Best 2 Homemade Italian Salad Dressing Recipes

In the realm of culinary delights, few things compare to the invigorating burst of flavors found in a perfectly crafted salad. And when it comes to salad dressings, Italian dressing stands out as a beloved classic, tantalizing taste buds with its vibrant combination of herbs, spices, and tangy acidity. Whether you're a seasoned kitchen maestro or just starting your culinary journey, creating a homemade Italian salad dressing is an art worth mastering. With fresh ingredients, a touch of patience, and this comprehensive guide, you'll embark on a flavorful adventure that will transform your salads into extraordinary culinary creations.

Here are our top 2 tried and tested 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:

Start with high-quality ingredients. Fresh herbs, good olive oil, and balsamic vinegar will make a big difference in the taste of your dressing.
Use a variety of flavors. Don't be afraid to experiment with different herbs, spices, and vinegars. A little bit of honey or mustard can also add a nice touch.
Let the flavors meld. After you make your dressing, let it sit for at least 30 minutes before using it. This will allow the flavors to blend and develop.
Use the right amount of dressing. You don't want your salad to be swimming in dressing, but you also don't want it to be dry. A good rule of thumb is to use about 2 tablespoons of dressing per serving.
Store your dressing properly. Homemade Italian dressing can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. Be sure to shake the bottle well before using.

Conclusion:

With so many delicious variations to choose from, there's sure to be an Italian salad dressing that everyone will love. So next time you're looking for a quick and easy way to add flavor to your salad, try making your own homemade Italian dressing. You won't be disappointed!