Vegetarian Recipes – Page 2

Homemade Italian Dressing

Make restaurant-quality Italian dressing at home with this simple recipe! This zesty dressing is full of flavor and perfect for…

Make restaurant-quality Italian dressing at home with this simple recipe! This zesty dressing is full of flavor and perfect for salads, pasta salads, and more.

Italian Dressing in bowl with spoon, salad, and Parmesan cheese.

One of the top salad dressing recipes to make homemade: Italian dressing! This zingy Italian American vinaigrette is a staple that many of us have grown up with. Ever tried making it at home instead of opting for bottled?

As two cookbook authors, we’ve found the key to a great salad is a homemade salad dressing: they don’t have preservatives or added ingredients, are extremely tasty, and are quick to make! This zesty Italian dressing recipe is a fan-favorite recipe from our popular chopped salad, and it’s become our go-to easy vinaigrette for all types of salads.

Jump to the recipe—now.

What we love about this Italian dressing

This Italian dressing recipe is a standby recipe we’ve been making for over a decade. It all started with our famous chopped salad, which is always a hit with friends and family. Every time we serve it, people ask us for the recipe! Over the years, readers have constantly given us feedback they love it to. Here’s what we love about this recipe:

It’s delicious. Our readers have left comments like “IMO, This IS the best Italian dressing!” and “Wow this was so good! I made it for a Italian inspired mixed green salad that I made for guests and everyone loved it. I will definitely be making it again!”
It’s simple to whip up in 5 minutes. You need a few ingredients, a bowl and a whisk.
It’s versatile. You can use it on many different salads: and even as a marinade!

Italian Dressing recipe in bowl with spoon

Ingredients you’ll need

Turns out, Italian dressing is actually an Italian American creation, not a traditional Italian food! It’s a vinaigrette type dressing used in American and Canadian cuisine. In Italy, salads are dressed with olive oil, vinegar, lemon juice and salt at the table, not typically with a pre-mixed salad dressing. Italian dressing is an American creation that approximates the flavors and herbs in Italian food, like olive oil, garlic, basil, oregano and thyme.

The ingredients you’ll need for this Italian dressing are:

White wine vinegar: This pantry ingredient brings in the tangy flavor (helpful so you don’t have to buy a fresh lemon). Make sure to use white wine vinegar, not white vinegar, which has a very strong, acidic flavor.
Dijon mustard: Mustard adds tangy, savory flavor and helps to make the perfect emulsion.
Maple syrup or sugar: Adding a hint of sugar balances the acidity in this dressing. Maple syrup adds sweetness and not a strong maple flavor, so it’s our preference here.
Garlic: Everything is better with a little fresh garlic, and it carries the flavor of this dressing.
Dried oregano, thyme, and basil: The combination of these herbs make the perfect flavor. We’ve experimented with Italian seasoning, but this combination tastes better.
Olive oil: This heart-healthy oil is the binder in this dressing, making it cling to salad greens and vegetables.

Tips for how to make an emulsion

This homemade Italian dressing recipe is incredibly simple. The flavor is zesty and bright, full of garlic, white wine vinegar, maple syrup or sugar, Dijon mustard, and olive oil. Add to that a mix of Italian-style dried herbs: basil, thyme, and oregano, which bring in earthy flair. To make an emulsion for this homemade Italian salad dressing recipe, simply whisk it by hand. Here are a few tips:

Use a medium-sized bowl. To get the oil and vinegar to incorporate into a creamy emulsion, here’s a tip: use a medium-sized bowl to allow for enough movement of the whisk. (Trust us, we’ve tried it in small bowls before and it’s difficult to get the oil and vinegar to combine properly.)
Add the olive oil little by little. Add it tablespoon by tablespoon and whisk in between each until the oil fully incorporates.
Use Dijon mustard. Don’t leave out the mustard! Dijon mustard helps to form and lock in the emulsion. We’ve used this technique in our other vinaigrette recipes, like our Classic Vinaigrette and Balsamic Vinaigrette.

Grilled Chicken Salad with Italian dressing.

