Print

Easy Homemade Creamy Italian Salad Dressing Recipe

Easy Homemade Creamy Italian Salad Dressing Recipe

5 from 27 reviews

This Easy Homemade Creamy Italian Salad Dressing is a rich, velvety blend of mayonnaise, sour cream, olive oil, and a mix of classic Italian herbs and spices. Perfect for adding a tangy, flavorful kick to your salads, this dressing combines red wine vinegar, lemon juice, Parmesan cheese, and dried basil for an authentic Italian taste that’s simple to make and store.

Ingredients

Scale

Base Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 1/4 cup sour cream
  • 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil

Acid and Flavor Enhancers

  • 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon lemon juice

Seasonings and Herbs

  • 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

  1. Combine the Base Ingredients: Add 1/2 cup of mayonnaise, 1/4 cup of olive oil, and 1/4 cup of sour cream into a medium mixing bowl. Whisk together until the mixture is smooth and creamy, forming the rich, velvety foundation of your dressing.
  2. Add the Tang and Sweetness: Pour in 2 tablespoons of red wine vinegar and 1 teaspoon of lemon juice. This step introduces a bright, tangy balance that livens up the dressing.
  3. Mix in the Seasonings: Add 1/2 teaspoon of onion powder, 1/4 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1/4 teaspoon of Italian seasoning, 3 tablespoons of grated Parmesan cheese, and 2 teaspoons of dried basil. These spices and herbs bring authentic Italian flavor to your dressing.
  4. Whisk Until Smooth: Whisk all ingredients thoroughly until the dressing is creamy and fully blended. Taste and adjust the seasoning as desired, adding more vinegar for acidity, a touch of honey for sweetness, or extra basil for added herbiness.
  5. Store and Serve: Transfer the dressing to a jar with a tight lid, such as a mason jar or airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator for up to one week. Shake or stir vigorously before each use to recombine any separation.

Notes

  • The dressing will thicken when refrigerated; allow it to come to room temperature or whisk before serving.
  • For a vegan version, substitute vegan mayonnaise and vegan Parmesan alternatives.
  • Adjust the vinegar and lemon juice quantities to taste if you prefer a more or less tangy dressing.
  • This dressing pairs well with mixed greens, pasta salads, and as a dipping sauce for vegetables.
  • Always taste and adjust the seasoning before serving to suit your personal preference.

Nutrition

Keywords: Italian salad dressing, creamy Italian dressing, homemade salad dressing, easy dressing recipe, creamy salad dressing