Best 6 Light Italian Dressing Recipes

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Are you craving a bright, tangy, and versatile dressing that elevates any salad or dish? Look no further than the beloved Italian dressing, a staple in kitchens worldwide. Italian dressing, with its vibrant mix of herbs, spices, and tangy vinegar, has become a go-to for home cooks and chefs. Whether you seek a light and refreshing option for a summer salad or a flavorful marinade for grilled chicken, this zesty dressing adds an unforgettable accent to your culinary creations. This article presents a curated collection of the best light Italian dressing recipes, each providing a unique blend of flavors to suit your preferences. From classic recipes featuring simple and traditional ingredients to variations incorporating exciting twists, we bring you a range of delectable options that will transform your mealtime experience.

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

CREAMY ITALIAN DRESSING



Creamy Italian Dressing image

Provided by Food Network Kitchen

Categories     condiment

Time 10m

Yield about 3/4 cup dresssing

Number Of Ingredients 11

1/4 cup mayonnaise
2 tablespoons sour cream
2 tablespoons white wine vinegar
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
1 small clove garlic, minced
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
Pinch of sugar
Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
1 tablespoon grated parmesan cheese
1 tablespoon grated pecorino romano cheese

Steps:

  • Whisk the mayonnaise, sour cream, vinegar, olive oil, garlic, oregano, sugar, 1/4 teaspoon salt and a few grinds of pepper in a medium bowl. Stir in the parsley, parmesan and pecorino. Season with more salt and pepper. (The dressing will keep, refrigerated, up to 1 week.)

LITE ITALIAN SALAD DRESSING



Lite Italian Salad Dressing image

A refreshing, light dressing made from scratch that is great on any tossed salad or pasta salad!

Provided by Lillian

Categories     Side Dish     Sauces and Condiments Recipes     Salad Dressing Recipes     Italian Dressing

Time 5m

Yield 10

Number Of Ingredients 7

½ cup apple cider vinegar
½ cup extra virgin olive oil
3 fluid ounces corn oil
1 tablespoon white sugar
¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
¼ teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon salt

Steps:

  • Whisk together the vinegar, olive oil, corn oil, salt, sugar, pepper, and oregano in a bowl.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 207.8 calories, Carbohydrate 1.4 g, Fat 22.5 g, SaturatedFat 3 g, Sodium 233.2 mg, Sugar 1.3 g

ITALIAN DRESSING



Italian Dressing image

This is a satisfying all-purpose Italian dressing recipe. Use this homemade version on salad greens, in vegetable salads or even as a marinade for chicken. -Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Lunch

Time 15m

Yield 1-1/2 cups.

Number Of Ingredients 11

1/4 cup lemon juice
1/4 cup red wine vinegar
2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
2 garlic cloves, halved
1 teaspoon sugar
3/4 teaspoon salt
3/4 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon ground mustard
1/2 teaspoon dried basil
1/4 teaspoon onion powder
1 cup olive oil

Steps:

  • Place the first 10 ingredients in a blender. Cover and process until pureed. While processing, gradually add oil in a steady stream. Refrigerate leftovers.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 167 calories, Fat 18g fat (3g saturated fat), Cholesterol 1mg cholesterol, Sodium 163mg sodium, Carbohydrate 1g carbohydrate (0 sugars, Fiber 0 fiber), Protein 0 protein.

LIGHT ITALIAN DRESSING



Light Italian Dressing image

This recipe starts with grating a tomato so I can't wait to try it. I'm putting it here for safekeeping. I got this from Food Network magazine.

