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Enhance Recipes: 5 BEST Substitutes for Italian Dressing

Have you ever been confronted with the dilemma of needing Italian dressing but not having it on hand?

Look no further, because this guide provides information about how to use and serve Italian dressing, as well as five of the best alternatives.

Italian dressing is rich and tangy in taste, creamy in texture, and easy to make.

It is often used for salads or as a marinade for meat or seafood dishes.

To make it at home from scratch, combine olive oil, garlic powder, balsamic vinegar, dried herbs, onion powder, salt and pepper in a bowl.

Alternatively, pre-made store bought options are available in a wide variety of versions to choose from.

Whether homemade or store bought, Italian dressing will add a delicious depth of flavor to your meal.

What is Italian Dressing?

what is italian dressing

Italian dressing is a common condiment used in the preparation of salads, sandwiches, and other dishes.

It is generally composed of oil (olive or otherwise), vinegar, herbs, and seasonings.

The combination of ingredients can vary depending on the ingredients available and individual taste preferences.

The most notable flavor profile of Italian dressing typically includes oregano and garlic, though other herbs like basil and parsley, as well as onion powder or shallot can be included.

The acidity is usually balanced with sugar or sweetener which helps to mellow out the sharpness of the vinegar.

A few recipes call for Parmesan cheese for added zest.

In some variations, spicy ingredients like red pepper flakes are used to add a little extra kick to Italian dressing.

But more often than not it’s a pretty mellow flavor profile meant to accompany simple salads or sandwiches without overwhelming them with any single flavor element.

The 5 Best Substitutes for Italian Dressing

Unfortunately, it is not always readily available for use in the kitchen.

Thankfully, there are many substitutes that can be used to prepare dishes in place of Italian dressing.

The following 5 ingredients have been identified by cooking experts as the best substitutes for Italian dressing:

1 – Balsamic Vinaigrette

balsamic vinaigrette

Balsamic vinaigrette is one of the most popular substitutes for Italian dressing because of its similar ingredients and tangy flavor.

It’s easy to make at home with a combination of balsamic vinegar, olive oil, garlic, honey, dijon mustard and herbs such as oregano and basil.

If you don’t have time to make your own balsamic vinaigrette, check the condiment aisle at your local grocery store; there are many bottled versions available.

Plus, it has a longer shelf life so you can keep some in your pantry for an easy substitute any time you need it.

2 – Greek Dressing

greek dressing

Greek dressing usually contains a base of olive oil and vinegar, as does Italian dressing.

However, it also typically has fresh herbs such as lemon oregano, thyme and maybe dill.

Additionally, Greek dressing may include garlic and larger chunks of vegetables, like red onion or feta cheese.

It is often bolder in flavor than Italian dressing due to the added herbs.

Greek dressing works great on salads that are topping off with feta cheese or when you’re looking for a unique twist on a traditional salad.

3 – Creamy Caesar Dressing

creamy caesar dressing

Creamy Caesar dressing is a classic Italian salad dressing that consists of a combination of olive oil, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, garlic, and grated Parmesan cheese.

It can be used to dress any salad, or as an accompaniment to vegetables or fish dishes.

Caesar dressing is known for its creamy texture and zesty flavor that make it irresistible.

To make a creamy Caesar dressing at home, combine the ingredients of 4 parts mayonnaise with 1 part Dijon mustard and 1 part fresh lemon juice.

Whisk together until combined and season with salt and pepper to taste.

Then add 2-3 minced garlic cloves, 1-2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce and ½ cup of freshly grated Parmesan cheese while whisking continuously until all the ingredients are blended together well.

Add 2-3 tablespoons of olive oil to thin out the mixture if desired.

The dressing is now ready to use on salads or other side dishes.

4 – French Dressing

french dressing

While often confused with Italian dressing, French dressing is a different type of salad dressing.

French dressing is made by combining ketchup, canola or vegetable oil, white vinegar, onion powder, and seasonings like Worcestershire sauce and paprika.

Since it’s a red-orange hue, it will give dishes the same color as Italian dressing without the tartness.

It’s usually best to avoid using French dressing for salads since its sweetness generally tastes better when mixed into salads as opposed to being directly poured over greens.

5 – Ranch Dressing

ranch dressing

Ranch dressing is a classic condiment used at barbecues and salads alike, but many people don’t think of it when it comes to substituting for Italian dressing.

Yet ranch’s creamy consistency and abundance of herbs —think oregano and dill — make it an excellent swap-in for an Italian dressing.

When you’re out of Italian dressing, try combining one part ranch with one part olive oil or lemon juice to create a more closely-matched flavor profile.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Italian dressing can add a lot of flavor and zest to your meal.

While it may not always be available when you need it, there are several options that can make great substitutes for Italian dressing.

All of these alternatives will provide an interesting twist to your salad or sandwich that will certainly stand out from the crowd.

So next time you are in a pinch and don’t have any Italian dressing on hand, try one of the listed replacements for a delicious result.

substitutes for italian dressing

The 5 Best Substitutes for Italian Dressing

5 from 1 vote
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Course Substitutes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 – Balsamic Vinaigrette
  • 2 – Greek Dressing
  • 3 – Creamy Caesar Dressing
  • 4 – French Dressing
  • 5 – Ranch Dressing

Instructions
 

  • Choose your preferred substitute from the list of options.
  • Organize all of your ingredients.
  • Use the proper substitute to cook your recipes.
Did you make this recipe?Mention @EatDelights or tag #eatdelights!

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