Make This Dressing Once, Use It All Week

Homemade creamy Italian dressing plus 10 smart ways to incorporate it into your meal rotation

This homemade creamy Italian dressing puts store-bought versions to shame. With simple pantry ingredients and a few minutes of whisking, you'll have a vibrant, flavorful dressing that transforms any salad into something special. The best part? You control every ingredient, so you know exactly what you're eating.

Why Homemade Wins

Making homemade dressing means no weird preservatives, no high fructose corn syrup, and no mysterious ingredients you can't pronounce. Plus, you can adjust the flavors exactly to your taste—more garlic, less vinegar, extra herbs—whatever makes your taste buds happy.

10 Ways to Use This Dressing All Week Long

1. Instant lunch salad: Toss with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and leftover rotisserie chicken for a satisfying meal

2. Protein marinade: Use as a marinade for chicken thighs or salmon before grilling—the acidity tenderizes while the herbs add flavor

3. Pasta salad base: Mix into pasta salad with diced vegetables, olives, and mozzarella for a satisfying side dish or light dinner

4. Roasted vegetable finisher: Drizzle over warm roasted vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and red onions

5. Appetizer dip: Serve alongside fresh vegetables, crackers, and cheese for an easy party platter

6. Sandwich spread: Use instead of mayo on sandwiches or wraps—adds so much more flavor to turkey, ham, or veggie wraps

7. Grain bowl dressing: Toss with warm quinoa, roasted chickpeas, and fresh herbs for a protein-packed meal

8. Pizza base or drizzle: Spread on pizza crust as a base sauce or drizzle over pizza after baking for extra flavor

9. Potato salad upgrade: Mix with boiled potatoes, herbs, and diced vegetables for a lighter take on classic potato salad

10. Italian cucumber salad: Toss with sliced cucumbers, radishes, and thinly sliced red onion for a refreshing summer side that's perfect with grilled dishes

Prep Time: 5 minutes | Total Time: 5 minutes (plus 10 minutes resting time)

Ingredients

• 1/3 cup mayonnaise (use your favorite brand or homemade)

• 1-2 tablespoons red wine vinegar (start with 1, add more to taste)

• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

• 1 tablespoon olive oil (extra virgin preferred)

• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard

• 2 teaspoons dried Italian herbs (or equal parts oregano, basil, and thyme)

• 1/2 teaspoon granulated garlic OR 1 fresh garlic clove, minced

• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder

• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)

• 1 teaspoon honey OR 1/2 teaspoon sugar (optional, for balance)

• Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Makes about 2/3 cup dressing

Instructions

1. Whisk the base: In a medium bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar, lemon juice, and olive oil until smooth and well combined.

2. Add the flavor: Whisk in the Dijon mustard, Italian herbs, garlic, onion powder, and red pepper flakes (if using).

3. Season and balance: Taste the dressing. Add the remaining tablespoon of vinegar if you prefer more tang, or the honey/sugar if it needs sweetening—season with sea salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.

4. Let it meld: For best flavor, let the dressing sit for 10-15 minutes to allow the herbs and spices to bloom. Give it another quick whisk before serving.

Chef's Tips

• Fresh vs. dried herbs: If using fresh herbs, use about 1 tablespoon total of finely chopped basil, oregano, and thyme.

• Consistency control: Too thick? Add a splash more vinegar, lemon juice, half & half, or water. Too thin? Add a bit more mayo.

• Make it lighter: Substitute half the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt for a protein boost and lighter texture.

• Add Parmesan punch: Stir in 2-3 tablespoons of freshly grated Parmesan cheese for extra richness and that classic Italian flavor.

• Storage: Keep in the refrigerator for up to one week. Always give it a good stir before using.

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Vote below and ALSO let me know in the comments what specific challenges you're facing in your kitchen right now. Your input directly shapes what I share here, so don't be shy—I read every single response!

Plus, if you try this creamy Italian dressing recipe, I'd love to hear which of the 10 uses became your favorite. Tag me or drop a comment with your results!

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Low-Carb Diet for Two & The 5-Ingredient Low-Carb Diet Cookbook

Enjoy!

xoxoxo

~ Bek