Ways to serve this Italian dressing recipe

This homemade Italian dressing recipe is perfect on any type of salad that you throw together! We’ve made it for years and have lots of readers who use it as a go-to salad dressing. It works well on many types of salad recipes, like a chopped salad, kale salad, or any green salad with flavors that would go with an Italian-style vinaigrette. Here are a few ideas of how to use it:

Try it on a big Chopped Salad or Italian Salad.
Drizzle it onto Tuscan Kale Salad or a Spinach Salad.
Try it on an Asparagus Salad with Feta.
Use it for pasta salads like Italian Pasta Salad or Antipasto Salad.
Make it as an option for a Salad Bar.

How would you serve this Italian salad dressing recipe? Let us know in the comments below!

More homemade salad dressing recipes

Homemade dressings have big, bold flavor and are easy to whip up! In fact, we rarely buy bottled dressing. Outside of this homemade Italian dressing recipe, here are a few of our other favorite salad dressing recipes:

Go classic with Homemade Ranch Dressing
Try creamy Caesar Dressing
Opt for Blue Cheese Dressing or Thousand Island Dressing
Try vinaigrettes like Easy Vinaigrette, Greek Dressing, Balsamic Vinaigrette, or Lemon Vinaigrette
Mix up zingy Honey Mustard Dressing or Green Goddess Dressing
Try Creamy Avocado Dressing or Raspberry Vinaigrette

Caesar Dressing Recipe

Homemade Ranch Dressing

Go-To Balsamic Vinaigrette

30 Easy Salad Dressing Recipes

This homemade Italian dressing recipe is…

Vegetarian, gluten-free, vegan, plant-based, and dairy-free.

Italian Dressing Recipe

★★★★★

5 from 14 reviews

Author: Sonja
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 5 minutes
Yield: About ½ cup

Print Recipe

Description

This zesty homemade Italian dressing recipe is full of flavor and easy to make at home! This one will become a go-to on first taste.

Ingredients

2 tablespoons white wine vinegar
2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon maple syrup or sugar
1 small garlic clove, grated (about ¼ teaspoon) or ½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon each dried oregano, dried thyme, and dried basil
¼ teaspoon kosher salt
6 tablespoons olive oil

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

In a medium bowl, whisk together the white wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, and maple syrup. Grate in the garlic clove, then whisk together with the oregano, thyme, basil, and kosher salt.
Gradually whisk in the olive oil, adding 1 tablespoon at a time and whisking until it incorporates, until an emulsion forms. Serve immediately. Store refrigerated and bring to room temperature before serving (keeps at least 2 weeks).

Category: Salad Dressing
Method: Whisked
Cuisine: American

Keywords: Italian dressing, Italian dressing recipe, Homemade italian dressing, How to make italian dressing,

25 Mediterranean Diet Snacks

Beat hunger the Mediterranean way! Here’s a guide to delicious and nutritious Mediterranean diet snacks packed with protein, healthy fats,…

Beat hunger the Mediterranean way! Here’s a guide to delicious and nutritious Mediterranean diet snacks packed with protein, healthy fats, and fiber to keep you satisfied between meals.

Mediterranean Diet snacks: hummus dip in bowl with veggie toppings and pita chips.

The Mediterranean diet has been called one of the healthiest in the world, focusing on whole grains, olive oil, and lots of fruits and vegetables. Luckily, it’s also a deliciously satisfying way to eat: we know from experience! We’re married cookbook authors and experts in the Mediterranean diet style of eating and living. What to reach for in between meals when hunger strikes? Here are some of our top ideas for snacking that fit into this philosophy.

What’s the Mediterranean diet?

The Mediterranean diet has been called one of the best diets in the world according to US News and World Report. This way of eating and living derives from the countries that border the Mediterranean Sea, like Italy and Greece. It’s not a strict diet, but more a set of guidelines. We’ve been eating this way for over a decade and can confirm: we’ve never felt better! Here’s how the Mayo Clinic defines the Mediterranean diet:

Daily consumption of vegetables, fruits, whole grains and healthy fats (like olive oil)
Weekly consumption of fish, poultry, legumes (beans & lentils), and eggs
Moderate portions of dairy products
Limited intake of red meat and added sugar

Why eat this way? According to a study by The American Journal of Medicine, “the Mediterranean diet is arguably the best-studied and most evidence-based diet to prevent not only cardiovascular disease, but also other chronic diseases, as it has become the standard for healthy eating.” If that’s not a reason to give it a try, we’re not sure what is!

