Name: Easy Homemade Creamy Italian Salad Dressing Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Total time: 5 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1/2 cup mayonnaise; 1/4 cup sour cream; 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil; 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar; 1 teaspoon lemon juice; 1/2 teaspoon onion powder; 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/4 teaspoon Italian seasoning; 2 teaspoons dried basil; 3 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese; 1/4 teaspoon salt; Black pepper to taste

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Introduction

This easy homemade creamy Italian salad dressing combines tangy, herby, and savory flavors into a rich, velvety sauce. Perfect for drizzling over your favorite greens or as a dip, it’s simple to whip up with common pantry ingredients.

A clear glass jar filled with a creamy, speckled white sauce that has small black herbs or spices mixed in, with a silver spoon placed inside the jar. The jar sits on a black plate, and next to it is a white bowl partially visible with chopped vegetables including pale yellow cabbage, red bell pepper, and some purple pieces on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1/2 cup mayonnaise
1/4 cup sour cream
1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
1 teaspoon lemon juice
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon Italian seasoning
2 teaspoons dried basil
3 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 teaspoon salt
Black pepper to taste

Instructions

Step 1: Combine the base ingredients by adding mayonnaise, olive oil, and sour cream to a medium bowl. Whisk together until smooth and creamy to create a rich dressing base.
Step 2: Add red wine vinegar and lemon juice to the mixture for a bright, tangy flavor.
Step 3: Stir in onion powder, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, grated Parmesan cheese, and dried basil to bring out the classic Italian taste.
Step 4: Whisk everything thoroughly until the dressing is fully blended and creamy. Taste and adjust seasonings if desired, adding more vinegar for tanginess, honey for sweetness, or extra basil for more herb flavor.
Step 5: Transfer the dressing to an airtight container or jar. Refrigerate for up to one week. Shake or stir well before each use as natural separation may occur.

Tips & Variations

For a lighter version, swap half of the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt without losing creaminess.
Add a teaspoon of honey or sugar if you prefer a slightly sweeter dressing.
Use fresh basil instead of dried for a brighter herb flavor, doubling the amount.
Let the dressing sit in the fridge for a few hours before serving to let flavors meld together.

Storage

Store the dressing in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. Shake or stir well before each use as separation may occur. This dressing does not freeze well, so fresh batches are best for longer storage.

How to Serve

A white bowl filled with a salad made of chopped pale yellow lettuce, bright red bell pepper pieces, orange carrot chunks, thin purple onion slices, and a few translucent radish slices. On top of the salad, there is a creamy white dressing speckled with black seeds, spread mostly in the center. Behind the bowl, a glass jar with more of the same dressing stands on a black round plate, with a metal spoon inside. The background is a white marbled texture. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this dressing ahead of time?

Yes, this dressing benefits from sitting in the refrigerator for a few hours or overnight to allow the flavors to blend fully. Just give it a good shake or stir before serving.

Is this dressing suitable for vegans?

No, this recipe contains mayonnaise, sour cream, and Parmesan cheese, which are dairy and egg-based. You can make a vegan version by substituting vegan mayo, plant-based sour cream, and nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan.