Mama's Creamy Italian Dressing | Easy Go-To Homemade Salad Dressing

  • makes about a cup

  • 5 minutes

INGREDIENTS

  • ⅓ cup red wine vinegar
  • ⅓ cup olive oil
  • ⅓ cup mayonnaise
  • ½ tsp Italian seasoning
  • 1 Tbsp sugar
  • Salt & pepper, to taste

By Kaelah Stephan

If you’ve been searching for a quick, foolproof salad dressing that’s creamy, tangy, and perfectly seasoned, my Mama’s Creamy Italian Dressing is about to become your new go-to. Made with simple pantry staples—red wine vinegar, olive oil, mayonnaise, and Italian herbs—it whisks together in just minutes and tastes better than anything from a bottle. Drizzle it over crisp greens, toss it with pasta salad, or use it as a dip for fresh veggies. Once you try it, you’ll never want store-bought again.


Instructions

  1. Combine Ingredients

    In a medium jar, add the vinegar, olive oil, mayonnaise, talian seasoning, sugar, salt, and pepper. Whisk using an electric hand. mixer or blend until the dressing is fully emulsified and creamy. 

  2. Taste & Adjust

    Taste the dressing and adjust the seasoning to your preference—add a touch more vinegar for tang, sugar for sweetness, or mayo for creaminess.

  3. Serve or Store

    Pour into a glass jar or dressing bottle and refrigerate until ready to use. Shake well before serving.


Storage Instructions

  • Refrigerator: Store in an airtight jar or container for up to 5 days. Shake before each use.

  • Freezer: Not recommended—mayonnaise separates when frozen.

  • Best Fresh: Tastes best within the first 2–3 days


Tips & Variations

  • Zesty Upgrade: Add 1 clove of freshly minced garlic for extra bite.

  • Herb Swap: Use fresh chopped basil or parsley in place of dried Italian seasoning.

  • Lighter Version: Swap half the mayonnaise with plain Greek yogurt for a tangy, lighter texture.

  • Extra Creamy: Blend in 2 Tbsp grated Parmesan for a richer, savory twist.


Why You’ll Love It

  • Simple & fast: Whisks together in less than 5 minutes.

  • Everyday ingredients: Pantry staples—no fancy tools or rare spices required.

PRODUCTS USED

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