If you’re like me, you might remember the classic taste of Wishbone Creamy Italian Dressing from your childhood. It had a unique flavor that’s hard to find these days. I decided to recreate that beloved dressing with my own creamy Italian recipe.
While I can’t guarantee it tastes exactly like the Wishbone version—since it’s been over two decades since I last had it—I can promise that this homemade Italian dressing is fresh, flavorful, and totally satisfying. It’s just the kind of dressing I’ve been craving!
This recipe is: Low Carb, Keto, Gluten Free and Vegetarian
Table of Contents
7 Reasons To Love This Recipe
Here’s why this creamy Italian dressing recipe is about to become your new favorite:
- A creamy, easy-to-make homemade dressing!
- Ready in minutes with common ingredients!
- Easy to modify recipe to meet any taste preferences!
- Kids love it as a salad dressing or a veggie dip!
- Stores really well in the fridge to use all week!
- Both are low carb and keto friendly, so there are no worries about carb overload!
- Also works as a dipping sauce for wings or chicken tenders!
Is Creamy Italian Dressing Low Carb?
Yes, creamy Italian dressing is low-carb. It has only 2 g net carbs per serving, which means that there are only 1 g net carbs in ¼ cup. This low amount of carbs makes the dressing a perfect option for anyone following a low-carb or keto diet.
What Is Creamy Italian Dressing?
Creamy Italian dressing is a flavorful, versatile dressing that adds a rich, tangy kick to a variety of dishes. Known for its smooth texture and vibrant taste, it’s often a favorite in both green salads and pasta salads.
The best creamy Italian dressing balances a blend of fresh ingredients to achieve that classic flavor. Popular versions like the Pizza Hut creamy Italian dressing are well-loved, but making your own homemade dressing lets you control the quality and freshness of the ingredients.
Typically, creamy Italian dressing includes ingredients like virgin olive oil, parmesan cheese, and fresh garlic. Using a food processor can help achieve a perfectly blended consistency. Whether you’re using it on a lunch salad or for dinner, this dressing pairs wonderfully with raw veggies and makes a great addition to a favorite pasta salad.
You might keep your dressing in mason jars for easy storage and use. It’s a convenient way to have a delicious, creamy dressing ready for all your salads and dishes.
Creamy Italian Dressing Ingredient List
Here is the list of ingredients you'll need to make homemade creamy Italian dressing:
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice, freshly squeezed
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon dried parsley
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- ¼ cup heavy cream¼ cup olive oil
- ¼ teaspoon granulated garlic
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Ingredient Substitutions
Feel free to swap out ingredients based on what you have on hand or to suit your taste preferences for the Italian dressing recipe:
- Heavy cream: You can use half and half for a slightly thinner dressing, though this might affect the overall carb count. For a thicker dressing, substitute with sour cream in the same amount.
- Olive oil: Avocado oil or coconut oil are great alternatives.
- Red wine vinegar: White wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar can be used in the same measurements.
- Lemon juice: If you don’t have lemon juice, simply add an extra teaspoon of your vinegar choice.
- Dried herbs: Substitute with 2.5 teaspoons of store-bought Italian seasoning mix for the dried basil, oregano, thyme, and parsley.
- Granulated garlic: Garlic powder works well, or you can use roasted garlic mashed into a paste. Whisk the smashed garlic into the dressing with the other ingredients.
Additional Ingredients
Mix things up with these delicious additions that pair perfectly with the main ingredients:
- Fresh herbs: Swap all the dried herbs for fresh ones. Typically, you’d use three times the amount of fresh herbs, but doubling them works great in this recipe.
- Spice: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a bit of zip. It’ll add just the right amount of heat.
- Balsamic vinegar: A quarter teaspoon of balsamic vinegar brightens the dressing and adds a touch of sweetness.
- Sour cream: To turn this creamy dressing into a dip, replace the oil and heavy cream with sour cream. It makes a perfect dip for veggies, grilled chicken wings, or more.
- Dijon mustard: If you skip the lemon juice, stir in a teaspoon of Dijon mustard for a tangy kick.
Cooking Tools Required
Below is the list of cooking tools you'll need to make creamy Italian dressing:
How To Make Creamy Italian Dressing Recipe: Complete Guide
Learning to make homemade salad dressings is easy to do, and this creamy Italian dressing recipe is no different. All it takes is about 5 minutes and a little bit of time for the flavors to meld together. Let’s take a look at how it all comes together:
Cooking Method
- No-cook
Preparation Steps
- Gather up all the ingredients. Add them to a mixing bowl.
