Creamy Italian Dressing

published Oct 7, 2021
Creamy Italian dressing in a small open jar, with an Italian style salad with cucumbers, olives, tomatoes, cheese and cured meats on the side, and a plate with a blue and white design with a spoon with more dressing on it on the the side.
Credit: Laura Rege

Here is a dressing that combines the irresistible creaminess of Caesar (without the anchovies) with the zing and herbaceousness of Italian dressing.

Makes3/4 cup

Prep5 minutes to 8 minutes

Jump to Recipe
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Creamy Italian dressing in a small open jar, with an Italian style salad with cucumbers, olives, tomatoes, cheese and cured meats on the side, and a plate with a blue and white design with a spoon with more dressing on it on the the side.
Credit: Laura Rege

This is a dressing that combines the irresistible creaminess of Caesar (sans anchovies) with the zing and herbaceousness of Italian dressing. Pour it over literally any salad, use it to upgrade hoagies and sandwiches, drizzle it on top of pizza, or try it over roasted meat like chicken or steak. This is the upgrade your food has been waiting for.

Mayonnaise acts as an emulsifier, helping the oil and vinegar to combine for a smooth dressing that’s much more forgiving than your typical vinaigrette. If making this dressing ahead of time, shake it before using to evenly distribute the Italian seasonings, garlic, and Parmesan. 

This recipe might seem to call for every dried green herb in the spice cabinet, but you also have the option to swap in an equal amount of Italian seasoning if you prefer. Don’t skimp on the Parmesan, and be prepared to sprinkle more on top of whatever you are serving this with.

What Is the Difference Between a Vinaigrette Dressing and Creamy Dressing?

  • Vinaigrettes are made by whisking together oil and vinegar, sometimes with mustard to help the dressing come together.
  • Creamy dressings tend to include mayonnaise, buttermilk, or sour cream in addition to oil and vinegar.
Credit: Laura Rege

Best Salad Toppings for Creamy Italian Dressing

This versatile dressing can be enjoyed on pretty much any salad you dream up. But croutons and antipasto salad ingredients — such as olives, cheese, salami, marinated artichokes, mozzarella, tomatoes, or pepperoncini — work particularly well with it. 

How to Store Creamy Italian Dressing

Store the dressing in a small airtight container or jar in the refrigerator for up to a week. Shake before using.

Creamy Italian Dressing Recipe

Here is a dressing that combines the irresistible creaminess of Caesar (without the anchovies) with the zing and herbaceousness of Italian dressing.

Prep time 5 minutes to 8 minutes

Makes 3/4 cup

Nutritional Info

Ingredients

  • 1/4 cup

    mayonnaise

  • 3 tablespoons

    white wine vinegar

  • 6 tablespoons

    extra-virgin olive oil

  • 1 small clove

    garlic

  • 1/3 cup

    finely grated Parmesan cheese (about 3/4 ounce)

  • 1 teaspoon

    granulated sugar

  • 1 teaspoon

    dried basil

  • 1/2 teaspoon

    dried oregano

  • 1/2 teaspoon

    dried parsley

  • 1/2 teaspoon

    kosher salt

  • 1/4 teaspoon

    freshly ground black pepper

  • 1/4 teaspoon

    dried thyme

Instructions

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  1. Place 1/4 cup mayonnaise and 3 tablespoons white wine vinegar in a medium bowl and whisk to combine. While whisking, slowly add 6 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil and whisk until fully combined.

  2. Using a Microplane, grate 1 small garlic clove into the dressing. Add 1/3 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese, 1 teaspoon granulated sugar, 1 teaspoon dried basil, 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano, 1/2 teaspoon dried parsley, 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, and 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme. Stir to combine. Taste and season with more salt and pepper as needed.