Salad is a mainstay at our house. They’re easy to make, can be used with almost any meal, and can be made in so many varieties using leftover veggies and meat. Of course, dressing makes any salad taste better. One day, when digging through the fridge, I discovered someone had returned an empty dressing bottle in the fridge. We were out. I needed that dressing. I didn’t want to bother getting ready to go to the store for one item, so I decided to make my own. This Creamy Parmesan Italian Dressing was the result.
Creamy Parmesan Italian Dressing Recipe
A friend shared a creamy Italian Dressing recipe with me-although she didn’t remember the original source of the recipe. I added parmesan, and viola! We had an easy naturally gluten-free Creamy Parmesan Italian Dressing Recipe that tasted better than those versions on the store shelf. Thick, creamy, and with a hint of cheese. What could be better?
Since that time, we’ve expanded our collection to make our amazing Blue Cheese versions, an apple-cider vinaigrette, and more. The good thing about homemade dressings is most recipes require common pantry of fridge ingredients, have no preservatives or ingredients we can’t pronounce, and can be made gluten-free.
Dressing Preparation Tips:
1. This works well when mixed in a blender. To make sure it is blended properly, add the mayonnaise, vinegar, lemon juice, and honey before adding the spices and garlic.
2. If you prefer, you can place all the ingredients in a pint Mason jar and shake until blended.
3. You can substitute shredded parmesan for the grated parmesan.
4. Don’t like parmesan? Substitute Romano, Cheddar, or your favorite blend. Or leave out the cheese altogether.
5. You can substitute dried garlic powder or dried minced garlic for the fresh garlic. Use one teaspoon of either the garlic powder or dried minced garlic instead of fresh garlic.
How to Make Grating or Shredding Soft Cheese Easier
Soft cheese can be crumbly when grated or shredding. To make it easier, place the cheese in the freezer for 20 minutes before grating. It won’t be frozen, but it will be firm enough that it will stay together when grating.
How to Keep Cheese from Sticking to The Grater
This is one of my favorites because it’s so easy! Just spray the grater with nonstick cooking spray before grating the cheese. It will slide right off and cleanup will be a breeze.
This dressing will keep for about a week when stored in an airtight jar in the refrigerator. Because this dressing contains mayonnaise, it should not be stored in the freezer. Freezing will cause the mayonnaise to separate.
Have you tried the homemade Creamy Parmesan Italian dressing? Let us know what you think! Do you make your own homemade dressing? What is your favorite recipe?
Printable Recipe:
Creamy Parmesan Italian Dressing Recipe
15
minutesMake this dressing one to two hours in advance to allow the flavors to meld.
Ingredients
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1/4 white wine vinegar
2 tablespoons lemon juice
2 tablespoons honey
1 tablespoon fresh minced garlic
1/2 teaspoon dried basil
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
1/2 teaspoon dried parsley
1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
Directions
- Place mayonnaise, vinegar, lemon juice, honey into the blender. Add garlic, basil, oregano, thyme, parsley, and ground black pepper. Blend 10 to 15 seconds until mixed.
- Store in an airtight jar in the refrigerator for up to a week. Do not freeze.
Have you Joined Our New Facebook Cooking Group? Share recipes, tips, and ask questions in a supportive environment. All levels of cooks are welcome from beginners to experts.
omg yes please. this looks so good. i will def have to try it soon.
OMG. I’M SO TRYING THIS. I love creamy dressing. It looks delicious.
This dressing looks so good! I love this recipe, yum!
Sounds gorgeous! Dressing is arguably the best part of any dish. I’m a big fan of dressing, sauces etc. Definitly something to try in the kitchen.
It looks so creamy and tasty! I love anything with parmesan 🙂 Yum!
Deliciousness! It’s something that I love a lot and I would like to make it for dinner tonight!
This looks so good, tasty and easy to make! I can’t wait to try it hands on! Will definitely like it
This creamy parmesan italian dressing looks delicious I would love to try it .
Love salad dressing, did not know I could make my own.
I love creamy Italian dressing. It covers your food so nicely.
I love parmesan but have never tried a creamy dressing. I don’t eat mayo so will have to substitute sour cream or something else that would work.
This looks like an amazing dressing. I have never made dressing before. I will have to try this one out. I’m sure it’s really good too.
Among the many dressings, Italian has always been my favorite. Can’t wait to try your recipe!
This sounds really good! I am picky about dressing, but I think I would like this one. Thanks for the suggestion!
Yum! This Creamy Parmesan Italian Dressing is perfect for my salad! Me and my wife are thinking of having salad today. Perfect timing!
I can’t wait to make this to have on hand. Thanks for sharing this recipe.
This dressing is so good! I love it for a pasta salad too!
This looks so amazing! I will have to try out this dressing for sure. It looks like one I’d enjoy.
Salad is a mainstay at our house too! And we love making our own dressing. Can’t wait to try this.
Real creamy parmesan dressing is a treat for anyone who loves a healthy salad. I know this recipe will be used all season for every family.
Pam, this looks so fresh and delicious. I pinned it for later and will definitely make this dressing.I am often looking for good fresh dressing recipes. I am also often at a loss for yummy ideas for my own dressings., This hits all the right notes.
Yes please! We dip everything in dressing around here and this would make a perfect pizza dipping sauce for us!