May
01
2012Zesty Homemade Italian Salad Dressing
This is my new favorite salad dressing. It’s easy to make and goes beautifully with the salad I make for my family most nights — a mix of romaine, chopped red bell peppers, tomatoes, shaved carrots and olives.
It’s a classic oil and vinegar dressing with lots of garlic and a few surprise ingredients, like Worcestershire sauce and maple syrup. I know the syrup sounds odd but it doesn’t make the dressing even the slightest bit sweet — it just rounds out the acidity.
To make it, simply combine all the ingredients in a jar and shake to emulsify. That’s all there is to it. Enjoy!
*When dressing salads, be sure greens are completely dry so the dressing doesn’t get watered down.
Ingredients
- 3/4 cup extra virgin olive oil, best quality such as Colavita or Lucini
- 1/3 cup red wine vinegar, best quality such as Pompeian Gourmet or Domaine des Vignes
- 1-1/2 tablespoons real maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 2-1/2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
- 4 small garlic cloves, minced
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients in a jar. Seal tightly with lid and shake vigorously to emulsify. Store dressing in refrigerator for up to a week. As the dressing sits, it will separate (and solidify in the fridge), so be sure to shake well before using.
Renee E
Thanks so much for this recipe it is my new favorite salad dressing and was a hit at a recent family BBQ!! I have already made 3 batches in 2 weeks
Adrian
Tasted great on a simple salad of cucumber, onion, and tomato with some grilled sliced chicken. The maple syrup added great flavor, be sure to use the real thing.
Martha
I’ve been searching for a recipe just like this…simple and useful for a variety of salads. Thank you!
Carissa
This is perfect and loved by all in my family – thank you!
barbara Wood
just added this dressing to my tomato, cucumber and onion salad as suggested a few posts ago. Yummm
Allie
Another winning recipe from Jenn! This will now become my go-to basic salad dressing recipe. I add just a pinch of granulated sugar in addition to the maple syrup because I like dressings that are on the sweeter side, but otherwise, this dressing is perfection. I never would’ve thought of adding Worcestershire sauce to salad dressing, but it does the trick! And another testament to how good this dressing is: my husband, who normally scarfs down his salad just so he can move on to the main course, went back and had another full bowl of salad, declaring, “This dressing is REALLY GOOD!”
Jenn
Thanks Allie, so glad you guys enjoyed it!
Laurie
Never would of thought about the maple syrup! It gives it a “what is that??” taste that’s so good.
I also added some dried vegetable flakes to it. You can find them in the spice aisle. They re-hydrated overnight in the dressing and kicked it up another notch.
This is a great go-to recipe!
barbara Wood
@Laurie great idea!!! I make this dressing all the time. We love it.
I had some leftover israeli couscous so I added some chopped red bell pepper, and red onion and use this dressing and mixed it all up. Yummm
Kristen
This looks delicious…especially with the maple syrup! Can’t wait to try it!
Lori
Great as a marinade as well. I used it on flank steak and it is amazing! I added some chopped shallots.
Teresa
This homemade Italian dressing sounds wonderful! With all the hype these days on healthly eating, can you provide the nutritional information on this dressing please?
Thanks!
Jenn
Wish I could, Teresa, but I’m just not set up to do that. Am looking into it though as I get a lot of requests.
Heather
Has anyone tried this as a marinade? I am trying to not use bottled stuff anymore…
David
Very tasty! Mmmm, mmmm good!
Lucy
Very good! Yay! I’m all about making the fresh stuff!
Jennifer
I made this last night and it’s GREAT! Thank you for an easy and delicious dressing recipe. Way fresher than store bought, super tasty and easy enough for a weeknight. Every recipe of yours I’ve tried has been so great, thank you for sharing them!
Tina
Thanks for the recipe! How long would you say this lasts in the refrigerator?
Jenn
Hi Tina, It keeps well for about a week.
Linda
I am allergic to black pepper and gluten (found in Worcestershire Sauce). Any suggestions for substitutions?
I have been trying to find a salad dressing to make for some time. My favorite dressing is French, but due to finding out I’m allergic to tomatoes I’m unable to have it anymore.
I figured Italian would be the best dressing for me due to other allergies I have also.
Thanks for your kindness in sharing your recipes and for your help.
God Bless, Linda
Jenn
Hi Linda, It’s hard to say without knowing all of your allergies but check out this recipe. It’s a bit more work since it’s made with fresh herbs but it’s quick in the food processor. It’s one of my absolute favorites. link to onceuponachef.com
barbara
This recipe got me started to follow your blog. So many good recipes. This dressing I make all the time. I also use it as a marinade for chicken and drizzle some on veggies when I roast them
Donal
I’ve been in the mood for a big fat salad all day. Bought the greens, tomatoes, even fresh mozzarella, but wanted a dressing that wasn’t too overpowering. Just found this recipe and made up a batch. It’s wonderful. For me, it’s the Worcestershire sauce, more than the maple syrup, that makes it unique. Thank you for this!
r2p2
Oh wow. I wasn’t sure about this dressing, but all the reviews raved, so I took the plunge. My husband and I have made short work of this. We’re making a second batch this week. YUM YUM!!