Tangy, garlicky, and herbaceous, this creamy homemade Italian dressing recipe is the perfect accompaniment to any salad!

I’m a big believer in making your own salad dressing, and this Italian dressing is exactly why. It’s made with fresh herbs for the best possible flavor, and it can be tweaked in endless ways to put your own spin on it. This Italian dressing is zesty, savory, and it adds some Italian flair to any meal. You’ll never buy it from the grocery store again!

Why You’ll Love This Italian Dressing Recipe

Creamy. This Italian dressing recipe is made with mayo, giving it a creamy consistency and a little more richness than your typical Italian vinaigrette.
Versatile. It’s not just for salads! I love using this Italian dressing recipe as a marinade too.
Easy to make. The ingredients for this recipe are kitchen staples that you likely have on hand, and making it is just a matter of whisking everything together. Simple!

Overhead view of ingredients for Italian dressing

What You’ll Need

Scroll down to the recipe card to find the ingredient quantities and recipe instructions.

Olive oil
White wine vinegar
Lemon juice
Garlic – There’s a lot of garlic in here, but the acid from the vinegar and lemon helps mellow its flavor.
Herbs and seasonings – Fresh parsley, fresh basil, and fresh oregano, along with kosher salt and pepper.
Mayonnaise – This recipe uses mayonnaise for a creamier texture, but you can omit it if you prefer.

Overhead view of ingredients for Italian dressing in jar — Add the ingredients to a bowl.

Overhead view of Italian dressing in jar — Add the ingredients to a bowl.

How to Make Italian Dressing

Combine. Add all the ingredients to a bowl or liquid measuring cup.
Whisk. Use a whisk to emulsify the dressing and serve.

Ways to Use Italian Dressing

Marinade for chicken. Use this dressing as a marinade for chicken breasts or thighs before grilling or baking.
Pasta salad. Toss cooked pasta with Italian dressing, grape tomatoes, olives, fresh mozzarella, and basil. Use this orzo pasta salad as inspiration!
Roasted vegetables. Toss the dressing with zucchini, bell peppers, red onion, or other vegetables before roasting.
Bean salad. Add the dressing to rinsed and drained canned white beans, grape tomatoes, and fresh basil.

How to Store

Store Italian dressing in an airtight container or jar in the refrigerator for up to one week. Shake or whisk it well before serving.

More Dressing Recipes

Pouring Italian dressing onto bowl of greens

Prep: 3

Total: 3

Ingredients

⅓ cup olive oil
2 tablespoons white wine vinegar
1 tablespoon lemon juice
3 cloves garlic minced
3 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
3 tablespoons chopped fresh basil
1 tablespoon chopped fresh oregano
1 teaspoon kosher salt
½ teaspoon pepper
⅓ cup mayonnaise

Instructions

Whisk together the olive oil, white wine vinegar, lemon juice, garlic, parsley, basil, oregano, salt, pepper, and mayo until smooth.

Nutrition

cuisine: Italian