Condiment | Vegetarian Vegan Diet (check label)

Italian Dressing

N/A Allergens: None (check label for dairy/soy)
Italian Dressing

Sourcing & Taxonomy

  • Family N/A
  • Primary Cuisine Italian-American
  • Seasonality Year-Round
  • Source Vegetable oil, Vinegar, Herbs

The Forktionary Angle

"Beyond salads, it's a versatile flavor enhancer and tenderizing marinade for meats and vegetables."

Definition

A vinaigrette-based salad dressing typically made with oil, vinegar, water, and a blend of herbs and spices.

Sensory Profile

TasteTangy, Savory, Herbaceous, Garlic
TextureSmooth, Viscous
AromaHerbal, Aromatic, Garlic
AcidityMedium-High

Technical Metrics

Primary Use

Salad dressing

Refrigerated Shelf Life (opened)

3-6 months

Typical Oil/Vinegar Ratio

2:1 or 3:1

Nutrition Facts

Per 2 tbsp (30g)
Calories100 kcal
Total Fat10.7 g
Saturated Fat1.6 g
Trans Fat0 g
Cholesterol0 mg
Protein0.1 g
Total Carbohydrate2.5 g
Dietary Fiber0 g
Total Sugars2 g
Calcium1 mg
Iron0 mg
Potassium10 mg

Chef’s Secret

For a quick marinade, combine Italian dressing with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice and a pinch of red pepper flakes.

Substitutions

Best Match

Vinaigrette

1:1

Basic oil and vinegar dressing, easily customized with herbs.

Balsamic Vinaigrette

1:1

Offers a richer, sweeter, and tangier flavor profile.

Lemon-Herb Dressing

1:1

Uses fresh lemon juice for brightness and a lighter texture.

Homemade Italian Dressing

1:1

Allows for full control over ingredients, fresher taste, and less sodium.

Buying Guide

Check expiration date and ingredient list for desired quality and dietary needs. Shake well before each use.

Flavor Pairings

Salads marinades for meats and vegetables sandwich spread pasta salads.

Recipes Using Italian Dressing

Easy Low Saturated Fat Low Fat Easy

123 Chicken

This incredibly easy one-pan roasted chicken recipe is perfect for busy weeknights! Tender chicken breasts are roasted alongside sweet carrots and fluffy potatoes, all in under an hour. Healthy, delicious, and ready in a flash – perfect for beginners and experienced cooks alike. #OnePanMeal #EasyChickenRecipe #RoastedChicken #HealthyDinner #WeeknightDinner

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Preparation Technique Main Ingredient North American

4 Bean Salad

Whip up this incredibly fast and flavorful 4 Bean Salad in just 5-10 minutes! A deli favorite, this easy recipe boasts a vibrant mix of beans, crisp veggies, and a zesty dressing. Perfect as a side dish, light lunch, or potluck contribution – it's guaranteed to disappear quickly!

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Main Ingredient Pasta Main Ingredient Course

Anti Pasto Appetizers

These festive antipasto skewers were a huge success at my Christmas party – even the kids loved helping make them! A vibrant mix of savory salami, pepperoni, creamy cheese, briny olives, and perfectly cooked tortellini, these easy appetizers are sure to impress your guests. While there's a 4-hour marinating time, the active prep only takes about 30 minutes. Get ready for rave reviews!

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Preparation Time To Make Preparation 60 Minutes Or Less

Antipasto Rotini Pasta Salad

This crowd-pleasing Antipasto Rotini Pasta Salad is a guaranteed hit! Perfect for potlucks, parties, or busy weeknights, this recipe is so popular, it's always devoured. Get ready to experience a burst of Mediterranean flavors with perfectly cooked rotini pasta, vibrant vegetables, salty olives, and tangy cheeses – all tossed in a light and zesty dressing. Make a big batch – it disappears fast!

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Dietary Time To Make Beginner Cook Dips

Antonella's Hoagie Dip

This Antonella's Hoagie Dip recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser! Inspired by a coworker's hit recipe, this creamy, flavorful dip features savory salami, ham, provolone, and fresh veggies, all tossed in a zesty Italian dressing and mayo base. Serve with crusty bread cubes for the ultimate party snack or game-day appetizer. Prepare to be amazed!

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Summer Apples Time To Make Picnic

Apple Chicken Salad

This vibrant Apple Chicken Salad recipe is the perfect make-ahead lunch or picnic dish! Sweet apples, crunchy celery, juicy raisins, and tender chicken combine in a light and zesty dressing. Topped with your favorite nuts, it's a flavor explosion in every bite. Ready in just 5 minutes!

