Homemade Italian Dressing You’ll Want to Put on Everything

There’s something about a really good homemade dressing that instantly elevates any dish—and this Homemade Italian Dressing is one you’ll want to keep on hand all summer long. It’s bright, zesty, and full of flavor, made with simple ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen.

This isn’t your average bottled dressing. It starts with high-quality olive oil, white wine vinegar, and fresh lemon juice for the perfect balance of richness and acidity. A spoonful of Dijon mustard and a drizzle of honey add just the right touch of sweetness and body, while a pinch of Italian seasoning and fresh chopped parsley bring the herbaceous flavor you expect in a classic Italian vinaigrette.

But what really sets this dressing apart is the Parmesan cheese—finely grated and whisked right in for a salty, savory depth that coats greens and veggies beautifully. A little minced garlic adds a bold punch, and if you like things with a touch of heat, a pinch of red pepper flakes takes it up a notch.

Ways to Use It:

This dressing is as versatile as it is flavorful. Toss it with your favorite salad greens, drizzle it over grilled vegetables, use it as a marinade for chicken or shrimp, or mix it into a pasta salad (like my Summer Italian Pasta Salad). You can even spoon it over tomatoes and mozzarella for a quick Caprese-style side.

Make-Ahead Friendly:

The best part? It takes just a few minutes to shake or whisk together and can be stored in the fridge for up to five days. Just give it a good stir or shake before using, and you’re good to go.

Once you try this dressing, you’ll never want to go back to store-bought.

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Homemade Italian Dressing

Bright, tangy, and full of flavor, this Italian dressing is made with simple pantry staples and fresh herbs. It’s the perfect complement to pasta salads, leafy greens, grilled vegetables, or as a marinade for chicken.
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Ingredients
 

  • 6 tablespoons high-quality olive oil
  • 3 tablespoons white wine vinegar
  • 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 3 tablespoons finely chopped fresh parsley
  • 1 teaspoon honey
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1 garlic clove, minced
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • Pinch of sea salt
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • ¼ cup finely grated Parmesan cheese
  • ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes, optional, for a little heat

Instructions
 

  • In a medium bowl or jar, whisk together all ingredients until well combined and emulsified.
  • Taste and adjust seasoning as needed—add more salt, pepper, or lemon juice to balance the flavor.
  • Use immediately or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Shake or whisk again before using.
Author: Maria Provenzano