Italian vinaigrette

 Italian Vinaigrette: An Easy Homemade Recipe with Herbs and Parmesan

Italian vinaigrette is a simple, flavorful, and very practical sauce for dressing salads, roasted vegetables, raw vegetables, or antipasti. Made with extra virgin olive oil, white vinegar, parmesan, lemon, herbs, and a dash of honey, it provides a balanced, fresh, and Mediterranean flavor.

This homemade Italian vinaigrette recipe is made right in a sealed jar. Simply mix the ingredients well to create a smooth, slightly tangy sauce flavored with basil, oregano, parsley, and 

Servings: 1 jar
Total time: 15 min
Cooking time: None
Difficulty: Very easy
Ingredients
190 ml extra virgin olive oil
60 ml white vinegar
2 tablespoons grated parmesan cheese
1 tablespoon very thinly sliced ​​red pepper
1 tablespoon dried parsley
2 teaspoons very finely chopped onion
2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice
1 teaspoon dried basil
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon garlic salt
1 teaspoon mild honey or sugar
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Preparation method – Italian Vinaigrette
1. Prepare a clean glass jar with a tight-fitting lid. This type of container makes it easy to mix the Italian vinaigrette by shaking it and then storing it directly in the refrigerator.

2. Pour the extra virgin olive oil into the jar. Choose a quality olive oil, as it is the base of the vinaigrette and greatly influences the final flavor.

3. Add the white vinegar and fresh lemon juice. These two ingredients provide the necessary acidity to balance the richness of the olive oil and create a fresher vinaigrette.

4. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese. It adds a salty, slightly rich note and gives more character to this homemade Italian vinaigrette.

5. Add the very thinly sliced ​​red pepper and finely chopped onion. The smaller the pieces, the better they will distribute in the dressing and the more pleasant the salad vinaigrette will be.

6. Add the dried parsley, dried basil, dried oregano, garlic, salt, and freshly ground black pepper. These herbs give the vinaigrette a Mediterranean flavor and a typically Italian taste. 

7. Add the mild honey or sugar. This hint of sweetness should not overpower the dressing; its main purpose is to balance the acidity of the vinegar and lemon.

8. Close the jar, then shake vigorously for 20 to 30 seconds. The dressing should become more homogeneous, with the herbs, Parmesan, and small pieces of vegetables evenly distributed in the oil.

9. Taste the dressing, then adjust the seasonings if necessary. Add a little more lemon for a fresher dressing, a little more honey to sweeten it, or a pinch of black pepper to enhance the flavor.

10. Let the Italian dressing sit for a few minutes before using. This short rest allows the dried herbs to rehydrate slightly and the flavors to blend more fully.

11. Shake the jar again before each use, as the oil and vinegar may naturally separate. Serve the vinaigrette over a green salad, tomato salad, roasted vegetables, or pasta salad.

Tips and Tricks
To make this Italian vinaigrette, finely chop the red pepper and onion. Larger pieces will make the dressing less appealing, especially if you’re using it on a delicate salad or raw vegetables.

Grated Parmesan adds flavor and a richer texture. Ideally, use freshly grated Parmesan, which is more flavorful than pre-grated cheese.

The honey helps balance the acidity of the vinegar and lemon. Add it gradually if you prefer a brighter vinaigrette. For a milder version, you can add a little more.

Dried herbs are a convenient addition to the vinaigrette, which will keep for several days. Always shake the jar before serving to evenly distribute the basil, oregano, parsley, and Parmesan.

This homemade Italian vinaigrette will keep for about 2 to 3 weeks in the refrigerator in a tightly sealed jar. If the butter hardens slightly in the refrigerator, remove the jar from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes, then shake it before using.

It pairs well with mixed salads, fresh tomatoes, white beans, roasted vegetables, arugula, cold pasta, or antipasti platters. It's an easy sauce to keep on hand to add a quick Italian touch to your meals.