Gluten free Italian salad dressing might not sound like something that brings back childhood memories—but for me, it absolutely does. Growing up in St. Francisville, my grandmother always had a batch of her own zesty vinaigrette sitting in a mason jar on the kitchen table. She didn’t call it Italian dressing, and she definitely didn’t worry about gluten, but what she made was fresh, herby, tangy, and unforgettable. Now, as someone who watches ingredients more closely—and cooks for a family with dietary sensitivities—I’ve adapted her style into something that’s just as flavorful and completely gluten free.
I’ve always loved the sharp bite of vinegar mixed with the smooth richness of olive oil. But what really makes this gluten free Italian salad dressing shine is the mix of herbs: oregano, basil, garlic, and a touch of mustard. Whether we’re tossing it with a simple salad or spooning it over grilled chicken, it’s one of those “make it once, use it all week” kinds of recipes. My kids even love it drizzled over roasted potatoes.
Table of Contents
Gluten Free Italian Salad Dressing Recipe That Brings Bold Flavor to Every Meal
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 1 cup 1x
Description
This gluten free Italian salad dressing is fresh, herby, and zesty—made entirely from scratch with olive oil, garlic, lemon, and pantry spices.
Ingredients
1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
1/4 cup red wine vinegar
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon dried basil
1/4 teaspoon onion powder
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
1. In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the red wine vinegar, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, and minced garlic.
2. Add the dried herbs, onion powder, and red pepper flakes if using. Whisk again until combined.
3. Slowly drizzle in the olive oil while whisking continuously to emulsify the dressing.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste, and adjust acidity or seasoning if needed.
5. Transfer to a mason jar or dressing bottle and refrigerate.
6. Shake well before each use.
Notes
This dressing will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 7 days.
If it thickens in the fridge, let it sit at room temperature or whisk in a teaspoon of water to loosen.
Use it as a salad dressing, marinade, or finishing sauce for roasted vegetables.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salad Dressings
- Method: Whisking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 tablespoons
- Calories: 145
- Sugar: 0.4g
- Sodium: 57mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 1g
- Fiber: 0.2g
- Protein: 0.2g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: gluten free italian salad dressing, homemade salad dressing, italian vinaigrette
Why homemade gluten free Italian dressing just tastes better
You can absolutely find bottled options in stores labeled gluten free Italian salad dressing, but nothing compares to the flavor of one made from scratch. There’s something about shaking it up in a jar and tasting as you go that makes it more personal—more alive. Plus, you skip all the preservatives and added sugars.
Living in New Orleans, where flavor is everything, I’ve come to rely on this dressing as a kitchen essential. Whether I’m prepping a quick lunch or setting out a dinner salad, this recipe is always in rotation. It’s fresh, flexible, and made with love—just like my grandmother taught me.
Simple Ingredients to Make Gluten Free Italian Salad Dressing From Scratch
The essentials behind the flavor
Making your own gluten free Italian salad dressing means you control everything—from flavor to freshness. No additives. No hidden wheat starches. Just a handful of simple ingredients that blend together beautifully.
Here’s what you’ll need:
- ½ cup extra virgin olive oil
- 3 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon honey (optional, for balance)
- 2 cloves garlic, finely minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon dried basil
- ¼ teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
These ingredients are pantry staples for many of us. I always keep a mason jar of this dressing in the fridge—ready to shake and pour whenever dinner needs a quick lift. It also doubles as a marinade for grilled chicken or vegetables.
For a flavor twist, you can even stir in a spoonful of roasted red peppers. I’ve used them in my roasted red pepper salad dressing, and they bring a smoky sweetness that pairs beautifully with classic Italian herbs.
How to make it in under 10 minutes
This recipe couldn’t be easier. Just combine everything in a jar with a tight-fitting lid and shake until emulsified. You can also whisk it in a bowl or pulse it in a small blender for an ultra-smooth consistency.
The key to perfect gluten free Italian salad dressing is balance—adjust your vinegar, honey, or seasoning to match your taste. If it’s too sharp, add a bit more oil or a small pinch of sugar. Too mild? A splash more vinegar or mustard usually does the trick.
Use immediately, or store it in the fridge for up to a week. Shake well before each use since natural separation occurs.
Ways to Use Gluten Free Italian Salad Dressing in Everyday Meals
Drizzle it, dip it, or marinate with it
One of the best things about this gluten free Italian salad dressing is how versatile it is. Sure, it shines on fresh greens, but that’s just the beginning. I’ve poured it over grilled zucchini and cherry tomato skewers, tossed it with pasta salad, and even used it to marinate thinly sliced chicken breasts before searing. It adds depth, brightness, and a nice punch of herbs to anything it touches.
This dressing also makes a great base for quick wraps or rice bowls. Add a spoonful over warm rice, grilled veggies, and shredded rotisserie chicken—it’s dinner in minutes with almost no cleanup. And on warmer nights when we’re eating outside, I’ll sometimes pair it with a simple arugula salad and grilled steak. It’s bold enough to stand up to big flavors, yet balanced enough to complement them.
If you’re a fan of lighter creamy dips, you’ll probably enjoy this tangy cottage cheese ranch dip too—it’s another gluten-conscious favorite that’s rich in protein and flavor.
Customize the consistency and herbs to suit your dish
What makes this recipe feel personal is how easy it is to tweak. Want it bolder? Use fresh oregano or double the garlic. Prefer a smoother texture? Give it a quick blend to emulsify everything. For something a little spicy, I’ve added crushed red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce—especially when pairing it with roasted sweet potatoes or earthy lentils.
