Italian Vinaigrette
A versatile Italian vinaigrette with bold garlic and herb flavors, perfect for salads, drizzling over vegetables, or as a marinade for a fresh, vibrant taste.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine red wine vinegar, crushed garlic, salt, black pepper, minced parsley, dry mustard, and dried basil or oregano in a large jar with a tight-fitting lid.
- Add olive oil or other oil to the jar.
- Shake well until the ingredients are thoroughly blended.
- Serve immediately or store in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Tips & Substitutions
For a more robust flavor, let the vinaigrette sit for at least an hour before using. You can substitute balsamic vinegar for a sweeter twist or use avocado oil for a different flavor profile. If you prefer a creamier dressing, consider adding a tablespoon of mayonnaise or Greek yogurt. This vinaigrette is perfect for drizzling over salads or as a marinade for grilled vegetables.
Serving Suggestions
This Italian Vinaigrette is a versatile dressing that pairs beautifully with mixed greens, grilled chicken, or roasted vegetables. Try it drizzled over a fresh Caprese salad or use it as a zesty marinade for your favorite proteins. For a delightful meal, serve it alongside Broccoli And Tomato Fettuccine or as part of a vibrant Italian slaw.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover vinaigrette in a tightly sealed jar in the refrigerator. It should last up to a week. Before using, give it a good shake to recombine the ingredients, as they may separate over time. If the oil solidifies in the fridge, simply let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes until it returns to liquid.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Italian Vinaigrette contains roughly 284 calories, with 13g protein, 63g carbohydrates, and 5g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (92% of the Daily Value), iron (78% of the Daily Value), and calcium (39% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A. It also contributes 26g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of vinegar?
Yes, you can substitute red wine vinegar with white wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar for different flavor profiles. Each type of vinegar will bring its unique tanginess to the vinaigrette, allowing for customization based on your preference.
How can I make this vinaigrette vegan?
This vinaigrette is already vegan as it contains no animal products. If you want to enhance the flavor further, consider adding a teaspoon of nutritional yeast, which adds a cheesy flavor, making it great for salads and vegan recipes.
What can I do if the dressing is too tangy?
If the vinaigrette tastes too tangy, you can balance the acidity by adding a teaspoon of honey or maple syrup. This will soften the sharpness of the vinegar and create a more rounded flavor. Adjust to your taste for the perfect dressing.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).