Provided by Margie99

Categories     Salad Dressings

Time 5m

Yield 1 cup, 8 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 12

1 medium tomatoes, halved
1/4 cup water
1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
1 pinch sugar
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
1/2 minced garlic clove
1/8 teaspoon dried oregano
1/8 teaspoon dried basil
1/4 teaspoon salt
pepper

Steps:

  • Over a bowl, rub the cut sides of the tomato against the biggest holes of a grater. Discard the skins.
  • Whisk the rest of the ingredients into the tomato.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 34.5, Fat 3.5, SaturatedFat 0.5, Sodium 88.1, Carbohydrate 0.9, Fiber 0.2, Sugar 0.5, Protein 0.2

ITALIAN VINAIGRETTE



Italian Vinaigrette image

What are all those specks and spices in your Italian dressing? You probably have them in your pantry. Create your own signature blend to toss with pasta, greens and fresh spring vegetables. -Lorraine Caland, Thunder Bay, Ontario

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Lunch     Side Dishes

Time 15m

Yield 1-1/2 cups.

Number Of Ingredients 12

1/4 cup water
1/4 cup lemon juice
1/4 cup red wine vinegar
2 garlic cloves, halved
1 teaspoon sugar
3/4 teaspoon salt
3/4 teaspoon paprika
3/4 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon ground mustard
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
3/4 cup olive oil

Steps:

  • Place the first 11 ingredients in a blender. Cover and process until pureed. While processing, gradually add oil in a steady stream. Refrigerate leftovers.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 126 calories, Fat 14g fat (2g saturated fat), Cholesterol 0 cholesterol, Sodium 148mg sodium, Carbohydrate 2g carbohydrate (1g sugars, Fiber 0 fiber), Protein 0 protein. Diabetic Exchanges

EASY ITALIAN DRESSING



Easy Italian Dressing image

I L.O.V.E using Italian dressing, but the store bought kind can be a little salty. I found this on another website, and it is so good... you'll want to put it on everything. You can very the dry ingredients, I use whatever I think smells good and whatever I have. Instead of a fancy bottle, I use a left-over dressing bottle to store it... double the "mixing" recipe and it works fine. The dry should last you a long time.

Provided by MamaMount

Categories     Salad Dressings

Time 5m

Yield 8 ounces, 16 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 12

1 tablespoon garlic salt
1 tablespoon onion powder (tastes fine without it)
2 tablespoons white sugar
2 tablespoons dried oregano
1 teaspoon ground black pepper
1 teaspoon dried basil
1 tablespoon dried parsley
1/4 teaspoon celery salt or 1/4 teaspoon celery seed
2 teaspoons salt
1/4 cup white vinegar
2/3 cup canola oil
2 tablespoons water

Steps:

  • 1. In a small bowl, mix all the dry ingredients and set aside.
  • 2. To prepare dressing, whisk together the remaining wet ingredients and 2 tablespoons of the dry.
  • 3. Store your remaining dry ingredients in an air tight container, in your spice cabinet and use whenever you need a refill.
  • I double the recipe which makes 16 oz. or a regular dressing bottle full. No need to refrigerate, you can use it right away but will taste better tomorrow.
  • If you want to opt out of the fancy bottle, use a left over dressing bottle, and I write the wet ingredient list right on the bottle -- saves me having to save the recipe!

Nutrition Facts : Calories 90.5, Fat 9.1, SaturatedFat 0.7, Sodium 291.6, Carbohydrate 2.4, Fiber 0.3, Sugar 1.8, Protein 0.1

Tips for Making the Best Light Italian Dressing:

  • Use fresh ingredients: Fresh herbs, garlic, and lemon juice will give your dressing the best flavor. If you don't have fresh herbs on hand, you can use dried herbs, but be sure to use half the amount.
  • Don't over-process the dressing: A few pulses in a blender or food processor is all you need to combine the ingredients. Over-processing will make the dressing too thick and creamy.
  • Let the dressing sit for a while before using: This will allow the flavors to meld and develop. You can make the dressing up to 2 days ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator.
  • Use the dressing on your favorite salads, grilled vegetables, or chicken: Light Italian dressing is a versatile dressing that can be used on a variety of dishes.

Conclusion:

Light Italian dressing is a delicious and healthy dressing that's perfect for summer salads. It's easy to make and can be tailored to your own taste preferences. With its bright, tangy flavor, light Italian dressing is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen.

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