The herbs you use make a difference too. While dried herbs work great, fresh basil or parsley adds a burst of color and aroma that really makes the dressing pop. I recommend experimenting until it suits your table perfectly. After all, making your own gluten free Italian salad dressing means it can be exactly what your meal—and your taste buds—need.
Why gluten free Italian salad dressing belongs in your weekly meal prep
If you’re like me and do Sunday meal prep, this dressing is a must-have in the fridge. I always keep a jar ready to go because it turns any quick lunch into something crave-worthy. Tossed with chopped romaine, chickpeas, and cucumbers? Done. Mixed into a grain bowl with roasted veggies? Even better. The herby tang of gluten free Italian salad dressing wakes up even the simplest ingredients. And it pairs beautifully with dishes like this homestyle ranch recipe if you’re serving a variety of dressings at a gathering.
Because it’s homemade, clean, and naturally gluten free, Italian salad dressing like this one gives you flavor without compromise. Once you’ve made it a few times, it’s hard to imagine your weekly routine without it.
How to Serve Gluten Free Italian Salad Dressing with Flavor and Style
Creative ways to bring this dressing to your table
You don’t need a gourmet spread to make the most of gluten free Italian salad dressing. Its tangy, herby flavor makes it one of the most flexible sauces in my kitchen. For quick lunches, I love drizzling it over chopped romaine with cherry tomatoes and chickpeas. It instantly transforms simple ingredients into something crave-worthy.
For heartier meals, it works beautifully over grilled vegetables, tossed into pasta salad, or spooned onto warm grain bowls. I’ve even used it to marinate chicken thighs for weeknight grilling—it adds that sharp, herb-forward flavor that tastes like it took hours.
Entertaining? Pour it into a small bowl and set it out as part of a fresh veggie platter. My guests love dipping roasted carrots, radishes, or warm focaccia in it. And when I want something fast for my kids, I toss it with cold pasta and cut veggies—it’s lunch in minutes. Gluten free Italian salad dressing brings flavor to everyday meals without feeling heavy or fussy.
How to Store Gluten Free Italian Salad Dressing and Keep It Fresh
Best containers, shelf life, and how to refresh it
Since it’s made with clean, simple ingredients and no preservatives, gluten free Italian salad dressing needs to be stored properly to stay fresh and safe. I always use a mason jar or a small glass bottle with a secure lid. After making it, I pop it right in the fridge, where it can stay fresh for up to a full week.
Natural separation will happen—that’s totally normal with homemade dressings. Just give it a good shake or stir before serving to bring everything back together. If the olive oil thickens in the fridge (especially in cooler months), let it rest at room temperature for 10–15 minutes, or warm the jar slightly in your hands.
If you want to keep a steady supply, consider doubling the dry herb mix and storing it separately. Then, when you’re ready, all you have to do is add oil, vinegar, lemon juice, and garlic. It makes refreshing the dressing midweek feel like no work at all.
When stored correctly, your gluten free Italian salad dressing will taste just as bright and bold on day seven as it did when you first mixed it. And trust me, it won’t last long once your family gets a taste.
Frequently Asked Questions About Gluten Free Italian Salad Dressing
Is there an Italian dressing that is gluten-free?
Yes, many Italian dressings are naturally gluten-free—but not all of them. Always check the label to confirm there are no hidden gluten-containing ingredients like malt vinegar or wheat-based thickeners. When you make your own gluten free Italian salad dressing at home, you skip the guesswork entirely and get fresher, cleaner flavor too.
Is there gluten in Olive Garden Italian dressing?
Olive Garden’s signature Italian dressing does not contain gluten ingredients, but the company does not certify it as gluten-free due to possible cross-contamination in preparation. If you’re highly sensitive or cooking for someone with celiac disease, a homemade gluten free Italian salad dressing is a safer—and more flavorful—option.
Is Paul Newman Italian dressing gluten-free?
Yes, Paul Newman’s Family Recipe Italian Dressing is labeled gluten-free and does not include any wheat-based ingredients. However, as with any packaged product, it’s a good idea to double-check the most recent ingredient list or contact the brand directly if you have specific dietary concerns.
Is Good Seasons Italian Salad Dressing Mix gluten-free?
Good Seasons Italian dressing mix was once considered gluten-free, but Kraft Heinz no longer guarantees it to be gluten-free due to changes in manufacturing and sourcing. For a guaranteed gluten-free option, making your own mix using pantry herbs (like in this recipe) ensures both flavor and safety.
Conclusion
Gluten free Italian salad dressing isn’t just a healthy alternative—it’s a vibrant, flavorful staple that belongs in every home cook’s rotation. Inspired by the herb-packed dressings I grew up with in St. Francisville and reimagined in my own New Orleans kitchen, this recipe combines tradition, simplicity, and real ingredients into every jar.
Whether you’re tossing it with fresh greens, marinating chicken, or adding zest to roasted vegetables, this dressing does more than flavor your food—it brings a sense of comfort and homemade care to the table. It’s flexible, fast to make, and endlessly useful for busy weeknights or leisurely weekend meals.
Once you taste how bold and bright homemade gluten free Italian salad dressing can be, you’ll never want to go back to store-bought. Keep a jar in your fridge, tweak it to match your mood, and enjoy the heart of a Southern kitchen—one spoonful at a time.
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