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This homemade salad dressing is an easy vinaigrette you can make in minutes with just a handful of ingredients. It’s the simple Italian way to dress a salad.

A good homemade salad dressing is one of those little things that makes eating more greens easier. This easy vinaigrette works with just about anything, from a quick side salad to something more filling like this grilled chicken salad or a fresh arugula salad.

Once you have the basic ratio down, it’s easy to adjust the flavor depending on what you’re serving. In Italy, salads are dressed simply, just enough to enhance the ingredients, not overpower them, and this everyday salad dressing does exactly that.

Everyday Salad Dressing Ingredients

Red wine vinegar: Adds a bright, tangy base. You can swap with white wine vinegar or even fresh lemon juice for a slightly different flavor.
Olive oil: Use a good quality extra virgin olive oil since it’s the main flavor of the dressing.
Dijon mustard: Helps emulsify the dressing and adds a subtle depth.
Garlic: Fresh minced garlic gives the best flavor, but a pinch of garlic powder can be substituted.
Salt and pepper: Simple seasoning to balance and enhance all the flavors.

How to Make Homemade Salad Dressing

Whisk or blend together the vinegar, salt, Dijon mustard, pepper, and garlic until combined.

Mixing the ingredients for the dressing.

Slowly add the olive oil and continue mixing until the dressing is smooth and emulsified.

Taste and adjust the salt and pepper if needed, then pour into a clean jar. Refrigerate and use within 4 days, shaking well before serving.

tips for the best homemade salad dressing

For a smoother dressing: Blend instead of whisking for a more fully emulsified, creamy texture.
Keep it simple: Add everything to a jar and shake it together. It’s quick and saves on dishes.
Use it beyond salads: This easy vinaigrette recipe is great drizzled over my white bean salad or chickpea salad, steamed or roasted vegetables, or used as a light marinade for meat.
Adjust to taste: If it’s too tangy, add a little more oil or a touch of sugar or honey. If it’s not tangy enough, add a bit more vinegar.

Recipe Variations

Switch the mustard: Whole grain mustard is an easy swap, or use any mustard you love. You can also increase the amount if you enjoy a stronger flavor. I don’t recommend omitting it, since it helps create a slight creaminess without tasting like mustard.
Change the vinegar: Swap red wine vinegar with white wine vinegar, apple cider vinegar, or balsamic vinegar for a different flavor profile.
Add herbs: Stir in chopped fresh herbs like parsley, basil, or oregano for a more aromatic dressing.
Make it sweeter: Add a small drizzle of honey, maple syrup, or agave to balance the acidity.
Add a little heat: A pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce gives it a subtle kick.

Making your own salad dressing is one of the easiest ways to add fresh, homemade flavor to any meal. With simple pantry ingredients and just a few minutes of whisking, this classic vinaigrette is bright, well-balanced, and delicious tossed with crisp greens, drizzled over roasted vegetables, or used as a marinade. Once you try it, you’ll wonder why you ever bought bottled dressing! Buon Appetito!