Best 5 Quick Italian Salad Dressing Recipes

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**A Culinary Journey to Italy: Discover the Exquisite Flavors of Authentic Italian Salad Dressings**

Embark on a tantalizing culinary voyage to the heart of Italy, where vibrant flavors and fresh ingredients unite to create an orchestra of taste sensations. Immerse yourself in the art of Italian cuisine with our collection of traditional and innovative salad dressing recipes. From the classic vinaigrette to the creamy pesto, each dressing captures the essence of Italy's rich culinary heritage. Prepare to tantalize your taste buds and elevate your salads to new heights of flavor and enjoyment.

**1. Classic Italian Vinaigrette: A Timeless Symphony of Simplicity**

Experience the cornerstone of Italian salad dressings with this classic vinaigrette. Simplicity reigns supreme as olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, garlic, and herbs intertwine to create a harmonious balance of tanginess, acidity, and subtle sweetness. This versatile dressing complements a wide array of salads, from crisp greens to hearty roasted vegetables.

**2. Creamy Pesto Dressing: A Burst of Vibrant Herbs and Nuts**

Indulge in the vibrant flavors of basil, pine nuts, Parmesan cheese, and olive oil, artfully blended into a creamy, luscious dressing. Pesto's vibrant green hue and aromatic allure make it a captivating addition to any salad. Its rich, nutty flavor pairs exceptionally well with grilled or roasted chicken, fish, and vegetables.

**3. Balsamic Vinaigrette: A Sweet and Tangy Twist**

Experience a delightful interplay of sweet and tangy flavors in this balsamic vinaigrette. Aged balsamic vinegar lends a complex depth of flavor, while Dijon mustard adds a touch of sharpness. This dressing beautifully complements salads featuring grilled or roasted meats, as well as fresh berries and nuts.

**4. Lemon-Herb Dressing: A Refreshing Burst of Citrus**

Awaken your senses with the invigorating freshness of lemon-herb dressing. Bright lemon juice, fragrant herbs, and a hint of honey dance together in perfect harmony. This dressing is an ideal companion for light and refreshing salads, grilled seafood, and crisp vegetable platters.

**5. Roasted Red Pepper Dressing: A Smoky and Sweet Embrace**

Immerse yourself in the smoky, sweet allure of roasted red pepper dressing. Roasted red peppers, combined with roasted garlic, balsamic vinegar, and a touch of honey, create a dressing that is both flavorful and visually stunning. Its slightly smoky flavor complements grilled meats, roasted vegetables, and hearty grain salads.

**6. White Balsamic Vinaigrette: A Delicate Balance of Flavors**

Discover the subtle elegance of white balsamic vinaigrette. White balsamic vinegar lends a delicate sweetness and acidity, while Dijon mustard adds a touch of sharpness. This dressing harmonizes beautifully with delicate greens, grilled fish, and fresh fruit salads.

**7. Avocado-Cilantro Dressing: A Creamy Fusion of Flavors**

Experience a delightful fusion of flavors with avocado-cilantro dressing. Creamy avocado, fresh cilantro, lime juice, and a hint of cumin blend seamlessly to create a dressing that is both rich and refreshing. This dressing adds a vibrant touch to salads, grilled chicken or fish, and grain bowls.

Here are our top 5 tried and tested recipes!

QUICK ITALIAN SALAD DRESSING



Quick Italian Salad Dressing image

As a diabetic who likes salads, I was tired of plain vinegar and oil topping the greens. So I came up with this tongue-tingling dressing.-George Greenauer, Spencerport, New York

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Lunch

Time 10m

Yield 2/3 cup.

Number Of Ingredients 9

1/4 cup canola oil
1/4 cup red wine vinegar
1 garlic clove, minced
1 teaspoon finely chopped onion
1/2 teaspoon ground mustard
1/2 teaspoon celery seed
1/2 teaspoon paprika
1/4 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Sugar substitute equivalent to 2 to 4 teaspoons sugar

Steps:

  • Combine all ingredients in a jar with a tight-fitting lid; shake well. Refrigerate overnight.

Nutrition Facts :

ITALIAN VINAIGRETTE



Italian Vinaigrette image

Provided by Food Network Kitchen

Categories     condiment

Time 10m

Yield about 3/4 cup dresssing

Number Of Ingredients 7

1/4 cup red wine vinegar
1 teaspoon dijon mustard
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
1 small clove garlic, minced
Pinch of sugar
Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper
1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil

Steps:

  • Combine the vinegar, mustard, oregano, garlic, sugar, 1/2 teaspoon salt and a few grinds of pepper in a jar. Cover and shake until combined. Add the olive oil, cover and shake again until smooth. (The dressing will keep, refrigerated, up to 1 week.)

