Skip to main content

Vegan Italian Dressing Recipe

This Zesty Vegan Italian Dressing Will Make You Crave Salads

If there’s one thing I’ve learned as a chef and food writer, it’s this: a good salad lives or dies by its dressing. We all know how it feels to force down a bland bowl of greens because we should eat healthy—only to end up reaching for something more satisfying an hour later. That’s where this zesty vegan Italian dressing swoops in to save the day.

Not only is it delicious, it’s totally oil-free, bursting with tangy, herby flavor, and ready in less than 5 minutes. It’s become a weekly staple in my kitchen, and I’m confident it’ll become one in yours, too.

This Italian dressing recipe vegan twist is perfect for easy weeknight dinners, healthy meal prep, and a great add-on for pasta salad or a vibrant plant based lunch. It’s also a cleaner, fresher, homemade alternative to store-bought sauces—with none of the preservatives and all of the bold Italian flavor you love.

This post may contain affiliate links at no extra cost to you. Please read our full disclosure here to find out more.

This Zesty Vegan Italian Dressing Will Make You Crave Salads

Why This Vegan Italian Dressing Deserves a Spot in Your Fridge

When I first started eating plant-based, I missed the bold, creamy, herby dressings I grew up with. Most store-bought versions either had sneaky dairy, added sugar, or were swimming in oil. That led me to tinker in the kitchen, determined to recreate the flavor of classic Italian dressing—without compromising my health goals.

This version is:

  • Zesty, fresh, and perfectly balanced

  • Oil-free and 100% plant-based

  • Made from pantry staples

  • Ready in 5 minutes

  • Delicious on everything from greens to grains

    • You’re not just making a salad dressing—you’re making a flavor-packed staple that turns basic vegetables into craveable meals.

    Ingredients You’ll Need (with Exact Measurements)

    Here's what you'll need to whip up this simple, healthy dressing with no alcohol-based

    ingredients:

  • ¼ cup apple cider vinegar

  • ¼ cup water

  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard

  • 1 tablespoon maple syrup (or agave nectar)

  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder

  • 1 teaspoon onion powder

  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano

  • ½ teaspoon dried basil

  • ½ teaspoon dried parsley

  • ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional for heat)

  • ½ teaspoon sea salt

  • ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper

  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice

  • 2 tablespoons nutritional yeast (adds umami and a slight cheesy depth)

    • Optional (for creamier texture):

  • 1 tablespoon tahini or raw cashew butter

    • These ingredients combine to create a delicious, zesty, and savory profile that hits all the right notes without a drop of alcohol.

    Step-by-Step: How to Make It

    1. Add all ingredients to a blender or small mixing bowl. If you’re using tahini or cashew butter for creaminess, definitely blend it for smoothness.

    2. Blend or whisk until fully combined.

    3. Taste and adjust: If you like it sweeter, add a touch more maple syrup. Want more zing? A splash more apple cider vinegar does the trick.

    4. Pour into a sealed container and refrigerate for at least 15 minutes to let the flavors mingle.

    This recipe yields about ¾ cup of dressing, which is perfect for 3–4 servings.

    How to Use This Dressing (It’s Not Just for Salads!)

    Here’s where the magic happens. Once you make this dressing, you’ll want to put it on everything. Here are some of my favorite ways:

    Green Salads

    A mix of baby greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and chickpeas comes alive with this dressing. Add avocado and sunflower seeds for extra richness and crunch.

    Pasta Salad

    It’s the perfect Italian dressing for pasta salad. I love using tricolor rotini, olives, red onion, and roasted red peppers. Add in some white beans or vegan mozzarella for a meal-worthy dish.

    Grain Bowls & Roasted Veggies

    Drizzle over quinoa, brown rice, or roasted sweet potatoes and broccoli for a zippy finish.

    Wraps & Sandwiches

    Use as a spread on veggie wraps or sandwiches instead of mayo—adds so much flavor with zero oil.

    Marinade or Sauce

    Use it as a marinade for tofu or tempeh before grilling, or drizzle over warm lentils or chickpeas as a sauce to boost your meal.

    Product Spotlight: Must-Have Kitchen Tools from Amazon

    To make your vegan dressing-making life easier (and prettier), here are 3 of my favorite Amazon finds that I personally use in my kitchen:

    1. Glass Mason Jars with Leak-Proof Lids – 16 oz

    Perfect for storing your homemade dressings. These glass jars are BPA-free, come with a leak-proof lid, and are just the right size for 1–2 batches. Plus, they’re cute enough to serve straight from the fridge to table.

    Tired of flimsy plastic containers that leak? Grab these stylish mason jars and upgrade your fridge game.

    2. Mueller Austria Ultra-Stick 500 Watt Immersion Blender

    If you like your dressing extra smooth or want to add cashew creaminess, this stick blender is a dream. It’s powerful, easy to clean, and much easier than dragging out a big blender for a small recipe.

    Make creamy dressings, soups, and sauces in seconds. Click here to add this to your kitchen arsenal.

    3. OXO Good Grips Salad Dressing Shaker

    This shaker has measurement markings and a no-drip spout—great for mixing, storing, and serving. Just shake and pour. I love this for quick easy weeknight meals.

    Get rid of the mess and mix dressings like a pro. Grab your OXO shaker now.

