.

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 drizzling over salad.

Serve immediately over a fresh salad or store at room temperature for up to a month.

If you try this recipe, let me know in the comments! Tag me on Instagram @violet_rightathome

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