If you’re searching for a zesty Italian dressing recipe that tastes just like the store-bought version—but made with better-for-you ingredients—you’re in the right place. Creamy, tangy, and herby, this dressing is our take on the classic bottled version, made with real, recognizable ingredients.
And the best part? It’s super simple to make at home. Making your own salad dressings is not only easy, but also a great habit if you’re trying to eat cleaner, reduce additives, or just flex your kitchen skills.
One of my favorite things to make as a professional recipe developer are things that pack a lot of flavor like sauces, condiments, and dressings. This zesty Italian dressing recipe one of those recipes that I’ve made for years but never put pen to paper on it, until now.
Why You’ll Love This
This zesty Italian dressing recipe checks all the boxes: it’s easy to prep, naturally gluten free, and bursting with flavor. You’ll love that this homemade dressing comes together in minutes and uses ingredients you likely already have on hand.
I crafted this version to mimic that nostalgic grocery store dressing. While everyone has their favorite dressings, this recipe is less like Olive Garden or Good Seasons versions and more like the Kraft Zesty Italian Dressing. But I’m making it with good-for-you ingredients like olive oil, champagne vinegar, garlic, and spices. It’s creamy without being heavy and zesty without being overpowering—a total staple for any home cook.
Recipe Ingredients
If you haven’t made your own homemade salad dressings before, it’s worth a go. They’re quick, easy, and generally much healthier than store-bought dressings. Here’s what you’ll need for this zesty Italian dressing recipe, along with a quick note on what each ingredient brings to the table:
Buttermilk – Adds creaminess and a tangy bite, giving the dressing that classic richness. Also perfect if you’ve got some leftover from baking.
Olive oil – Delivers a smooth mouthfeel and healthy fats while keeping it light and fresh.
Champagne vinegar – Adds acidity and brightness. Want to switch it up? Try red wine vinegar, fresh lemon juice, or apple cider vinegar instead for a different flavor profile.
Fresh garlic clove – Offers a bold, savory kick and depth of flavor.
Pinch of sugar – Balances the acidity and enhances the natural sweetness of the buttermilk.
Dried oregano – A must-have for Italian-style dressing; it gives the herby Mediterranean vibe we’re after.
Paprika – Adds warmth and a subtle smoky note that rounds out the flavor. You could use a pinch of red pepper flakes instead, FYI.
Salt and pepper, to taste – Essential for bringing all the flavors together.
How to Make This Recipe
This easy homemade Italian dressing recipe couldn’t be simpler. Toss everything into a blender (or use an immersion blender) and blend until smooth and creamy. Taste, then season with salt and pepper to your liking. That’s it! You’ll end up with about 1 cup of dressing in the fridge for up to five days—perfect for meal prep or last-minute salads.
Pro tip: Make a double batch of your own salad dressing and store it in the refrigerator in a mason jar or another airtight container so it’s ready to shake and pour all week.
What to Serve With This
This gluten-free zesty Italian dressing recipe is incredibly versatile. Toss it with a crisp green salad, use it as a marinade for chicken or veggies, or drizzle it over grilled meats. We especially love it in pasta salads—like our go-to green olive pasta salad—where its tangy zip brings all the ingredients to life.
Looking for a shortcut to a flavor-packed weeknight dinner? Use it to marinate shrimp before grilling, or spoon it over a grain bowl with quinoa, roasted veggies, and chickpeas. However you use it, this dressing will instantly upgrade your meal.
What To Do With Leftover Buttermilk?
FYI, this dressing is a great way to use up leftover buttermilk—especially if you’ve recently made biscuits, or pancakes. But, if you find yourself with even more buttermilk, use it in a few of our readers’ favorite recipes like this cucumber avocado raita soup, this strawberry lassi, or this chopped salad with peppercorn dressing.
California-Inspired Recipes
Want to get a taste of the Golden State at home? Cook up these recipes inspired by the Golden State:
California Road Trip Travel Guide
Thinking about making this quinoa feta salad and taking a road trip in the Golden State? You’ll want to check out our California Road Trip Travel Guide for travel tips, itinerary ideas, and more California-inspired recipes.
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Zesty Italian Dressing Recipe
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup well-shaken buttermilk
- 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon champagne vinegar
- 1 large garlic clove
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- pinch sugar
- kosher salt and Freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
- Combine everything in a blender and mix until smooth. season with salt and pepper, makes 1 cup. This homemade dressing can be made up to 5 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator until ready to use -- just make sure to give it a good shake before using.
