Italian Dressing Recipe

Olive oil: Provides a rich, smooth base for the dressing.

Red wine vinegar: Adds a tangy and slightly sweet flavor.

Lemon juice: Enhances the acidity and freshness.

Dried oregano: Brings a classic Italian herb flavor.

Dried basil: Adds a sweet and slightly peppery taste.

Garlic: Gives a pungent and aromatic depth.

Salt: Enhances all the flavors.

Black pepper: Adds a mild heat and complexity.

When preparing this Italian dressing, ensure that the olive oil and red wine vinegar are of high quality, as they are the base of the flavor profile. To enhance the garlic flavor, consider letting the minced garlic sit in the lemon juice for a few minutes before mixing with the other ingredients. This will mellow the sharpness of the garlic and infuse the dressing with a more balanced taste.

• olive oil - Substitute with avocado oil: Avocado oil has a similar mild flavor and healthy fat profile.

• red wine vinegar - Substitute with apple cider vinegar: Apple cider vinegar provides a similar tangy acidity.

• lemon juice - Substitute with lime juice: Lime juice offers a comparable citrusy brightness.

• dried oregano - Substitute with dried thyme: Dried thyme has a similar earthy and slightly minty flavor.

• dried basil - Substitute with dried parsley: Dried parsley provides a mild, slightly peppery flavor.

• garlic - Substitute with shallots: Minced shallots offer a similar aromatic quality with a hint of sweetness.

• salt - Substitute with soy sauce: Soy sauce adds saltiness along with a depth of umami flavor.

• black pepper - Substitute with white pepper: White pepper provides a similar heat without altering the color of the dressing.

• Ensure your Italian dressing is stored in an airtight container. This helps maintain its freshness and prevents any unwanted flavors from seeping in.
• Keep the container in the refrigerator. The cool temperature will help preserve the olive oil and other ingredients, ensuring your dressing stays flavorful.
• Before each use, give the container a good shake. Olive oil and vinegar tend to separate over time, so shaking will re-emulsify the dressing.
• If you notice the olive oil solidifying in the fridge, don't worry. This is normal. Simply let the dressing sit at room temperature for a few minutes before using, or run the container under warm water to liquefy the oil.
• For longer storage, consider freezing the dressing. Pour it into an ice cube tray and freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer the cubes to a freezer bag or airtight container. This method allows you to thaw only what you need.
• When ready to use, thaw the desired amount of dressing in the refrigerator or at room temperature. Give it a good shake or stir to re-emulsify before serving.
• Avoid freezing the dressing in a glass container. The expansion of the liquid as it freezes can cause the glass to crack or shatter.
• Always label your containers with the date of preparation. This helps you keep track of how long the dressing has been stored and ensures you use it within a safe timeframe.

• Gently whisk the Italian dressing to re-emulsify the olive oil and red wine vinegar before using.
• If the dressing has solidified in the refrigerator, let it sit at room temperature for about 10-15 minutes. This will allow the olive oil to return to its liquid state.
• For a quicker method, place the container of Italian dressing in a bowl of warm water for a few minutes. This will gently warm the dressing without cooking it.
• Alternatively, you can microwave the dressing on a low setting for 10-15 seconds. Be sure to use a microwave-safe container and stir well after microwaving to ensure even heating.
• Always taste the dressing after reheating and adjust the seasoning if necessary. Sometimes, a little extra lemon juice or a pinch of salt can brighten up the flavors.

• Mixing bowl: A large bowl to combine all the ingredients together.

• Whisk: Used to thoroughly mix and emulsify the ingredients.

• Measuring cups: Essential for accurately measuring the olive oil and red wine vinegar.

• Measuring spoons: Necessary for measuring the lemon juice, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and black pepper.

• Garlic press: Handy for mincing the garlic clove quickly and efficiently.

• Airtight container: Used to store the dressing in the refrigerator, keeping it fresh for up to a week.

Prepare ingredients in advance: Measure and chop all ingredients ahead of time to streamline the process.

Use a blender: Combine all ingredients in a blender for a quick and smooth dressing.

Double the recipe: Make a larger batch and store it in the refrigerator to have dressing ready for multiple meals.

Pre-minced garlic: Use store-bought pre-minced garlic to save chopping time.

Pre-mixed herbs: Purchase a pre-mixed Italian herb blend to replace individual oregano and basil.