If you’ve ever wished your salads tasted a little more exciting—or if you’re tired of store-bought dressings that fall flat—this Easy Homemade Creamy Italian Salad Dressing is exactly what you need. It’s smooth, tangy, herb-filled, and honestly tastes like something you’d get at a cozy Italian trattoria. I love how quickly it comes together, and the aroma of basil, Parmesan, and olive oil always hits the moment I start whisking. You’ll notice right away how much fresher and brighter it tastes compared to bottled dressings.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This dressing uses simple pantry staples and a few bold seasonings to create that classic creamy Italian flavor.
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 2 teaspoons dried basil
- 3 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Black pepper to taste
Every ingredient adds something essential—the tang from the vinegar, the richness of the mayo, the sharpness of the Parmesan, and the warm herby notes from the dried basil.
Mixing the Base – Creamy and Smooth
Start by adding the mayonnaise, sour cream, and olive oil to a medium mixing bowl. Whisk them together until the mixture becomes smooth, glossy, and completely blended. I like to whisk a bit longer than necessary because the texture becomes silkier, which really makes the dressing cling beautifully to lettuce leaves.
Building the Flavor – Tangy and Balanced
Next, pour in the red wine vinegar and lemon juice. These two bring acidity and brightness, cutting through the creaminess in the most perfect way. Give everything a good whisk. You might notice the mixture loosening slightly and turning more pourable—this is exactly what you want.
Adding the Herbs and Seasonings
Sprinkle in the onion powder, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, dried basil, Parmesan cheese, salt, and a little black pepper. As you whisk, the dressing becomes speckled with herbs and bits of cheese, and the aroma deepens into that classic Italian scent you find in your favorite restaurant salads. Make sure everything is fully blended so the flavors meld nicely.
This step is where the magic really happens—the combination of dried herbs and Parmesan gives the dressing its signature savory kick.
Adjusting and Storing the Dressing
Continue whisking until the dressing is completely smooth. Taste and adjust the salt, pepper, or acidity depending on your preference. If you love a sharper bite, add a splash more vinegar. If you prefer a richer, thicker texture, whisk in a spoonful of extra mayo.
Transfer the finished dressing to an airtight container and refrigerate it. As it chills, the flavors deepen and blend even more. Just give it a shake or stir before using, especially if it has been sitting for a while.
How to Use Your Creamy Italian Dressing
This dressing is incredibly versatile. It’s wonderful tossed with crisp romaine, cucumbers, tomatoes, olives, or red onion. I also love using it as a dip for veggies, a spread for sandwiches, or even a drizzle over grilled chicken. It’s the kind of dressing that instantly elevates a simple meal with barely any effort.
How Long It Lasts
Stored properly in the fridge, it stays fresh for up to a week. The Parmesan may thicken the dressing slightly as it chills, but a quick stir brings it back to life.
Making homemade salad dressing might seem small, but once you taste this creamy Italian version, you’ll realize just how much flavor you’ve been missing. It’s bold, vibrant, and beautifully creamy—perfect for everyday salads or special meals.
