Easy Homemade Creamy Italian Salad Dressing Recipe
This easy homemade creamy Italian salad dressing combines a rich base of mayonnaise and sour cream with olive oil and flavorful herbs and spices. Perfect for drizzling over your favorite salads, this dressing offers a tangy, herby, and slightly cheesy taste that enhances any greens or veggies. Quick to prepare and store, it stays fresh refrigerated for up to a week.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 1 cup of dressing 1x
- Category: Salad Dressing
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
Scale
Base Ingredients
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
Acid and Flavorings
- 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 olive oil, and 1/4 cup sour cream until the mixture is smooth and creamy. This forms the rich, velvety base of your dressing.
- Add the Tang and Sweetness: Pour in 2 tablespoons of red wine vinegar and 1 teaspoon of lemon juice to add the perfect tangy balance to the base.
- Mix in the Seasonings: Add 1/2 teaspoon onion powder, 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/4 teaspoon Italian seasoning, 3 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese, and 2 teaspoons dried basil. These herbs and spices bring out a classic Italian flavor.
- Whisk Until Smooth: Whisk all the ingredients together thoroughly until the dressing becomes creamy and well blended. Taste and adjust seasonings as desired, adding more vinegar for tanginess, honey for sweetness, or extra basil for a stronger herb flavor.
- Store and Serve: Transfer the dressing into a mason jar with an easy-pour lid, a Weck jar, or an airtight container. Refrigerate and use within one week. Shake or stir vigorously before each use as natural separation may occur.
Notes
- For a sweeter dressing, add a small amount of honey or sugar to taste.
- You can substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream to lighten the dressing.
- Ensure to shake or stir the dressing before serving to re-emulsify any separation.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for the best flavor and texture.
- This dressing is ideal for pasta salads, green salads, or as a dip for fresh vegetables.
Keywords: Italian salad dressing, creamy salad dressing, homemade dressing, Parmesan dressing, easy salad recipes
