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Golden homemade Italian dressing in a glass bottle, showcasing the richness from bloomed dried herbs.

Easy Italian Dressing Recipe

Rebecca Blumer
Bright, zesty, savory homemade Italian dressing with a simple warm-oil herb blooming trick for deeper oregano and thyme flavor.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Course Dressing
Cuisine Italian-American
Servings 16 Tablespoons
Calories 95 kcal

Equipment

  • Small saucepan
  • Medium bowl or Mason jar
  • Whisk
  • Microplane (for garlic)

Ingredients
 

  • 6 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
  • 3 tablespoons white wine vinegar
  • 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 1½ tablespoons finely chopped fresh parsley
  • 1½ teaspoons honey
  • 1½ teaspoons dried oregano
  • 1 garlic clove grated
  • ¾ teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • ¾ teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1/4 teaspoon sea salt heaping
  • freshly ground black pepper
  • 3 tablespoons Parmesan cheese optional

Instructions
 

Bloom the Herbs (the flavor booster)

  • Warm approximately 2 tablespoons of the measured extra-virgin olive oil until it is just warm to the touch (not sizzling), then stir in the dried oregano and dried thyme.
  • Let the herbs sit in the warm oil for 5 to 10 minutes so they bloom and smell intensely herbal.

Whisk or Shake the Dressing

  • In a medium bowl (or in a Mason jar), combine the remaining extra-virgin olive oil, white wine vinegar, fresh lemon juice, finely chopped fresh parsley, honey, dried oregano, grated garlic, Dijon mustard, dried thyme, sea salt, and several grinds of black pepper.
  • Pour in the warm herb oil, then whisk vigorously until the dressing looks slightly creamy and emulsified, or seal the jar and shake hard for 30 to 60 seconds.
  • If desired, stir in the cheese, then taste and adjust with more salt, pepper, acidity, or a tiny touch more honey until it tastes bright and balanced.

Notes

Store in an airtight container (a Mason jar is perfect) in the refrigerator for up to 1 to 2 weeks. Separation is normal; if the olive oil solidifies, let it sit at room temperature for 15 to 30 minutes, then shake vigorously to re-emulsify. If you add Parmesan, use within 5 to 7 days for best quality.
Nutrition information is estimated based on common ingredients and serving sizes and may vary.

Nutrition

Calories: 95kcalCarbohydrates: 0.7gProtein: 0.2gFat: 10gSaturated Fat: 1.6gSodium: 60mgPotassium: 5mgFiber: 0.1gSugar: 0.6gVitamin A: 10IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 4mgIron: 0.2mg
Keyword herb blooming, homemade vinaigrette, italian dressing, marinade, salad dressing
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