One of the most popular ways to dress a fresh vegetable salad is with a classic Italian dressing. Mixing the oil and spices right in a jar makes it effortless to drizzle over your greens straight at the table. Of course, you can buy a bottled version at the store, but making it from scratch is so simple—and you won't believe how much better it tastes! The secret to its deep aroma lies in pairing high-quality extra virgin olive oil with a bouquet of Mediterranean herbs that gradually bloom as they infuse. This vibrant blend turns everyday tomatoes and greens into a true culinary masterpiece, filling your kitchen with the scents of a sunny coast.
Fragrant homemade dressing with olive oil and herbs perfectly complements fresh vegetables and gives them a Mediterranean flavor.
Ingredients
- 100 ml (approx. ⅓ cup + 1 tbsp) extra virgin olive oil
- 60 g (¼ cup) white wine vinegar
- 2 teaspoons dried garlic
- 2 teaspoons dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 dried chili pod, crumbled (optional)
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- 1 teaspoon granulated sugar or honey
How to Make Italian Salad Dressing
Prepare the dressing in a jar with a tight-fitting lid. First, pour in the olive oil. The foundation of this vinaigrette is high-quality, cold-pressed extra virgin olive oil. Don’t skimp on the oil—choose a trusted, reliable producer. Olive oil supports a healthy heart, as its omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids are widely considered beneficial in preventing cardiovascular disease.
Choose high-quality extra virgin olive oil for the dressing; it contains healthy omega fatty acids and forms the flavor base.
Pour in the white wine vinegar. While wine vinegars can be made from various fruit wines, authentic Italian dressing calls for vinegar made from white grape wine.
White wine vinegar adds the essential acidity characteristic of classic Italian vinaigrettes.
Add the traditional Italian herbs: dried basil, oregano, and thyme. If you like a bit of heat, crumble in a dried chili pod or add a pinch of red pepper flakes.
Basil, oregano, and thyme create that unmistakable aroma. You can add a touch of chili for heat.
Add the dried garlic. You can certainly make this dressing with fresh herbs and fresh minced garlic, but keep in mind that you will need to use it immediately, as it won’t keep for long.
Using dried garlic instead of fresh allows the dressing to keep longer while maintaining a bright aroma.
Add the sea salt and granulated sugar. Adjust the salt and sugar to suit your personal taste. You can also substitute honey for the sugar.
Salt and sugar help balance the acidity of the vinegar. You can substitute natural honey for the sugar if desired.
Screw the lid on tightly. Shake the jar vigorously for a few minutes until the sugar and salt crystals completely dissolve. Let the dressing sit for a few hours so the herbs release their aromas and all the flavors meld together. I recommend storing it in the refrigerator or a cool, dark place. Always shake well before using!
Shake the jar vigorously so all components combine into a smooth emulsion and the salt and sugar crystals dissolve.
Now, here is a recipe for the simplest Italian salad. Arrange fresh green basil leaves and coarsely chopped ripe red tomatoes on a plate. Add fresh mozzarella if desired.
The simplest Italian salad consists of juicy tomatoes and fresh basil—the ideal base for our dressing.
Drizzle the vegetables with the zesty dressing. One tablespoon of this flavorful vinaigrette is plenty for a single serving of salad—even the healthiest olive oil is best enjoyed in moderation.
Drizzle the vegetables just before serving. One tablespoon is enough to bring out the flavor of a single serving.
You can also serve the salad undressed with the vinaigrette in a small gravy boat or pitcher on the side, letting everyone drizzle their vegetables right at the table. Enjoy your meal!
You can serve the salad already dressed or place the vinaigrette in a separate pitcher so everyone can add it to taste.
Healthy eating is the key to feeling and looking great, and in Italy, they truly know a thing or two about delicious, nourishing food—fresh vegetables and vibrant seasonings all year round! We should all strive to fill our diets with wholesome foods rich in vitamins, trace elements, and minerals. Salads are your best ally here, and homemade Italian dressing makes eating them a genuine pleasure while helping your body absorb fat-soluble vitamins from the vegetables. To make the flavor even richer, let the dressing infuse in the refrigerator for at least a couple of hours—this gives the dried garlic and herbs time to fully release their essential oils into the base. If you prefer a thicker texture, try whisking in a teaspoon of Dijon mustard, which acts as a wonderful natural emulsifier. Store the finished dressing in an airtight glass jar for up to two weeks, simply giving it a vigorous shake before each use to bring the emulsion back together.
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