Best 2 Homemade Italian Salad Dressing Recipes

Indulge in a symphony of flavors with our delectable homemade Italian salad dressing, a culinary masterpiece that transforms ordinary salads into extraordinary delights. Crafted with the finest ingredients, this dressing captures the vibrant essence of Italy, boasting a harmonious balance of tangy, savory, and aromatic notes. Whether you prefer a classic vinaigrette or a creamy Caesar, our diverse collection of recipes caters to every palate, promising an unforgettable culinary journey. Dive into the vibrant world of Italian salad dressings and elevate your salads to new heights of flavor and sophistication.

Let's cook with our recipes!

HOMEMADE ITALIAN SALAD DRESSING

Homemade Italian Salad Dressing image

Make and share this Homemade Italian Salad Dressing recipe from Food.com.

Provided by Darlene Summers

Categories Salad Dressings

Time 10m

Yield 1 1/3 Cups, 4 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 8

Ingredients

1 cup salad oil
1/3 cup wine vinegar
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon sugar
1/4 teaspoon dried oregano leaves, crushed
1/4 teaspoon dry mustard
1/4 teaspoon paprika
1 garlic clove, minced

Steps:

Combine all ingredients in a jar with a lid; cover and shake to mix thoroughly.
Let stand at least 2 hours to blend seasonings.
Shake well before using.
Wonderful on Italian lettuce salad.

TORTELLINI SALAD WITH HOMEMADE ITALIAN DRESSING

TORTELLINI SALAD with Homemade Italian Dressing image

This is one terrific pasta salad! It consists of cheese filled tortellini, cherry tomatoes, pepperoni, kalamata olives, a little sweet bell pepper and basil, tossed in my super flavorful, tangy, homemade asiago Italian dressing. It's a party in your mouth! This recipe converts, easily, to vegetarian by omitting the pepperoni....

Provided by Tere Gill

Categories Pasta Salads

Time 40m

Number Of Ingredients 28

Ingredients

ITALIAN DRESSING:
1/2 c olive oil, extra virgin
1/4 c white wine vinegar
2 tsp granulated sugar
1 tsp honey
1 tsp lemon juice
1/4 tsp coarse ground mustard
2 Tbsp finely grated asiago cheese
1 Tbsp finely grated parmesan cheese
3/4 tsp garlic salt
3/4 tsp dry parsley flakes
3/4 tsp dry basil flakes
1/8 tsp dry oregano
1 pinch red pepper flakes
1 pinch freshly ground black pepper
1 small pinch paprika
1 small pinch onion powder
1 pinch fine pink himalayan salt or sea salt
1 - 2 Tbsp water only if using dressing on a lettuce salad
SALAD:
12 - 15 cherry tomatoes, quartered (i use red and yellow)
3 - 4 slice sweet bell pepper, chopped small (orange, red or yellow)
12 kalamata olives, sliced in thirds
12 - 15 slice pepperoni, quartered or cut in 1/6
3 large fresh basil leaves, chiffonade or chopped
3 - 4 Tbsp prepared italian dressing
6 oz dried 3 cheese tortellini (or your favorite tortellini, amount for 2 - 3 people; i use barilla.)
1/2 Tbsp fresh chives

Steps:

1. (* Important: It's best to make dressing at least one day ahead of time and store in refrigerator; remove from refrigerator, at least 1/2 hour before using, to allow solidified olive oil to liquify; shake well. )
2. Add all dressing ingredients to a pint jar with a tight fitting lid and shake well, or whisk together in a medium bowl; cover and refrigerate. Shake or mix well right before using.
3. To a large bowl, add tomatoes, bell peppers, olives, pepperoni and half of the fresh basil. Set aside, temporarily.
4. Cook tortellini according to package instructions; drain and rinse with cold water to cool (to avoid breakage, do NOT over-handle the tortellini.)
5. Add 3 tablespoons Italian dressing to the tomato bowl; mix together well.
6. Add well drained tortellini to tomato mixture; fold gently to combine and coat with dressing (add extra dressing, if desired.)
7. Plate the salad, or pour into serving dish; scatter extra basil and chives over all. Serve, or cover and refrigerate until served.

Tips:

Use fresh, high-quality ingredients: The fresher your ingredients, the better your dressing will taste. Choose ripe tomatoes, crisp cucumbers, and flavorful herbs.
Experiment with different vinegars: There are many different types of vinegar that can be used in Italian salad dressing, such as red wine vinegar, white wine vinegar, and balsamic vinegar. Each type of vinegar has its own unique flavor, so experiment until you find one that you like.
Adjust the seasonings to your taste: The amount of salt, pepper, and garlic that you add to your dressing is a matter of personal preference. Start with a small amount and add more to taste.
Let the dressing rest: Allowing the dressing to rest for at least 30 minutes before using allows the flavors to meld and develop. This will result in a more flavorful dressing.
Store the dressing properly: Italian salad dressing can be stored in a tightly sealed container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.

Conclusion:

Homemade Italian salad dressing is a delicious and versatile condiment that can be used on a variety of salads, vegetables, and even meat. It is easy to make and can be tailored to your own taste preferences. With a little experimentation, you can create a dressing that is perfect for any occasion. Whether you are looking for a light and refreshing dressing for a summer salad or a hearty and flavorful dressing for a winter salad, there is an Italian salad dressing recipe out there for you. So next time you are making a salad, skip the store-bought dressing and make your own instead. You won't be disappointed.