    A Healthier Choice: Why It Beats Store-Bought Every Time

    If you're trying to eat healthy or reduce processed foods, store-bought dressings are one of the sneakiest sources of added sugar, oils, and preservatives.

    This homemade version is:

  • Oil-free = fewer calories and no greasy residue

  • Vegan and allergen-friendly

  • Gluten-free

  • Free of alcohol-based vinegars

  • Naturally low in sodium (compared to bottled dressings)

    • Plus, YOU control the flavor and ingredients.

    Plant-Based Dinners Featuring This Dressing

    You can turn this dressing into a whole dinner idea with just a few tweaks. Here are three meal ideas that my family loves:

    1. Zesty Quinoa Bowl

  • Cooked quinoa

  • Steamed kale or spinach

  • Roasted sweet potatoes

  • Chickpeas

  • Drizzle with dressing + top with pumpkin seeds

    • 2. Vegan Italian Wraps

  • Whole grain tortilla

  • Roasted veggies (zucchini, red peppers, onions)

  • Arugula

  • Hummus

  • Splash of Italian dressing

    • 3. Warm Lentil Salad

  • Cooked brown lentils

  • Sautéed mushrooms and onions

  • Spinach

  • Cherry tomatoes

  • Tossed in the dressing while warm—this soaks up flavor beautifully

    • These are easy to meal prep ahead of time and perfect for a busy weeknight plant based lunch or light dinner.

    Storage & Meal Prep Tips

  • Refrigerate: Store in a glass jar or airtight container for up to 7 days.

  • Shake before using: Ingredients may settle—just give it a quick shake.

  • Double the recipe: For weekly meal prep, I often double the batch and use it throughout the week on different meals.

  • No blender? You can whisk everything by hand—just mince the garlic if using fresh.

    • Final Thoughts

    If you’ve been on the hunt for the perfect Italian dressing that’s vegan, oil-free, healthy, alcohol-free, and still totally delicious, this recipe is it. Whether you're whipping it up for pasta salad, drizzling it over grain bowls, or using it to transform a simple plant based lunch, it’s a powerhouse of flavor in a tiny jar.

    I honestly can’t remember the last time I bought a bottled dressing—once you taste how fresh and vibrant homemade can be, there’s no going back.

    Let me know in the comments how you used this dressing in your kitchen. Did you tweak it? Did your kids love it? I’d love to hear all the ways you made it your own.

    And if you enjoyed this recipe, be sure to check out my other plant-based staples and easy vegan sauces that make healthy eating actually exciting.

    Comments

    Post a Comment

    Popular posts from this blog

    Mexican Flank Steak Marinade

    How to Make the Best Mexican Flank Steak Marinade (With a Chef’s Tip!) There’s something truly magical about a well-marinated steak sizzling on the grill, filling the air with rich, smoky aromas. I still remember my first experience with authentic Mexican Flank Steak Marinade. It was on a trip to Mexico, where I stumbled upon a tiny street food stand in Mexico City. The chef behind the grill had been marinating the steak since the morning, and when I finally took a bite of the juicy, flavorful carne asada taco, I knew I had to learn how to recreate it at home. Since then, I’ve tested countless recipes, fine-tuned the flavors, and even picked up a chef’s trick that makes the steak extra tender. In this post, I’ll share my best homemade Mexican Flank Steak Marinade with exact measurements, quick and easy tips, and product recommendations to elevate your cooking. Whether you're making taco meat, carne asada, or just wondering what to have for dinner, this marinade will become y...
    Post a Comment
    Read more

    Shrimp Boil Recipe Stovetop

    This One-Pot Stovetop Shrimp Boil Will Be Your New Go-To Recipe! There’s nothing quite like a classic shrimp boil—the bold flavors of juicy shrimp, tender potatoes, sweet corn, and smoky sausage all cooked together in a spicy, buttery broth. Traditionally, shrimp boils are cooked outdoors in huge pots, making them a summer staple. But what if I told you that you can achieve the same delicious taste at home with a one-pot stovetop shrimp boil? Yes, it’s totally doable, and I’m here to show you how! I first made this stovetop shrimp boil on a chilly evening when I was craving seafood but had no interest in standing outside over a giant boiling pot. After some trial and error, I found the perfect balance of Cajun seasoning, Old Bay, and a rich butter sauce to make this dish just as flavorful as the traditional version. Plus, it’s quick, easy, and budget-friendly—perfect for a cozy family dinner or a fun gathering with friends. This post may contain affiliate links at no extra cos...
    Post a Comment
    Read more

    Vision Board Ideas

    Vision Board Ideas That Actually Work: Transform Your Goals into Reality When I first learned about vision boards, I was skeptical. Could pinning some pictures on a board really help manifest dreams into reality? But then I tried it, and something magical happened. My goals became clearer, my actions more focused, and little by little, I began ticking off dreams that once felt far away. Writing this blog post feels deeply personal because I’m sharing tools that changed my life. If you’re looking for inspiration and practical steps to create a vision board that actually works, you’re in the right place. In this article, we’ll explore what vision boards are, why they work, and how to design one tailored to your goals. Along the way, I’ll share a few book recommendations to help deepen your journey. This post may contain affiliate links at no extra cost to you. Please read our full disclosure here to find out more. What is a Vision Board, and Why Does It Work? A vision b...
    Post a Comment
    Read more