We love how Campisi’s salad dressing has delighted taste buds for years with its bright garlic and balsamic notes
It’s a classic recipe from one of America’s legendary Italian restaurants and it brings an old-world charm to our tables
We appreciate its perfect blend of tangy and sweet flavors
It transforms simple greens into a vibrant meal that tastes like a special night out with family and friends
We feel it’s an easy way to add a dash of Italian flair to our everyday cooking
We like to drizzle this quick marinade over grilled vegetables or fresh bread too
It adds a touch of savory oiliness that complements any dish
Campisi’s Salad Dressing Recipe
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Extra-virgin olive oil | ½ cup |
| Balsamic vinegar | 2 tablespoons |
| Garlic cloves (finely minced) | 2 |
| Kosher salt | 1 teaspoon |
| Freshly ground black pepper | ½ teaspoon |
| Dried oregano | 1 teaspoon |
| Granulated sugar (optional) | 1 teaspoon |
- Place the olive oil and the balsamic vinegar in a medium bowl.
- Whisk briskly to combine them until the mixture looks smooth.
- Stir in the minced garlic to infuse the dressing with a bold aroma.
- Add the salt, the pepper, and the oregano to bring out the signature flavors of Campisi’s Salad Dressing.
- Taste the dressing and add the sugar if you prefer a sweeter balance.
- Transfer the dressing to a lidded glass jar for easy storage.
- Shake it before each use and drizzle it over crisp romaine or mixed greens.
- Use leftovers as a quick marinade for fresh bread or eggplant.
Equipment
We gather a few tools to prepare Campisi’s salad dressing with minimal effort. We want to combine our ingredients swiftly and enjoy the classic flavors.
Essential Tools
- Medium mixing bowl. We use this to hold our vinegar, oil, and seasonings.
- Measuring cups. We rely on precise measurements for our extra-virgin olive oil.
- Measuring spoons. We measure salt, dried oregano, and optional sugar accurately.
- Whisk. We whisk the dressing thoroughly to achieve a smooth consistency.
Optional Tools
- Garlic press. We simplify garlic prep if we prefer not to mince by hand.
- Funnel. We use this when transferring the dressing into narrow containers.
- Small lidded jar. We shake everything together if we want a quick blend.
- Rubber spatula. We scrape the bowl to capture every drop of our dressing.
Ingredients
We rely on these core components to achieve the tangy and savory essence of Campisi’s salad dressing. We gather each item in advance to ensure quick assembly.
Dressing Base
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Extra-virgin olive oil | ½ cup |
| Balsamic vinegar | 3 tablespoons |
Seasoning Blend
- 2 cloves minced garlic
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon granulated sugar optional
Directions
We focus on assembling Campisi’s salad dressing with minimal steps. We keep our ingredients ready for effortless mixing.
Prep
We measure ½ cup of extra-virgin olive oil and 3 tablespoons of balsamic vinegar.
We mince 2 cloves of garlic.
We measure ½ teaspoon of kosher salt, ¼ teaspoon of black pepper, and ½ teaspoon of dried oregano in small containers.
We keep an optional ½ teaspoon of granulated sugar on standby.
Whisk and Combine
We pour the oil and vinegar into a medium mixing bowl.
We add garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper.
We whisk vigorously until the mixture appears emulsified.
We stir in the optional sugar if we prefer a slight sweetness.
Taste and Adjust
We dip a crisp lettuce leaf into our dressing to check flavor.
We add extra vinegar for more tang.
We add more salt to boost savory notes.
We store any leftover dressing in a lidded jar in our refrigerator.
Serving Suggestions
We love adding Campisi’s Salad Dressing to crisp green salads for a classic Italian taste. Toss it with romaine lettuce or baby spinach and add sliced cherry tomatoes for a vibrant meal. The balsamic base delivers a tangy kick while the garlic infuses a savory undertone. For a sweet balance add a sprinkle of optional sugar and taste the difference it makes.