Let’s see what Mediterranean diet snacks look like

American-style snacks often center around packaged granola bars, crackers, and chips: processed foods with refined sugars and flours. Instead, Mediterranean diet snacks prioritize whole grains, fruits and vegetables, and nuts and seeds. Per the Cleveland Clinic, here is what snack foods for the Mediterranean diet should look like:

Whole grains like oats, quinoa, barley, and so forth. Prioritize whole wheat or whole grain bread.
Fruits and vegetables
Nuts and seeds
Yogurt in moderation
Milk and natural or light cheeses in moderation, like cottage cheese, ricotta and goat cheese (per the Cleveland Clinic and Mayo Clinic)
Eggs in moderation (1 egg per day)
Olive oil (instead of butter)

Per the New York Times, dark chocolate eaten in moderation works on the Mediterranean diet! Notice that eggs and dairy should be eaten at a minimum, as well as added sugars. Make sure to balance them with what you eat in the rest of the day.

It’s all about the lifestyle

The Mediterranean diet is all about eating these types of snacks in combination with an active, connected lifestyle. The philosophy originated based on the longevity of people in the Mediterranean, and researchers observed more than just eating habits. Here’s what’s important in addition to food:

Stay active and exercise regularly.
Avoid smoking.
Reduce the amount of stress in your lifestyle.
Actively participate in community: be invested and engaged in the people around you.

Integrate community, physical activity, and these healthy snack ingredients into your life, and it’s a formula for Mediterranean diet living. And now, let’s get to the recipes!

25 Mediterranean diet snacks

Loaded Hummus Dip

Hummus dip is a quick and easy Mediterranean diet snack! Top a platter with cucumber, tomatoes, olives and feta cheese, then dip with whole grain pita chips.

Apple Nachos

Apple nachos is a way to make eating an apple more filling and fun, and it's the perfect Mediterranean diet snack! Top apple slices with a drizzle of honey sweetened Greek yogurt, cinnamon, and sliced almonds for a deliciously tasty treat.

Black Bean Hummus

Here’s a tasty dip that will surprise you with its irresistibly creamy flavor: black bean hummus! This spin on the traditional Mediterranean chickpea dip might sound fun, but here’s the thing. It tastes even better than it sounds! For Mediterranean diet, dip with wheat pita chips or veggies.

Easy Energy Balls

This peanut butter energy balls recipe is a tasty easy snack! Protein and fiber are packed into tasty bites of whole grain oats, peanut butter and honey.

Greek Yogurt Fruit Dip

One of our top Mediterranean diet snacks is this yogurt fruit dip! Made with simply Greek yogurt, honey, and vanilla, it's super satisfying, protein packed, and an easy way to make eating fruit fun.

Crispy Roasted Chickpeas

Crispy chickpeas are the perfect salty, crunchy snack for the Mediterranean diet! They're just as satisfying as chips and pretzels, but they're protein-packed legumes. There are several packaged types available, or you can make them homemade with this recipe.

Ricotta Toast

The Mediterranean diet suggests a moderate intake of dairy, focusing on light cheeses like cottage cheese, ricotta and goat cheese. Spread ricotta cheese on whole grain toast, then load it up with sweet or savory toppings. Go basic with juicy ripe tomatoes and a drizzle of olive oil, or hearty with tender smoked salmon, capers and fresh dill.

Avocado Dip

This creamy avocado dip features ripe avocado and Greek yogurt to make a luxuriously creamy, intensely savory magic sauce. The meld of avocado, lime, cilantro and cumin is like a heightened version of your favorite guacamole. Spread onto whole wheat toast or dip with veggies like cucumber or endive.

Frozen Yogurt Bark

Here’s a fun and easy Mediterranean diet snack no one can turn down: yogurt bark! This play on chocolate bark uses frozen yogurt as the base. Mix Greek yogurt with a little honey and vanilla, then sprinkle with toppings of your choice: fruit, granola, chocolate chips, and nuts.

Peanut Butter Banana Smoothie

This smoothie tastes like a milkshake but it’s made of wholesome ingredients like banana, peanut butter and oats! Whiz it up with frozen bananas and it makes a thick and creamy, sweet puree that will have you professing your undying love!

Go-To Trail Mix

Trail mix is simply a fancy name for nuts, seeds and dried fruit, which are the ideal Mediterranean diet snack! It’s fun, simple, and endlessly customizable to your tastes. Mix up your favorite blend of fruit, nuts, seeds and mix-ins, and it’s a quick dose of energy for an afternoon slump or a portable snack for traveling.

