Dinner

Homemade Creamy Italian Dressing Recipe

Name: Homemade Creamy Italian Dressing Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 10 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 cup mayonnaise; 1/4 cup sour cream; 1/4 cup buttermilk (Add more for a thinner dressing.); 2 tablespoons white vinegar; 1 tablespoon lemon juice; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon onion powder; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; 1 teaspoon dried basil; Salt and pepper to taste

ByNaomi Fletcher March 16, 2026March 16, 2026

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Introduction

This homemade creamy Italian dressing is a delicious blend of tangy and herbaceous flavors, perfect for salads or as a dip. Ready in just 10 minutes, it elevates any meal with its rich, smooth texture and fresh ingredients.

A clear glass jar filled with creamy, light beige Italian dressing with specks of herbs and spices throughout sits on a wooden cutting board. Behind it, there is a white bowl full of fresh salad made up of bright green lettuce, red cherry tomatoes, sliced white mushrooms, and slivers of red onion. Nearby, a small white bowl holds a light brown powdery ingredient, and a few small pieces of food and green leafy herbs rest on the wooden board. The background features a soft focus with a white marbled texture underneath. The overall look is fresh and inviting. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 cup mayonnaise
1/4 cup sour cream
1/4 cup buttermilk (Add more for a thinner dressing.)
2 tablespoons white vinegar
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon dried basil
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Step 1: In a mixing bowl, combine the mayonnaise, sour cream, and buttermilk. Whisk until smooth.
Step 2: Add the white vinegar, lemon juice, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, and basil. Mix until all ingredients are well combined.
Step 3: Season with salt and pepper to taste, stirring well to blend the flavors.
Step 4: Transfer the dressing to an airtight container and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to let the flavors meld.

Tips & Variations

For a thinner dressing, add more buttermilk gradually until you reach your desired consistency.
Use fresh herbs like chopped parsley or chives for a brighter flavor.
Try adding a teaspoon of Dijon mustard for a little extra tang.
If you prefer a dairy-free version, substitute sour cream and buttermilk with plain unsweetened yogurt or a vegan alternative.

Storage

Store the dressing in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. Before serving, give it a good stir as the ingredients may separate over time. It tastes best chilled but can be served at room temperature.

How to Serve

A clear glass jar filled with creamy Italian dressing with small black and red specks, placed in the center on a wooden cutting board. To the right and slightly behind the jar is a white bowl filled with a fresh salad showing green lettuce, red cherry tomatoes, sliced mushrooms, and some corn kernels. In the background to the left, a small gray bowl contains a light-colored powder, and a few cut tomato wedges are visible. A green herb sprig lies on the cutting board near the jar, and the surface beneath is a white marbled texture. The scene has a soft natural light with a cozy, homemade feel. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this dressing ahead of time?

Yes, this dressing actually tastes better after resting for a few hours or overnight, as the flavors have time to blend beautifully.

What can I use this dressing for besides salads?

It works great as a dip for vegetables, a sauce for grilled chicken, or a spread on sandwiches to add creamy Italian flavor.