Best 9 Lite Italian Salad Dressing Recipes

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With its zesty and tangy flavor profile, lite Italian salad dressing is a beloved condiment that elevates the taste of salads, sandwiches, and various dishes. If you're seeking a lighter and healthier alternative to traditional Italian dressing, this article will guide you through the simple steps of creating a delectable lite Italian salad dressing at home. We'll explore the essential ingredients, provide tips for achieving the perfect balance of flavors, and offer variations to tailor the dressing to your taste preferences. Let's embark on a culinary journey and discover the secrets of crafting a refreshing, flavorful, and guilt-free lite Italian salad dressing that will add a burst of brightness to your culinary creations.

Here are our top 9 tried and tested recipes!

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.

SIMPLE ITALIAN SALAD DRESSING



Simple Italian Salad Dressing image

Make your own Italian salad dressing with this simple recipe for a fresh, homemade flavor that beats bottled every time. Variations are included.

Provided by John Mitzewich

Categories     Appetizer     Side Dish     Entree     Condiment     Salad

Time 10m

Yield 16

Number Of Ingredients 8

1/2 cup red wine vinegar
1 1/2 cups olive oil
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon sugar
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon dried Italian herb blend
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1 clove garlic (crushed and finely minced)

Steps:

  • Gather the ingredients.
  • Combine all of the ingredients in a glass jar with a screw-on lid or another container with a tight-fitting lid.
  • Tighten the lid and shake vigorously for 1 minute.
  • Serve immediately or refrigerate. Enjoy!

Nutrition Facts : Calories 182 kcal, Carbohydrate 0 g, Cholesterol 0 mg, Fiber 0 g, Protein 0 g, SaturatedFat 3 g, Sodium 49 mg, Sugar 0 g, Fat 20 g, ServingSize 2 cups (16 servings), UnsaturatedFat 0 g

BASIC ITALIAN SALAD DRESSING



Basic Italian Salad Dressing image

This Basic Italian Salad dressing is great for turning mixed greens, steamed broccoli or asparagus spears into a delicious salad.

Provided by Sue Ann Scarcia-Barry

Categories     Garlic     Herb     No-Cook     Quick & Easy     Salad Dressing     Bon Appétit     Pennsylvania

Yield Makes about 1/2 cup

Number Of Ingredients 8

6 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons white wine vinegar
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
2 garlic cloves, chopped
1 teaspoon dried basil, crumbled
1/4 teaspoon dried crushed red pepper
Pinch of dried oregano

Steps:

  • Combine all ingredients in small bowl and whisk to blend. Season to taste with salt and pepper. (Can be prepared 1 day ahead. Cover and refrigerate.)

ITALIAN SALAD DRESSING



Italian Salad Dressing image

This is the salad dressing I grew up with that my mom created. As a child, I didn't realize there were any alternatives. To this day, my mom's salad dressing is still a favorite. Very simple to prepare. If you make it a little ahead of time, it will allow the flavors to blend. I hope you enjoy it!

Provided by Bev I Am

Categories     Salad Dressings

Time 2m

Yield 1 cup, 4-6 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 8

3/4 cup vegetable oil
1/4 cup cider vinegar
2 tablespoons water
1 teaspoon minced garlic
2 teaspoons sugar
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1 teaspoon grated parmesan cheese

Steps:

  • Combine all ingredients in a bottle.
  • Shake to blend.
  • Allow flavors to blend about an hour or so, Will even be more flavorful the following day. Be sure to refrigerate any leftovers.
  • Makes about 1 cup.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 375.8, Fat 41, SaturatedFat 5.4, Cholesterol 0.4, Sodium 879.6, Carbohydrate 2.6, Fiber 0.1, Sugar 2.2, Protein 0.2

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

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

LIGHT ITALIAN DRESSING



Light Italian Dressing image

Provided by Food Network Kitchen

Time 10m

Yield 1 cup

Number Of Ingredients 10

1 medium tomato, halved
1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
2 teaspoons dijon mustard
Pinch of sugar
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
1/2 small clove garlic, minced
1/8 teaspoon dried oregano
1/8 teaspoon dried basil
Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper

Steps:

  • Rub the cut sides of the tomato along the coarse holes of a grater into a bowl; discard the skins.
  • Whisk in 1/4 cup water, the vinegar, lemon juice, dijon mustard, sugar, olive oil, garlic, oregano, basil, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and pepper to taste.

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.

ITALIAN SALAD DRESSING RECIPE BY TASTY



Italian Salad Dressing Recipe by Tasty image

Here's what you need: garlic, fresh oregano, fresh parsley, fresh basil, salt, freshly ground black pepper, white wine vinegar, extra virgin olive oil

Provided by Matthew Johnson

Time 30m

Yield 16 servings

Number Of Ingredients 8

1 tablespoon garlic, minced
1 tablespoon fresh oregano, minced
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, minced
1 tablespoon fresh basil, minced
salt, to taste
freshly ground black pepper, to taste
1 cup white wine vinegar
1 cup extra virgin olive oil

Steps:

  • Add the ingredients into a mason jar. Screw the lid on tightly and shake vigorously.
  • The dressing can remain in the fridge for 1-2 weeks.
  • Pour over your favorite salad ingredients and enjoy!

Nutrition Facts : Calories 119 calories, Carbohydrate 0 grams, Fat 13 grams, Fiber 0 grams, Protein 0 grams, Sugar 0 grams

Tips:

  • Use fresh ingredients: Fresh herbs, vegetables, and citrus fruits will give your dressing the best flavor. If you can, buy organic produce to avoid pesticides and herbicides.
  • Experiment with different oils: Olive oil is a classic choice for Italian dressing, but you can also use avocado oil, grapeseed oil, or walnut oil. Each oil has its own unique flavor profile, so try a few different ones to see which you like best.
  • Add a little sweetness: A touch of honey, maple syrup, or agave nectar can help to balance out the acidity of the vinegar. If you're using a sweeter oil, like avocado oil, you may not need to add any additional sweetener.
  • Use fresh herbs: Fresh herbs, such as basil, oregano, and thyme, will give your dressing a more flavorful and aromatic flavor. If you don't have fresh herbs on hand, you can use dried herbs, but use about half the amount.
  • Let the dressing rest: After you've made your dressing, let it rest for at least 30 minutes before using it. This will allow the flavors to meld together and develop.

Conclusion:

Lite Italian dressing is a versatile and delicious dressing that can be used on salads, pasta, and grilled meats. It's easy to make and can be customized to your own taste preferences. With a few simple tips, you can make a lite Italian dressing that is both healthy and delicious.

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