Homemade Zesty Italian Dressing takes bold, fresh flavor to a whole new level. This incredibly crisp and tangy, vinaigrette style dressing gets its mouthwatering composition from garlic, lemon juice, red wine vinegar, along with fresh herbs AND it whips together in under five minutes!
Quick and easy to prepare, the fresh zesty ingredients will delight your palate in a way that store-bought never has.
I love how versatile this Homemade Zesty Italian Dressing is. Having a few quality sauces, dressings, or marinades like my Favorite Teriyaki or Homemade Red Sauce in your repertoire can give you endless variety in your culinary options.
While it is absolutely fantastic in a traditional salad setting, this is one of my favorite go-to marinades as well, especially in the absolute BEST Garlic Parmesan Wings that I have ever had. Although, it also is extremely delicious on steak kebabs, chicken breast, or vegetables.
How to make Homemade Zesty Italian Dressing
Preparation for the dressing takes minutes and uses common ingredients.
Begin by muddling fresh garlic, lemon zest and juice, and fresh parsley.
A bar muddler, mortar and pestle, or even the back of a tablespoon may be used in this step.
Muddling breaks down the ingredients, releases oils, and enhances the flavors.
To zest a lemon, I love my Microplane Grater. A cheese grater may also be used.
In a salad dressing shaker, glass bowl, or mason jar with the lid, combine the muddled ingredients with olive oil, red wine vinegar, mustard, a pinch of sugar, salt and pepper.
Shake or whisk to combine and that’s it! It’s just that quick and easy.
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Homemade Zesty Italian Dressing
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup parsley, fresh and chopped
- 2 tablespoons garlic, minced fine
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice, fresh squeezed
- 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1/4 cup red wine vinegar
- 2 teaspoons dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon fresh cracked pepper
Instructions
- Muddle the parsley, garlic, and lemon zest and juice together.
- Add the remaining ingredients and whisk or shake until thoroughly combined.
Notes
Nutrition
Mother, Gardener, Book Devourer, and Food Obsessor. I love being inspired with fresh, seasonal ingredients and relish every opportunity to elevate my home cooking. Join me!
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