Light Italian Dressing

This easy homemade Light Italian Dressing is made with a combination of olive oil, red wine vinegar, lemon juice garlic, Dijon mustard, honey, and Italian seasoning. It complements any salad, vegetable, or grain dish well and also tastes great as a marinade.

There’s just something about store-bought salad dressing that doesn’t quite taste right to me. Since salad dressing is so easy to make at home, I always have a jar in the fridge ready to go. I try to include salad dressing as part of my weekly meal prep.

Italian dressing is a great dressing to have on hand since it has so many uses.  The classic flavor pairs well with everything from a classic Spring Mix Salad to Grilled Chicken to pasta salad. 

Why You’ll Love Homemade Italian Dressing

• Simple: Everyone needs a basic salad dressing to have in the fridge at all times and this is it. It is universally popular and the classic flavors work with almost any salad.
• Multi-purpose: Italian dressing can go on salads, in sandwiches, or be used as a marinade. It can be drizzled on pasta, tossed with veggies, and spooned over grilled proteins. 

Looking for more homemade salad dressing? Try these creamy Gorgonzola Dressing, Healthy Thousand Island Dressing, or Greek Salad Dressing.

Key Ingredients and Easy Swaps

Here are the ingredients and some possible substitutions for healthy Italian dressing.

• Olive Oil: We use extra virgin olive oil but any kind of oil will work, even avocado oil. Choosing an olive oil that tastes good enhances the flavor of the dressing. 
• Red wine vinegar: If you can’t find red wine vinegar balsamic vinegar also works.
• Lemon juice: Fresh lemon juice adds a little acidity and brightens up the flavor. If you don't have lemon, add some extra vinegar.
• Garlic: Fresh garlic really adds the best flavor. Make sure to grate it. Don't worry about the raw garlic flavor since the vinegar and lemon mellow the garlic. 
• Dijon mustard: Dijon is a secret ingredient to add tons of flavor with a single ingredient. Whole-grain mustard also be used, but do not use yellow mustard. 
• Honey: We used honey but you can also use maple syrup or agave. You can also make this dressing without any sweetener at all.
• Italian seasoning: You can use an Italian seasoning mix or individual spices; basil, oregano, and thyme.
• Salt and black pepper: We prefer to use kosher salt but any kind of salt will work.

How To Make Healthy Italian Dressing

This dressing comes together in less than 5 minutes. 

• Combine: Whisk all of the ingredients in a bowl or add them to a mason jar and shake vigorously. The dressing should emulsify after its mixed or shaken. 
• Taste: Taste test to determine if the flavor needs adjusting. If you find the dressing is too tart, add more olive oil or a touch more honey. If it lacks flavor, add some extra salt. 

Ways To Use Lightend Up Italian Dressing

Salad dressing is definitely for salads but you can also use it for other things. Here are a few options.

• In a wrap: Drizzle the salad dressing on the tortilla or flatbread before you add your fillings.
• As a marinade: Italian salad dressing is ideal as a marinade for chicken, turkey, pork, steak, fish, or shrimp.
• Over vegetables: Lightly cover the vegetables with dressing before roasting or grilling them.
• On top of potatoes: Whether you make baked, fried, or mashed, a little Italian vinaigrette will add loads of flavor.
• With some pasta: Italian salad dressing coats pasta salad noodles really well and adds loads of flavor.
• To season beans: Bean salads would taste great with Italian salad dressing.
• Along with grains: Quinoa, bulghur, or couscous would all benefit from a drizzle of this dressing.

How To Store Italian Salad Dressing

Here are some tips on how to store your salad dressing.

• Fridge: This Italian dressing will keep for up to 2 weeks in an airtight container or mason in the fridge. I do not recommend freezing it. Make sure to stir it well before you use it since the olive oil and vinegar will separate.

Make it Yours! Recipe Variations

There are so many ways to change up this salad dressing but here are a few of our favorites.

• Add some spice: A touch of cayenne pepper or red chili flakes always does the trick.
• Up the Italian flavor: Mix in fresh herbs instead of dried ones to really increase the Italian flavor. Use basil, oregano, or fresh thyme leaves.
• Mix in pesto: Whether it be homemade or jarred, pesto always adds a fantastic flavor to salad dressings.
• Stir in some cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan cheese would go really well with this dressing.
• Make it creamy: If you are in the mood for a richer dressing stir in some full-fat Greek yogurt for a creamy Italian dressing.