Italian Parmesan Dressing
This post may contain affiliate or sponsored links. Please read our disclosure policy.
This Italian Parmesan Dressing is a spot-on copycat of a Midwest fave–the beloved Pasta House Co salad dressing. It’s everything you want in a homemade Italian dressing: zesty, cheesy, with just the right balance of tang and savory goodness. Plus, it comes together in just minutes with pantry staples!
Pair it with our Italian House Chopped Salad for the ultimate combo. Trust us–your people will be asking for seconds (and thirds).
Ingredients
If you grew up in the Midwest like we did, there’s a good chance you’ve sat down at a Pasta House Co. restaurant and immediately started dreaming about their famous house salad like our Italian House Chopped Salad. That tangy, garlicky, cheesy dressing? Absolutely unforgettable!
The ingredients are actually quite simple and, other than the jarred pimentoes, most are probably in your pantry right now. Take a look…
Tips and Tricks
Before you take about 3 minutes to make this, here are a few tips to know.
- Meal Prep Friendly: Double the recipe and freeze a batch for later. It freezes well for up to 3 months—just leave 1 inch of headroom in your jar for expansion.
- Shake It Up: Separation is natural. You may want to warm in the microwave for 5-10 seconds if it was stored in the fridge. Then, just shake well before each use.
- Make It Your Own: Want a little kick? Stir in a pinch of red pepper flakes, dried Italian seasoning, or fresh chopped herbs.
How to Make & Store Homemade Italian Dressing
Ready to get after it? All you do is combine all the ingredients in a mason jar with lid and shake until combined well. Taste and season with more salt and pepper if desired. That’s it!
Then, store it in the refrigerator for 1-2 weeks or in the freezer for 3+ months (be sure to leave 1 inch of headroom in the jar for expansion in the freezer).
How to Serve Italian Parmesan Dressing
This dressing was made for our Italian House Chopped Salad with homemade croutons, but it’s also amazing drizzled over grilled chicken, tossed into pasta salads, or used as a marinade for roasted veggies. It’s a versatile, flavor-packed staple you’ll reach for again and again.
FAQs
While red wine vinegar is the classic Italian choice, you could replace it with white wine vinegar or balsamic vinegar (like in our Balsamic Parmesan Viniagrette, which is delicious!).
Stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, it will last for 1-2 weeks. Be sure to give it a good shake before using, as natural separation will occur. You can also microwave it for 5-10 seconds to help loosen it up after it’s been refrigerated.
We hope this homemade Italian Parmesan Dressing brings a little extra joy (and a lot of deliciousness) to your table.
Did you make this? Snap a photo and tag us on Instagram at @thrivinghome so we can see your creations and cheer you on!
Italian Parmesan Dressing
This Italian Parmesan Dressing is everything you want in a homemade Italian dressing: zesty, cheesy, with just the right balance of tang and savory goodness. Goes perfectly with our Italian House Chopped Salad.
Ingredients
- 2/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1/3 cup red wine vinegar
- 1 teaspoon salt, plus more to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, plus more to taste
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 3 garlic cloves, minced or grated
- 2/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 (4-ounce) jar diced pimentos, drained
Before You Begin! If you make this, please leave a review and rating letting us know how you liked this recipe! This helps our business thrive & continue providing free recipes.
Instructions
Combine all ingredients in a mason jar with lid and shake until combined well. Taste and season with more salt and pepper, if desired.
Store in the refrigerator for 1-2 weeks or in the freezer for 3+ months (be sure to leave 1 inch of headroom in the jar for expansion in the freezer).
Notes/Tips
- Meal Prep Friendly: Double the recipe and freeze a batch for later. It freezes well for up to 3 months—just leave 1 inch of headroom in your jar for expansion.
- Shake It Up: Separation is natural. You may want to warm in the microwave for 5-10 seconds after being stored in the fridge. Shake well before each use.
- Make It Your Own: Want a little kick? Stir in a pinch of red pepper flakes, dried Italian seasoning, or fresh chopped herbs.
Leave a Comment