Imagine transforming your ordinary salad into a restaurant-worthy masterpiece with just a few simple ingredients and five minutes of your time. This homemade Italian salad dressing is about to become your kitchen's secret weapon, bringing the vibrant, sun-kissed flavors of Italy directly to your plate. No more bland, store-bought dressings – you're about to create a dressing so delicious, it'll make your taste buds dance and your dinner guests wonder if you secretly trained in a Tuscan kitchen!
Prep Time: 5 mins
Cook Time: -
Total Time: 5 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 1 cup
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup red wine vinegar
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Gather all the ingredients: 1/2 cup of olive oil, 1/4 cup of red wine vinegar, 1 teaspoon of dried oregano, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1 teaspoon of sugar, and salt and pepper to taste.
- In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the red wine vinegar and sugar. Whisk them together until the sugar is fully dissolved. This will help balance the acidity of the vinegar.
- Slowly drizzle in the olive oil while continuously whisking the mixture. This will help emulsify the dressing, creating a smooth and cohesive texture.
- Once the olive oil is fully incorporated, add the dried oregano and garlic powder to the bowl. Whisk again until all ingredients are well combined.
- Season the dressing with salt and pepper to taste. Start with a pinch of each, and adjust according to your preference.
- For the best flavor, let the dressing sit for about 5 minutes before using. This allows the flavors to meld together.
- Transfer the dressing to a clean jar or bottle with a tight-fitting lid. If not using immediately, store it in the refrigerator. Shake well before each use, as the ingredients may separate over time.
Tips
- Use high-quality olive oil for the best flavor – extra virgin olive oil works best and brings authentic Italian taste.
- For maximum flavor infusion, let the dressing sit for at least 5-10 minutes before serving, allowing the herbs and spices to fully develop their taste profile.
- Invest in a good whisk or use a sealed jar for mixing – vigorous whisking or shaking helps emulsify the dressing, creating a smooth, well-blended texture.
- Customize the herbs! While dried oregano is traditional, feel free to experiment with fresh herbs like basil or thyme for a personalized touch.
- This dressing stays fresh in the refrigerator for up to a week. Always give it a good shake before using, as the ingredients will naturally separate when stored.
- For a lighter version, you can adjust the oil-to-vinegar ratio or substitute part of the olive oil with water.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 120kcal
Carbohydrates: 1g
Protein: 0g
Fat: 14g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 0mg
