Italian Dressing [The Herb Groove Remix]

Vibrant herb-infused Italian dressing bursting with fresh Mediterranean flavors that transforms simple greens into extraordinary salads. This is liquid sunshine from the Italian countryside, perfectly balanced with premium olive oil, bright acidity, and aromatic herbs that make every bite taste like a Tuscan garden.

Makes

1 1/2 cups (360ml)

Total Time

40 min (10 min active) + infusing

Ingredients

For Dressing Base:
3/4 cup (180ml) extra virgin olive oil, cold-pressed
1/4 cup (60ml) red wine vinegar
2 tbsp (30ml) fresh lemon juice
1 tsp (5ml) Dijon mustard
1 tsp (7g) raw honey
1 tsp (6g) sea salt
1/2 tsp (1g) freshly ground black pepper
1/4 tsp (0.5g) red pepper flakes

For Fresh Herbs:
2 tbsp (8g) fresh oregano, finely chopped
1 tbsp (4g) fresh basil, finely chopped
1 tbsp (4g) fresh parsley, finely chopped
3 large cloves garlic, minced (15g)
1 tsp (2g) fresh thyme leaves (optional)
1 tbsp (8g) fresh chives, chopped (optional)

Make it Good For The Gut (Optional)

Replace red wine vinegar with raw apple cider vinegar with mother for beneficial probiotics and enhanced mineral absorption. Add 1 tablespoon fermented garlic paste instead of fresh garlic for gut-friendly bacteria and deeper umami flavor. Include 1 teaspoon miso paste for additional probiotics and savory depth that complements Italian herbs. Incorporate 1/4 teaspoon freshly grated ginger for digestive enzymes and anti-inflammatory compounds. Use raw honey with propolis for antimicrobial benefits and natural sweetness that balances acidity perfectly.

Remix Options

Vinegar Variations: Try balsamic vinegar for sweetness, white wine vinegar for lighter flavor, or champagne vinegar for delicate taste with elegant sophistication. Herb Combinations: Create Greek style with dried oregano and lemon zest, French with tarragon and shallots, or Mexican with cilantro and lime juice. Oil Alternatives: Use avocado oil for neutral flavor, walnut oil for nutty taste, or infused oils like garlic or herb oil for enhanced aromatics. Sweetener Options: Replace honey with maple syrup, agave nectar, or date paste for vegan versions with different flavor profiles and natural sweetness. Citrus Variations: Substitute lime juice for Mediterranean twist, orange juice for sweeter profile, or grapefruit juice for bright, bitter complexity. Texture Add-ins: Include capers for briny pops, sun-dried tomatoes for umami depth, or pine nuts for creamy richness and protein content. Spice Enhancements: Add fennel seeds for Italian sausage flavor, dried rosemary for woodsy notes, or smoked paprika for depth and color.

Good To Know

Oil Quality Matters: Use high-quality extra virgin olive oil for best flavor and health benefits – cheap oils create harsh, bitter dressing that overwhelms delicate herbs. Fresh vs Dried Herbs: Fresh herbs provide bright, vibrant flavor while dried herbs offer concentrated taste – use 1/3 amount dried if substituting for fresh. Emulsification Technique: Slowly drizzle oil while whisking vigorously to create creamy emulsion that coats salad greens evenly and prevents separation. Garlic Preparation: Mince garlic finely or use garlic press for even distribution; let it sit in acid 5 minutes to mellow sharpness before adding oil. Flavor Development: Dressing tastes best after 30 minutes of resting time as herbs infuse oil and flavors meld into harmonious blend. Storage Guidelines: Refrigerate up to 2 weeks in airtight container; bring to room temperature and shake well before using for best consistency. Separation Solutions: Natural separation is normal; whisk or shake vigorously before each use to re-emulsify oil and vinegar mixture. Serving Temperature: Let chilled dressing sit 10 minutes at room temperature for optimal flavor release and easier mixing with salad ingredients. Usage Tips: Use 2-3 tablespoons per large salad; toss gently to coat leaves without overdressing and overwhelming fresh flavors.

steps

Prep:

Finely chop all fresh herbs and mince garlic. Let garlic sit in lemon juice for 5 minutes to mellow sharpness and enhance flavor integration.

Combine:

In medium bowl, whisk together red wine vinegar, lemon juice with garlic, Dijon mustard, and honey until smooth and well blended.

Emulsify:

While whisking vigorously, slowly drizzle in olive oil in thin stream to create smooth emulsion. Continue whisking until dressing is creamy and well combined.

Season:

Add chopped oregano, basil, parsley, sea salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Whisk thoroughly to distribute herbs and spices evenly throughout dressing.

Taste:

Taste and adjust seasoning as needed – add more salt for flavor enhancement, honey for sweetness, lemon juice for brightness, or herbs for intensity.

Infuse:

Let dressing sit at room temperature for 30 minutes to allow herbs to infuse oil and flavors to meld into harmonious blend with maximum taste impact.

Store:

Transfer to airtight container or jar and refrigerate up to 2 weeks. Shake or whisk vigorously before each use to re-emulsify separated ingredients.