Italian dressing

Italian dressing is a vinaigrette-type salad dressing in United States cuisine that consists of water, vinegar or lemon juice, vegetable oil, and a mix of numerous herbs and spices including oregano, fennel, dill and salt.

History

Italian dressing is a derivative of the French dressing, which was popular in the United States in the early 20th century. The term "Italian dressing" is not used in Italy, where salads are generally dressed with oil, vinegar, salt, and sometimes black pepper.

Ingredients

The primary ingredients of Italian dressing are olive oil, vinegar, and a blend of herbs and spices. The oil and vinegar emulsify when shaken, creating a creamy texture. The herbs and spices used can vary, but commonly include oregano, fennel, dill, and salt. Some variations may also include garlic, onion, honey, or cheese.

Variations

There are many variations of Italian dressing, including creamy Italian, which includes mayonnaise or yogurt, and Italian vinaigrette, which is a lighter version with less oil. Some versions may also include red wine vinegar, lemon juice, or Dijon mustard.

Uses

Italian dressing is most commonly used as a salad dressing, but it can also be used as a marinade for meat or vegetables, a dip for bread, or a sauce for pasta.

See also

• List of salad dressings
• French dressing
• Vinaigrette