Is oil and vinegar the same as Italian dressing?

While oil and vinegar are the main ingredients of Italian dressing, oil and vinegar (which is a common sandwich condiment) typically just consists of olive oil and red wine vinegar. Some restaurants add herbs to their oil and vinegar mixture but most do not. Italian dressing adds more ingredients to the oil and vinegar including Dijon mustard, dried herbs, garlic powder, and Parmesan cheese.

What’s Italian dressing made of?

This super easy 5-minute homemade Italian dressing recipe is made with a mixture of red wine vinegar, olive oil, Dijon mustard, garlic, Italian herbs, and Parmesan cheese.

How can you tell if dressing is emulsified?

Oil and vinegar do not mix together easily which is where the emulsifier comes in! Mustard, mayonnaise and egg yolk are examples of ingredients that help to emulsify dressing. When they are vigorously mixed with oil and vinegar, they help to bind the ingredients together. You'll know the dressing is emulsified when it becomes a bit cloudy and the ingredients are well combined together forming a smooth consistency.

5 Minute Homemade Italian Dressing Recipe

Name: Italian Dressing Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Total time: 5 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 2/3 cup olive oil; 1/3 cup red wine vinegar (or white wine vinegar); 1/4 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese; 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning; 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard; 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder; Kosher salt; fresh cracked pepper

Ingredients

Units Scale

2/3 cup olive oil
1/3 cup red wine vinegar (or white wine vinegar)
1/4 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese
1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
Kosher salt
fresh cracked pepper

Instructions

Add ingredients to a large mason jar or measuring cup.
Whisk or shake vigorously until all ingredients are well mixed and the dressing has emulsified.
Season to taste with salt and pepper and serve with your favorite salad or my Easy Italian Pasta Salad.

Equipment

wide mouth mason jar

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measuring cup

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Notes

You can use a food processor to combine the dressing ingredients or blend everything in a blender to give it a super smooth consistency. I love the texture that each of the ingredients adds but if you’re looking for a more cohesive dressing, try blending everything together!
Adjust the oil and vinegar levels to suit your taste! I prefer my homemade salad dressing to have a bit more tang so I’ll usually add an extra tablespoon of vinegar. If you prefer it a bit more mild add another glug of olive oil. You can also switch up the dried herbs and try fresh herbs instead. Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little kick. Use this recipe as a blueprint and make it your own!
If you want to make this dressing dairy-free, just skip the Parmesan or use a vegan Parmesan cheese.
This dressing doubles as a delicious marinade for chicken, beef, pork, or vegetables as well! Just use it in place of store-bought Italian dressing in any recipe and transform your favorite protein into a tasty dinner your family will love!

Author: Kylie
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Category: Salad
Method: No Cook
Cuisine: Italian
Diet: Vegetarian

Nutrition

Serving Size:
Calories: 140
Sugar: 0 g
Sodium: 47.9 mg
Fat: 15.5 g
Saturated Fat: 2.5 g
Carbohydrates: 0.5 g
Fiber: 0.2 g
Protein: 0.8 g
Cholesterol: 1.4 mg