Easy Homemade Creamy Italian Salad Dressing Recipe
This Easy Homemade Creamy Italian Salad Dressing combines a rich blend of mayonnaise, sour cream, and olive oil with tangy red wine vinegar and lemon juice, perfectly balanced with Italian herbs and Parmesan cheese. It’s a smooth, flavorful dressing ideal for salads, sandwiches, or as a dip, made from simple pantry ingredients in minutes.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: About 1 cup (8 servings, 2 tablespoons each) 1x
- Category: Salad Dressing
- Method: Whisking
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
Dressing Base
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
Acidity and Flavor
- 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
- Combine the Base Ingredients— In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup mayonnaise, 1/4 cup sour cream, and 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil until the mixture is smooth and creamy. This forms the rich and velvety foundation of the dressing.
- Add the Tang and Sweetness— Pour in 2 tablespoons of red wine vinegar and 1 teaspoon of lemon juice. These ingredients add a balanced tangy brightness to the dressing, enhancing its flavor complexity.
- Mix in the Seasonings— Stir in 1/2 teaspoon onion powder, 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/4 teaspoon Italian seasoning, 2 teaspoons dried basil, and 3 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese. The combination of these herbs, spices, and cheese infuses the dressing with classic Italian flavors.
- Whisk Until Smooth— Whisk all the ingredients thoroughly until the dressing becomes creamy and well combined. Taste the dressing and adjust seasonings as desired—add a bit more vinegar for extra tang, a dash of honey for subtle sweetness, or more basil for a herbaceous kick.
- Store and Serve— Transfer the dressing to a mason jar, Weck jar, or any airtight container with an easy pour lid. Refrigerate and shake or stir vigorously before each use to recombine ingredients, as natural separation may occur. The dressing will keep well for up to one week.
Notes
- For a lighter version, substitute mayonnaise with Greek yogurt.
- Adjust herbs and spices according to taste preferences.
- Ensure to shake well before each use due to natural separation.
- The dressing pairs well with green salads, pasta salads, and as a sandwich spread.
- Store in the refrigerator for up to one week for best freshness.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 tablespoons (30 ml)
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 220 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 1 g
- Fiber: 0.1 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 10 mg
Keywords: Italian salad dressing, creamy Italian dressing, homemade salad dressing, easy salad dressing, Parmesan dressing, creamy Italian dressing recipe