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High Protein Preparation Course High Protein

Apricot Pork Chops

Juicy pork chops get a sweet and savory makeover with this easy apricot glaze! These tender, flavorful chops are a crowd-pleaser, perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. Impress your family with this simple yet elegant recipe – your husband will love them!

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Refrigerator Salads 3 Steps Or Less Dietary

Aunt Lorraine's Linguini Salad

This vibrant and refreshing linguine salad is a family favorite, passed down from Aunt Lorraine herself! Perfect for Easter gatherings or any summer occasion, this recipe features perfectly cooked linguine tossed in a creamy, zesty dressing. The longer it chills, the better it tastes – making it ideal for make-ahead entertaining. Get ready for rave reviews!

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Cuisine Time To Make North American Preparation

Avocado Tomato And Olive Salsa

This vibrant and flavorful Avocado Tomato & Olive Salsa is the perfect appetizer or side dish! A delightful blend of creamy avocado, juicy tomatoes, and briny olives, this versatile recipe is equally delicious scooped with tortilla chips, served as a refreshing salad, or used as a zesty dip. The quick prep time and minimal cooking make it ideal for weeknight meals or entertaining. We'll show you how to keep your avocados vibrant and green!

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Preparation Course Time To Make Lunch

Baked Italian Sub Sandwiches

Elevate your weeknight meal with these incredible Baked Italian Sub Sandwiches! Crispy on the outside, melty and cheesy on the inside – you won't believe they're homemade. This recipe is quick, easy, and delivers restaurant-quality results every time. Perfect for a family dinner or a crowd-pleasing party snack!

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Pork Main Ingredient Spicy Preparation

Barbecue Pork Chops

Juicy and flavorful barbecue pork chops ready in under 20 minutes! This quick and easy recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner. Tender pork chops get a delicious smoky-sweet glaze in a flash. Impress your family with minimal effort!

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South West Pacific Toddler Friendly Healthy Hawaiian

Barbecued Island Chicken

Escape to paradise with this juicy, flavorful Barbecued Island Chicken! This easy recipe bursts with summery sweetness from pineapple juice and brown sugar, creating an irresistible almost-caramel glaze. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a fun weekend BBQ, this crowd-pleaser is savory and sweet, loved by all ages. The marinade infuses the chicken with incredible taste, leaving you with tender, succulent meat. (Note: While the original recipe provides a calorie estimate, this is inaccurate as most of the marinade is discarded.)

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Number Of Servings Grilling Low In Something Low Saturated Fat

Barbecued Zucchini Two Ingredients

This unbelievably easy side dish uses just TWO ingredients and will wow even the pickiest eaters! Perfectly grilled zucchini with irresistible flavor, ready in under 20 minutes. This recipe also works great with asparagus – get ready for rave reviews!

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Dinner Party Course Shellfish Shrimp

Beach Shrimp

Impress your crowd with this easy and quick 30-minute Beach Shrimp Bake! Perfectly seasoned shrimp baked to juicy perfection with bright lemon and fresh parsley. Serve with crusty bread to soak up the delicious buttery sauce.

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North American Main Ingredient Cheese Finger Food

Bears Style Sub

Fuel your Chicago Bears game day with this epic sub! Inspired by playoff noshing, this recipe features a hearty blend of salami, mortadella, hot capicola, and provolone, layered with crisp lettuce, juicy tomatoes, and sharp onions. A zesty homemade dressing ties it all together. Easy to make in under 15 minutes!

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North American Weeknight North American Meat

Beef Kabobs

Fall in love with this incredibly flavorful Beef Kabob recipe! Inspired by a cherished summer memory, these juicy beef skewers are marinated overnight for maximum tenderness and flavor. A true crowd-pleaser, perfect for summer barbecues or a cozy winter dinner. Get ready for rave reviews!

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3 Steps Or Less Number Of Servings Inexpensive Technique

Big Texan Texas Caviar

Conquer your cravings with this vibrant Big Texan Texas Caviar recipe, inspired by the legendary Amarillo steakhouse! This refreshing and flavorful dip is perfect for parties or a light yet satisfying meal. Imagine the bold flavors of black-eyed peas, corn, tomatoes, and red onions, all coming together in a delightful explosion of taste. Easy to make and even easier to devour, this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Get ready to experience a taste of Texas!

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Low Cholesterol Low Protein Main Ingredient Healthy

Penne Pasta With Grilled Chicken And Roasted Tomatoes

This vibrant Penne Pasta recipe is a family favorite! Juicy grilled chicken and sweet roasted tomatoes combine with perfectly cooked pasta for a delicious and satisfying meal. Easily adaptable for vegetarians, this recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a casual weekend gathering. Get ready to impress your family with this simple yet flavorful dish!

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