Mediterranean Tuna Salad

If you're craving a more hearty and savory Mediterranean diet snack, try this tuna salad! Combine canned tuna with crunchy vegetables, a hint of feta cheese, olive oil and a punch of Dijon mustard for the most flavorful salad to hit your plate! Serve it as is or over whole grain toast.

Marinated Olives

This Mediterranean diet snack is ideal for when you're craving savory. Using the right olives here results in smooth, rich flavor: not briny or overly salty. The garlic, lemon and herbs make a symphony of flavor!

Pecan Energy Bars

These healthy homemade energy bars are similar to a Larabar, but completely homemade! They feature Mediterranean-diet approved ingredients like pecans, Medjool dates, oats, and chia seeds.

Easy Smoothie Bowl

Here's a breakfast that doubles as a Mediterranean diet snack: instead of sipping the fruity puree through a straw, grab a spoon and eat it in a bowl loaded up with toppings. It’s a satisfying blend of textures and flavors that honestly tastes more like a treat.

Crispy Roasted Black Beans

Crispy black beans are the same concept as crispy chickpeas: a salty, crunchy Mediterrnaean diet snack that's just as satisfying as potato chips! Roast them up in a hot oven with salt and spices, then cool until they're crisp and snackable.

Fruit Skewers

Here's a simple concept that makes fruit more fun to eat (because we eat with our eyes, first!). It will make everyone go crazy for pure, fresh fruit. Use whatever fruits you like and serve with our favorite 3 ingredient fruit dip or chocolate hummus.

Peanut Butter Oatmeal Bars

These are everything you want in a treat: irresistible sweet peanut-y flavor, chewy texture, and a little drizzle of dark chocolate on top (which is Mediterranean diet approved per the New York Times). These no bake oatmeal bars are made of nutrient dense ingredients like oats, peanut butter, and honey.

Smoked Salmon Toast

Seafood is key to the Mediterranean diet, and here's how to eat it as a snack: smoked salmon toast! This simple toast of artisan bread loaded with fluffy whipped ricotta, smoked salmon, capers and fresh dill. Each bite is a burst of smoky, creamy, rich, briny, salty and fresh!

Strawberry Smoothie

Sipping a smoothie is a great way to enjoy Mediterranean diet foods like strawberries, bananas, and protein-packed Greek yogurt! This recipe is beautifully simple and has bright, fruit-forward flavor.

Avocado Toast with Egg

Avocado toast is the ideal simple snack for the Mediterranean diet! A ripe avocado brings healthy fats along with its creamy, savory flavor. Spread it atop whole wheat toast and if desired, add an egg. A good rule of thumb for eggs on the Mediterranean diet is one egg per day.

Yogurt Parfaits

A yogurt parfait is a fun way to dress up yogurt and make it more fun to eat! Not only do you get the protein from Greek yogurt, there are also probiotics that can help with gut health. Top with fresh fruit and homemade granola.

Blender Banana Muffins

These banana muffins are a fan favorite recipe that combines oats, bananas, and eggs in a blender: no flour required! You'll be amazed at how it bakes into a fluffy muffin. As a Mediterranean diet snack, try it with a slather of nut butter.

Dark Chocolate Yogurt Pudding

This chocolate pudding snack takes plain Greek yogurt and mixes it with dark chocolate cocoa powder and maple syrup for a satisfying snack! It's all the protein and probiotics of yogurt, with a chocolaty twist.

Easy Stuffed Dates

Last up, stuffed dates make a great easy Mediterranean diet snack! They're incredibly easy to make, and the sweet caramel chewiness of the Medjool dates wtih tangy, fluffy goat cheese makes a satisfying sweet-savory combo.

Want more ideas?

50 Easy Mediterranean Diet Recipes

One of the healthiest diets in the world is also the most delicious. Here are all the best Mediterranean diet…

20 Mediterranean Diet Breakfast Recipes

Try these Mediterranean diet breakfast recipes, delicious and vibrant ways to start the day inspired by this heart-healthy way to…

28 Day Mediterranean Diet Meal Plan

Here’s a monthly Mediterranean diet meal plan! It’s got lots of recipes and inspiration, planning ideas, and a meal planning…