Italian Dressing Recipe Vegan Made Easy and Delicious

Italian dressing is a timeless classic that adds a burst of tangy, herbaceous flavor to any salad, sandwich, or roasted vegetable dish. But did you know you can make a vibrant, zesty vegan Italian dressing right in your own kitchen with just a handful of wholesome ingredients?

This homemade version skips the preservatives, artificial flavors, and dairy products often found in store-bought dressings, giving you a fresh and healthy alternative that’s perfect for anyone embracing a plant-based lifestyle.

Whether you’re tossing together a quick weeknight salad or marinating your favorite veggies, this Italian dressing recipe is incredibly versatile, delicious, and easy to whip up. Plus, it keeps well in the fridge, so you can always have a bottle ready to brighten your meals.

Let’s dive into how to make this flavorful dressing that’s sure to become a staple in your kitchen!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This vegan Italian dressing recipe is a winner for many reasons. First, it’s made with simple, natural ingredients like extra virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar, and fresh herbs that come together for a balanced, bold flavor.

It’s completely free from animal products, making it suitable for vegans and those with dairy allergies.

Another great aspect is its versatility. Use it as a salad dressing, marinade for tofu or vegetables, or even a dipping sauce for crusty bread.

It’s quick to prepare and keeps well for up to two weeks in the refrigerator, saving you time during busy days. You can also easily customize the herb and spice blend to suit your taste preferences.

Lastly, making your own dressing means you control the sodium and sugar levels, which is a big plus for anyone watching their diet. This recipe strikes the perfect balance between tangy, savory, and herby, making it a crowd-pleaser for family and friends alike.

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
• 1/4 cup red wine vinegar
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 2 teaspoons maple syrup or agave nectar (optional, for subtle sweetness)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard (check vegan if store-bought)
• 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
• Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional, for a slight kick)

Equipment

• Measuring cups and spoons
• Small mixing bowl or jar with lid
• Whisk or fork
• Garlic press or knife for mincing
• Storage bottle or jar for dressing

Instructions

1. Prepare the garlic: Mince the garlic cloves finely or use a garlic press to extract maximum flavor.
2. Combine liquids: In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the extra virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar, and fresh lemon juice. This acid-oil combo is the base of your dressing.
3. Add the mustard and sweetener: Stir in the Dijon mustard and maple syrup (if using). The mustard helps emulsify the dressing, keeping it well combined.
4. Mix in the herbs and spices: Add the dried oregano, basil, thyme, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (optional). Whisk everything well to distribute the flavors.
5. Add the garlic: Stir in the minced garlic, ensuring it’s evenly mixed throughout the dressing.
6. Taste and adjust: Sample your dressing and adjust salt, pepper, or sweetness to your liking.
7. Store and chill: Transfer the dressing to a sealable bottle or jar and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld.
8. Shake well before use: Olive oil tends to separate when chilled, so be sure to shake or stir your dressing well before drizzling it over your favorite dishes.

Tips & Variations

“For a fresh herb twist, try adding chopped fresh parsley, basil, or chives just before serving to brighten the flavor.”

If you prefer a smoother dressing, blend all ingredients in a food processor or blender for about 20 seconds. This also helps emulsify the oil and vinegar better.

Swap out the dried herbs for fresh if you have them on hand; just use about three times the amount since fresh herbs are less concentrated.

For a creamier version without dairy, add 2 tablespoons of vegan mayonnaise or blended silken tofu. This works wonderfully as a dip or sandwich spread.

Want to make this dressing soy-free? Ensure your Dijon mustard is soy-free, or substitute with a mild yellow mustard.

Looking for a smoky flavor? Add a pinch of smoked paprika or a drop of liquid smoke for depth and warmth.

Nutrition Facts

Note: Nutrition values are approximate and may vary based on specific ingredient brands and quantities used.

Serving Suggestions

This Italian dressing is incredibly versatile and pairs beautifully with many dishes. Here are some ideas to get you started:

• Drizzle over mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and olives for a classic Italian salad.
• Use as a marinade for tofu, tempeh, or vegetables before grilling or roasting.
• Toss with cooked pasta and fresh vegetables for a quick pasta salad.
• Serve as a flavorful dip for fresh breadsticks or crudités.
• Add a splash to grain bowls for a zesty, herbaceous boost.

For more delicious vegan recipes that complement this dressing perfectly, check out our Peruvian Vegetable Recipes for Flavorful Healthy Meals or try the Vegetable Alfredo Recipes for Creamy, Healthy Dinners.

You might also enjoy baking some fresh bread to go along with this dressing using our Vegan Bread Machine Recipe for Soft, Delicious Loaves.

Conclusion

Making your own vegan Italian dressing is a fantastic way to elevate your meals with fresh, wholesome flavors while avoiding additives and preservatives. This recipe’s simple ingredients come together to create a perfectly balanced dressing that’s tangy, herby, and just a little bit sweet, making it ideal for salads, marinades, and dips.

By customizing the herbs, tweaking the acidity, or adding a creamy element, you can tailor this dressing to suit your unique palate. Plus, it’s quick to prepare and keeps well, which means you’ll have a delicious, healthy dressing ready whenever you need it.

Don’t forget to explore our site for more plant-based recipes that will inspire your kitchen adventures and help you enjoy vibrant, healthy meals every day!

{“@context”: “https://schema.org/”, “@type”: “Recipe”, “name”: “Italian Dressing Recipe Vegan”, “image”: [], “author”: {“@type”: “Organization”, “name”: “GluttonLv”}, “description”: “A zesty and flavorful vegan Italian dressing perfect for salads and marinades. Made with simple, wholesome ingredients for a fresh and tangy taste.”, “prepTime”: “PT10M”, “cookTime”: “PT0M”, “totalTime”: “PT10M”, “recipeYield”: “1 cup”, “recipeIngredient”: [“1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil”, “1/4 cup red wine vinegar”, “1 tablespoon lemon juice”, “1 teaspoon Dijon mustard”, “1 teaspoon maple syrup”, “2 cloves garlic, minced”, “1 teaspoon dried oregano”, “1/2 teaspoon dried basil”, “1/2 teaspoon dried parsley”, “1/4 teaspoon salt”, “1/4 teaspoon black pepper”, “1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)”], “recipeInstructions”: [{“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Combine olive oil, red wine vinegar, and lemon juice in a bowl.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Add Dijon mustard and maple syrup, whisk until blended.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Stir in minced garlic and all dried herbs.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Season with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if using.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Whisk until the dressing is smooth and emulsified.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Store in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to one week.”}], “nutrition”: {“calories”: “120”, “proteinContent”: “0.2g”, “fatContent”: “14g”, “carbohydrateContent”: “1g”}}