Anything made from scratch is just better and this zesty Homemade Italian Dressing is no exception! Healthy and delicious, you won't want to go back to the store-bought bottle anytime soon!
This dressing is amazing on any traditional leafy salads with cucumber and tomato, and I sometimes use it in place of a creamy dressing for my stuffed avocado salad.
Before we get started on making this one-step Italian dressing, there are a few things you should know.
Related recipe: Blueberry Lemon Vinaigrette
What Vinegar is best in Italian dressing?
Red-wine vinegar is a must. If you're worried about alcohol content, it has absolutely none, but the flavor is really just right. If you must substitute, my next choice would be fresh lemon juice, but I really recommend trying the red-wine vinegar!
Related recipes: 13 Vegan Dressings to Try
What Oil is best for Italian dressing?
Extra virgin olive oil has a very rich flavor that I absolutely love in this recipe, but if you're really against that flavor, any clear neutral oil would be acceptable.
Related recipe: Vegan Ginger Lemon Tahini Dressing (No Oil!)
How to make Italian Dressing:
First, grab an old salad dressing bottle or (my favorite) a pint-sized mason jar. Add the oil, vinegar, mustard, seasonings, crushed red pepper, and agave.
Screw the lid on super tight and give it a good shake!
Spoon or pour your fresh homemade Italian dressing over your salad immediately or let it rest in the fridge for a few hours for even better flavor!
If you could just taste it! It's the best!!!
Related recipe: Vegan Caesar Dressing
How long does Italian Dressing keep?
You can keep your homemade Italian dressing in the refrigerator for at least two weeks. The oil may tend to thicken a bit in the fridge, so just be sure and let it rest at room temperature for a few minutes before using!
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Best Homemade Italian Dressing
Ingredients
- 1 cup olive oil, extra virgin
- ⅓ cup red wine vinegar
- 2 tablespoon nutritional yeast flakes
- 1 tablespoon agave nectar
- 1 tablespoon dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon dried marjoram
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
Instructions
- Measure all ingredients into a mason jar or other salad dressing container.
- Shake or stir contents until well combined.
- Pour over your favorite salad, or let your dressing rest in the refrigerator to create even more blended flavor!
Tae Morris
Is there anything I can substitute for yeast flakes?
Rebecca
Sorry, I can't think of great sub. You can just leave them out if need be... They do add such a nice flavor tho!
Marnie
This was delicious! I did not have agave nectar so I substituted an equal amount of coconut sugar, and it turned out great. I'll definitely be making this again!
Rebecca
Thx for the comment! Glad to know that sweetener works well as a sub!
Heather
this is delicious. i love the addition of nutritional yeast. can’t wait to try your other recipes!
Rebecca
Thanks! So glad you like it! I love yeast flakes in my salad dressings!
Elizabeth
This was lovely! I’m new to your site - found it on a google of vegan Italian dressing. Thanks for a keeper! I decreased the oil to 2/3 cup and increased the sweetness by adding another teaspoon of maple syrup because that’s how I like it!
Rebecca
Thanks so much for your comment! Glad you were able to adjust to perfection for your palate!
Delores Price
I love this recipe. It taste great. Very easy to make. I have used it in my kale salad which all who tasted it love the combination. This recipe is a keeper. Thank you for sharing this recipe.
Rebecca
Thanks for the comment! So glad you like it!
Wanda Scarbrough
Rebecca,
What can I substitute the red wine vinegar for? I would rather not use that..????
I made the Gouda and Pepper Jack cheese for our ladies study and luncheon today at the Community Church, and it seemed to go well...My friend took the remainder home with her....
Thanks for all the lovely recipes.
Wanda
Rebecca
Thanks Wanda! Glad you are enjoying the cheese. You can sub fresh lemon juice in this recipe. The flavor will be different but still yummy!!!