If you’ve been following my last few posts, you know that I’ve been focusing a lot on healthy dressings. After having my son, I’m determined to switch my focus from pregnancy cravings back to healthy eating. (And no it’s not always easy). But there’s something about taking the effort to make something yourself that makes you want to eat it more…or the very less, it makes you not want to waste it.
Italian dressing is another easy recipe that you can make in minutes and it’s an instant crowd pleaser. Think about it…how many fancy Italian restaurants have you been to that feature a delicious “house” dressing, and it’s almost always Italian.
The best part about Italian dressing is that it is extremely versatile and easy to modify. Unlike the Healthy Ranch Dressing, or Healthy French Dressing, that require a few basic ingredients in order to get it to taste anything like store-bought brands, Italian dressing is so basic that you can add different spices and make it taste completely different, while still being an Italian-like dressing.
Below is my favorite recipe with a few modifications we try from time to time. Try them for yourself and let me know what you think!
Ingredients
- 3/4 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup white vinegar
- 1 tsp. garlic powder
- 1 tsp. onion powder
- 1 tsp. oregano
- 1 tsp. basil
- 1/2 tsp. sea salt
- 1/2 tsp. black pepper
- 2 Tbs. grated parmesan cheese (optional add-in)
- 1 tsp. lemon juice (optional add-in)
Instructions
- Mix all ingredients together and store in a glass container in the refrigerator.
Tips: I listed both lemon juice and parmesan cheese as optional add-ins, but I wouldn’t recommend adding them in the same batch of dressing. If you’re looking for a lighter, zestier dressing, I would recommend trying the lemon juice, but if you want a savory taste, try the parmesan cheese. Romano cheese works well with this recipe, too.
As with the other dressings, this one can be used as a marinade and works great with chicken or on pasta salad. However you decide to use it, make it your own and enjoy every last bite! Let me know how it goes!