Use this dressing as a quick marinade for grilled vegetables such as zucchini or bell peppers. Brush each piece thoroughly and let them absorb the flavors before grilling for a smoky finish. We also drizzle a small spoonful over fresh bread to create an easy appetizer that captures the charm of an Italian restaurant.
As a dipping sauce pair it with warm breadsticks or crispy breaded eggplant. The combination of Campisi’s Salad Dressing and crunchy textures adds variety to every bite. We often store a small bowl on the side to encourage dipping and savoring the dressing’s aromatic quality.
| Dish | Recommended Dressing Amount |
|---|---|
| Green Salad for 4 | 1/4 cup |
| Grilled Vegetables (1 lb) | 3 tablespoons |
| Bread Dipping for 2 | 2 tablespoons |
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
We keep leftover Campisi’s Salad Dressing in a sealed glass jar in the refrigerator. We label the jar with the date we prepared it so we always know its freshness. It remains good for about 1 week. If the oil solidifies we let it rest at room temperature for about 10 minutes. Then we shake it to unify the oil and vinegar.
We also make the dressing up to 24 hours in advance for special events. The flavors deepen as they meld. We whisk it again right before serving so each spoonful tastes zesty and bright.
Recommended Storage Times
| Storage Method | Duration |
|---|---|
| Sealed jar in refrigerator | Up to 1 week |
| Room temperature | Not recommended |
| Freezer | Not recommended |
We sometimes double the recipe if we plan to use Campisi’s Salad Dressing throughout the week. This lets us enjoy quick meals by tossing it over salads or marinating our favorite vegetables.
Conclusion
We love how this classic dressing elevates any spread with minimal fuss. Building on its rich flavors we can enjoy a quick marinade or a simple drizzle over fresh greens. It’s a versatile companion for everyday lunches or special dinners. With a handful of essential steps and fresh ingredients we can bring that old-world charm to our tables. It doesn’t get more effortless or more satisfying than a batch of Campisi’s best.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes Campisi’s salad dressing stand out?
Campisi’s dressing offers a classic Italian flavor, blending tangy balsamic vinegar with savory garlic and oregano. The result is a balanced taste that elevates everyday salads to restaurant-quality meals. By using high-quality extra-virgin olive oil, you get a silky texture that complements the salad’s crunch. This simple yet flavorful recipe suits anyone seeking a fuss-free, delicious dressing.
Which ingredients are essential for the dressing?
You’ll need extra-virgin olive oil, balsamic vinegar, minced garlic, kosher salt, fresh black pepper, and dried oregano. An optional pinch of sugar enhances sweetness. These core items come together to create the signature taste of Campisi’s salad dressing, ensuring a harmonious blend of tangy and savory flavors.
Can I use this dressing as a marinade?
Absolutely. Campisi’s salad dressing is versatile enough to serve as a quick marinade for grilled vegetables, chicken, or even fresh bread. The bold garlic and balsamic flavors add depth, while the olive oil keeps dishes moist. Simply brush it on or toss your ingredients in the dressing to infuse extra taste and moisture.
What equipment do I need to make Campisi’s dressing?
A medium mixing bowl, measuring cups and spoons, and a whisk are the basics. A garlic press makes mincing easier, and a funnel helps when transferring the dressing into a jar. For added convenience, a small lidded jar and rubber spatula ensure smooth mixing and no wasted dressing.
How do I store leftover dressing?
Pour your leftover Campisi’s dressing into a clean, sealed glass jar and keep it in the refrigerator for up to one week. If the oil solidifies, let it sit at room temperature before shaking or stirring. Label the jar with the preparation date to track freshness and enjoy it whenever you need a quick flavor boost.
Can I make Campisi’s salad dressing in advance?
Yes. In fact, preparing it up to 24 hours ahead allows the flavors to deepen. This makes it an excellent choice for special events or quick weeknight meals. For busier schedules, consider doubling the recipe and storing the extra in the fridge. That way, you’ll have a ready-to-use dressing throughout the week.