Salad Dressing Recipe

This Salad Dressing Recipe is inspired by the creamy and zesty “house” dressings served at classic Italian grills and steakhouses. It is a savory and tangy recipe, which calls for a duo of Italian cheeses and a blend of aromatic herbs. It’s a quick, foolproof recipe, ready in about 40 minutes (including chilling time).

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Salad Dressing Recipe Ingredients

• 1/2 cup mayonnaise (full-fat provides the best texture)
• 1/3 cup white vinegar
• 1 teaspoon vegetable oil
• 2 tablespoons light corn syrup
• 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons grated Romano cheese
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic salt (or 1 garlic clove, minced)
• 1/2 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon dried parsley flakes
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

How To Make Salad Dressing

1. Combine the ingredients: Place the mayonnaise, white vinegar, vegetable oil, and light corn syrup into a blender or food processor. Add the grated Parmesan and Romano cheeses, followed by the garlic salt, Italian seasoning, parsley flakes, and lemon juice.
2. Blend until smooth: Secure the lid and pulse or blend the mixture on medium speed until it is completely smooth and the herbs are evenly distributed. You are looking for a consistency that is creamy and thick enough to coat a leaf of lettuce without immediately sliding off. This “blending of the chaos” is the secret to a perfectly emulsified dressing that won’t separate.
3. Taste and tweak: Open the blender and give the dressing a quick taste. If you find it a bit too sharp or tangy, you can add a small pinch of granulated sugar to further balance the vinegar. If the consistency feels too thick for your preference, splash in a teaspoon of milk and pulse again until it reaches your desired “pourability.”
4. Chill for flavor: Pour the dressing into a glass jar or an airtight container. While it is tempting to use it right away, the professional secret is to let it rest in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This chilling period allows the dried herbs to hydrate and the sharp acidity of the vinegar to mellow out with the creamy mayo and savory cheeses.
5. Shake and serve: Right before you are ready to toss your salad, give the jar a vigorous shake to ensure any settled cheese or spices are redistributed. Drizzle generously over fresh greens or use it as a flavorful dip.

Recipe Tips

• Why use corn syrup: The light corn syrup provides a subtle “body” and a hint of sweetness that perfectly counters the acidity of the white vinegar, mimicking that professional restaurant flavor.
• Cheese quality matters: For the best results, use finely grated Parmesan and Romano (the kind that looks like a fine powder). This ensures the dressing stays smooth rather than having gritty chunks of cheese.
• The garlic swap: If you are a true garlic lover, swap the garlic salt for one freshly minced garlic clove and a tiny pinch of regular salt. This will give the dressing a more pungent, spicy kick.
• Preventing separation: Because this dressing uses mayonnaise as an emulsifier, it should stay well-blended. However, a quick shake before each use is always the most effective way to ensure a perfect bite.

What To Serve With Salad Dressing?

This Salad Dressing Recipe is a tangy, savory condiment that needs a fresh or crunchy pairing! A large Garden House Salad with crisp iceberg and romaine is the quintessential choice for a classic restaurant experience. For a balanced meal, a side of Warm Garlic Bread or a serving of Grilled Chicken Breast adds a lovely protein boost that pairs perfectly with the herb-infused creaminess! A bowl of Minestrone Soup or a portion of Pasta Salad pairs wonderfully with the bright, zesty notes of the lemon and vinegar.

How To Store Salad Dressing

• Refrigerate: Store the dressing in an airtight glass jar in the refrigerator for up to 7 to 10 days.
• Avoid Freezing: We do not recommend freezing this dressing. The mayonnaise base will break and separate upon thawing, resulting in an unappealing texture.
• Refresh Tip: If the dressing thickens too much after a few days in the fridge, simply stir in a teaspoon of water or milk to bring it back to its original consistency.

Salad Dressing Nutrition Facts

• Calories: 120 (per 2 tablespoon serving)
• Total Fat: 11 g
• Cholesterol: 10 mg
• Sodium: 240 mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 4 g
• Dietary Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 1 g

Nutrition information is estimated and may vary based on ingredients and cooking methods used.

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