Best 2 Fresh Italian Dressing Recipes

**Fresh Italian Dressing: A Burst of Flavor for Your Salads and Beyond**

Homemade salad dressings offer a world of flavors, freshness, and customization compared to store-bought options. Our collection of fresh Italian dressing recipes takes this culinary exploration to new heights. From the classic vinaigrette to creamy Caesar and tangy lemon-herb dressing, these recipes cater to diverse tastes and preferences. Dive into the vibrant world of homemade dressings and elevate your salads, grilled meats, and even sandwiches to a whole new level of deliciousness. With a few simple ingredients and minimal effort, you'll have dressings that are not only bursting with flavor but also healthier and more versatile than store-bought varieties. Get ready to transform your meals with the delightful freshness of homemade Italian dressings!

**Recipes included:**

* Classic Italian Vinaigrette: A timeless recipe that strikes a perfect balance between tangy and savory. This versatile dressing complements a wide range of salads, from simple greens to hearty grain bowls.

* Creamy Caesar Dressing: Indulge in the rich and creamy texture of this iconic dressing. Made with Parmesan cheese, anchovies, and a hint of garlic, it's the perfect match for crisp Romaine lettuce and croutons.

* Lemon-Herb Dressing: Brighten up your salads with this zesty and aromatic dressing. Fresh lemon juice, herbs like basil or oregano, and a touch of honey create a refreshing and flavorful combination.

* Balsamic Vinaigrette: Experience the depth of flavor in this dressing made with balsamic vinegar, olive oil, and a touch of Dijon mustard. Its slightly sweet and tangy notes pair well with roasted vegetables, grilled meats, and fresh fruit salads.

* Red Wine Vinaigrette: Elevate your salads with the sophisticated flavors of red wine vinegar, olive oil, and a touch of honey. This dressing adds a subtle fruity and savory dimension to your favorite greens.

Check out the recipes below so you can choose the best recipe for yourself!

FRESH ITALIAN HERB DRESSING

Fresh Italian Herb Dressing image

I started with a recipe from Martha Stewart Living magazine, then added more herbs, vidalia onion, and Parmesan cheese. This is wonderful!

Provided by Sharon123

Categories Salad Dressings

Time 15m

Yield 1 1/2 Cups, 12 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 18

Ingredients

2 small garlic cloves, pressed
2 teaspoons sugar
2 teaspoons dry mustard
1 tablespoon vidalia onion, grated (or red onion)
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon coarse black pepper
1/4-1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (to taste)
1/8 cup red wine vinegar
1/8 cup balsamic vinegar
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
1/2 cup sunflower oil or 1/2 cup canola oil
1/4 cup fresh basil, finely chopped
2 teaspoons fresh marjoram, finely chopped
1 teaspoon fresh oregano, finely chopped
1 teaspoon fresh parsley, finely chopped
1 teaspoon celery seed
1 teaspoon parmesan cheese (optional)

Steps:

Whisk garlic, sugar, mustard, grated onion, salt and pepper, red pepper flakes, vinegars, and lemon juice in a medium bowl.
Whisk together oils; add to vinegar mixture in a slow, steady stream, whisking until emulsified.
Whisk in herbs, celery seeds, and Parmesan cheese.
season with extra salt and pepper.
Refrigerate in an airtight container up to 1 week. Enjoy!

FRESH ITALIAN DRESSING

Fresh Italian Dressing image

Italian dressing is adaptable; try it with sweet lettuces, such as Bibb, and bitter chicories, such as radicchio. Key ingredients include olive oil, vinegar, and herbs.

Provided by Martha Stewart

Categories Food & Cooking Healthy Recipes Gluten-Free Recipes

Yield Makes 1 1/3 cups

Number Of Ingredients 11

Ingredients

2 small garlic cloves, pressed through a garlic press
2 teaspoons sugar
2 teaspoons dried mustard
Coarse salt and freshly ground pepper
1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
1/2 cup canola oil
1/4 cup finely chopped fresh basil
2 teaspoons finely chopped fresh marjoram
1 teaspoon finely chopped fresh oregano

Steps:

Whisk garlic, sugar, mustard, 1 1/2 teaspoons salt, 1/2 teaspoon pepper, the red pepper flakes, and vinegar in a medium bowl. Whisk together oils; add to vinegar mixture in a slow, steady stream, whisking until emulsified. Whisk in herbs; season with salt and pepper. Refrigerate in an airtight container up to 1 week.

Tips:

Use fresh herbs: Fresh herbs like basil, oregano, and thyme add a burst of flavor to Italian dressing. If you don't have fresh herbs on hand, you can use dried herbs, but reduce the amount by half.
Choose a good quality olive oil: The olive oil is the base of the dressing, so it's important to choose a good quality oil. Look for an extra virgin olive oil that has a fruity, peppery flavor.
Use a variety of vinegars: You can use red wine vinegar, white wine vinegar, or balsamic vinegar in Italian dressing. Each type of vinegar will give the dressing a different flavor profile.
Add a touch of sweetness: A little bit of honey or sugar can help to balance out the acidity of the vinegar. You can also use fruit, such as berries or citrus fruits, to add sweetness.
Season to taste: Be sure to taste the dressing before serving and adjust the seasonings as needed. You may want to add more salt, pepper, or herbs.

Conclusion:

Italian dressing is a versatile dressing that can be used on salads, pasta, and grilled vegetables. It's also a great marinade for chicken, fish, and tofu. With a few simple ingredients, you can make a delicious Italian dressing that will add flavor to any dish.