QUICK ITALIAN SALAD



Quick Italian Salad image

Provided by Ree Drummond : Food Network

Categories     side-dish

Time 20m

Yield 6 to 8 servings

Number Of Ingredients 18

1/2 cup olive oil
1/4 cup mayonnaise
1/4 cup grated Parmesan (pre-grated in a pack from the store)
1/4 cup minced fresh parsley
1 tablespoon sugar
1 tablespoon vinegar
2 teaspoons black pepper
1 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
1 clove garlic, pressed
Juice of 1 lemon
1 head romaine lettuce, roughly chopped
1/2 head iceberg lettuce, chunked
6 whole pepperoncini
1/2 cup whole black olives
1/2 cup whole red cherry tomatoes
1/2 small red onion, very thinly sliced into circles
1/3 cup grated Parmesan

Steps:

  • For the dressing: In a blender, add the olive oil, mayonnaise, Parmesan, parsley, sugar, vinegar, black pepper, salt, red pepper flakes, garlic and lemon juice and blend until pureed.
  • For the salad: Put the romaine and iceberg greens in a large bowl and toss with the dressing. Top the salad with the pepperoncini, olives, tomatoes and onions. Sprinkle with Parmesan at the end.

ZESTY HOMEMADE ITALIAN DRESSING



Zesty Homemade Italian Dressing image

Forget the bottled stuff: this zesty homemade Italian dressing is easy to make and packed with flavor.

Provided by Jennifer Segal

Categories     Salads

Yield Makes 1 ⅓ cups

Number Of Ingredients 7

¾ cup extra virgin olive oil, best quality such as Colavita or Lucini
⅓ cup red wine vinegar, best quality such as Pompeian Gourmet or Domaine des Vignes
1½ tablespoons real maple syrup
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
2½ teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
4 small garlic cloves, minced

Steps:

  • Combine all ingredients in a jar. Seal tightly with lid and shake vigorously to emulsify. Toss gently with the romaine lettuce right before serving. Store extra dressing in refrigerator for up to a week. As the dressing sits, it will separate (and solidify in the fridge), so be sure to shake well before using.

Nutrition Facts : ServingSize 2 tablespoons, Calories 155, Fat 16 g, Carbohydrate 3 g, Protein 0 g, SaturatedFat 2 g, Sugar 2 g, Fiber 0 g, Sodium 151 mg, Cholesterol 0 mg

QUICK ITALIAN SALAD WITH A CREAMY DRESSING(PIONEER WOMAN)



Quick Italian Salad With a Creamy Dressing(Pioneer Woman) image

Yes, quick and easy and delicious! Ree Drummond made this for her helper Josh and her daughter for lunch. They had been out roping cattle. She served with pizza burgers and a French silk pie for dessert. Yum!

Provided by Sharon123

Categories     Salad Dressings

Time 20m

Yield 6-8

Number Of Ingredients 18

1/2 cup olive oil
1/4 cup mayonnaise
1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese (pre-grated in a pack or grate it yourself)
1/4 cup minced fresh parsley (if I have a little fresh basil, I throw that in too)
1 tablespoon sugar (I like to use honey)
1 tablespoon vinegar (red wine vinegar is good )
2 teaspoons black pepper
1 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
1 garlic clove, pressed
1 lemon, juice of
1 head romaine lettuce, roughly chopped
1/2 head iceberg lettuce, chunked (I like to use baby greens instead)
5 -6 whole pepperoncini peppers (Ree left them whole, but you can use sliced)
1/2 cup black olives
1/2 cup whole cherry tomatoes
1/2 small red onion, very thinly sliced into circles
1/3 cup grated parmesan cheese

Steps:

  • For the dressing: In a blender, add the olive oil, mayonnaise, Parmesan, parsley, sugar, vinegar, black pepper, salt, red pepper flakes, garlic and lemon juice and blend until pureed.
  • For the salad: Put the romaine and iceberg greens in a large bowl and toss with the dressing. Top the salad with the pepperoncini, olives, tomatoes and onions. Sprinkle with Parmesan at the end.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 307.6, Fat 25.8, SaturatedFat 4.9, Cholesterol 11.1, Sodium 1417.5, Carbohydrate 15.8, Fiber 4.5, Sugar 7.8, Protein 6.5

Tips:

  • Use fresh, high-quality ingredients for the best flavor.
  • Adjust the amount of vinegar or lemon juice to your taste.
  • If you don't have fresh herbs, you can use dried herbs, but use half the amount.
  • Store the dressing in a jar or bottle in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.

Conclusion:

This quick Italian salad dressing is a versatile and flavorful addition to any salad. It's easy to make and can be tailored to your taste. With its fresh herbs, tangy vinegar, and rich olive oil, this dressing is sure to elevate any salad to the next level. Whether you're serving a simple green salad or a more elaborate dish, this dressing is sure to please everyone at the table. So next time you're looking for a quick and easy way to add flavor to your salad, give this Italian salad dressing a try. You won't be disappointed!

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