- Mix well with a whisk.
- Place in the refrigerator for about 15 minutes to let the flavors meld together.
- Taste and adjust the seasoning.
- Serve cold over your favorite salad!
Step 1: Pour the heavy cream into a mixing bowl containing mayonnaise.
Step 2: Whisk together the heavy cream and mayonnaise until smooth.
Step 3: Add the dried herbs, garlic, salt, and pepper to the creamy mixture.
Step 4: Whisk the mixture thoroughly to incorporate the herbs and seasonings into the creamy base.
Step 5: Continue whisking until the dressing reaches a smooth, consistent texture.
Step 6: Serve cold over your favorite salad.
💡 My Pro Tip
Getting the right consistency for this simple salad dressing is all about balance.
If you prefer a creamy, thick dressing that pours smoothly, you’re on the right track. For a thinner dressing, add a small amount of water—about one tablespoon at a time.
Be cautious not to add too much water at once, as it can dilute the flavors. After each tablespoon, mix the dressing and check the consistency. If it’s still too thick, add just one more tablespoon.
For a thinner dressing, you may need to boost the herbs and spices to maintain flavor. Continue adding water in one-tablespoon increments until you reach your desired consistency.
⏲️ Time-Saving Tips
- Use a store-bought Italian seasoning herb blend: This eliminates the need to measure out multiple dried herbs. Check the Ingredient Substitutions section for the amount needed.
- Make the dressing ahead of time: While the recipe suggests 15 minutes for the flavors to meld, this dressing actually improves with more time. Preparing it in advance means you won’t have to wait for the flavors to develop, and you’ll end up with an even tastier dressing.
- Opt for store-bought mayonnaise: Instead of making your own (which takes about 3 minutes), use store-bought mayonnaise to save time. Just be mindful of the label for any hidden sugars if you're following a low carb diet.
What To Use With Creamy Italian Dressing?
This dressing goes well with a variety of salad recipes. Make a restaurant-style salad and pour this dressing over it. Voila! Besides that, I’ve used this dressing with a variety of dishes, and here are some great pairings:
- Italian Salad: Drizzle this dressing over a fresh Italian salad for a flavorful, classic touch. It enhances the taste of mixed greens, tomatoes, and olives and is a perfect salad for lunch.
- Chicken Tenders: Use the dressing as a dip for crispy chicken tenders. Its creamy texture and tangy flavor complement the chicken perfectly.
- Chicken Wings: Serve this dressing as a dipping sauce alongside spicy or grilled chicken wings. It provides a cool, creamy contrast to the heat.
- Grilled Lamb Chops: Top grilled lamb chops with this dressing for a flavorful boost. The herbs and spices in the dressing pair well with the richness of the lamb.
Storage And Freezing Instructions
Storage Tips
I use a glass dressing carafe with a pour spout to store the dressing. After mixing it, I pour it into the carafe and keep it in the fridge for up to a week. This way, it's always ready to use whenever needed.
Before I had the carafe, I stored the dressing in a small pitcher covered with plastic wrap. The pour spout makes it easier to serve compared to using a spoon, so the dressing gets used up more quickly in my house.
Freezing Tips
Yes, you can freeze this salad dressing. Transfer it to a freezer-safe zip-top bag and freeze for up to six to nine months. To use, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight, then transfer it to a bowl or pitcher. Whisk well, adjust the seasonings, and serve cold.
Recipe Conclusion
I enjoy recreating childhood favorites, and this Italian dressing is no exception. It captures the essence of the original Wishbone Creamy Italian dressing and has become a hit with both me and my family.
What’s great about this recipe is how quickly it comes together. Once you master making creamy salad dressings at home, you’ll never need to buy those pricey store-bought salad dressings. Plus, you’ll know exactly what’s in your dressing.
Feel free to leave any questions or suggestions in the comments, or connect with me on Facebook or Instagram!
Other Dressings To Try
Try my favorite dressings to enhance your summer salads:
FAQs
Typically, creamy Italian dressing is not sweet but more savory. The acids in the vinegar or lemon juice balance the creaminess of the mayonnaise base to complement the natural sweetness of salads and vegetables.
Yes. To start, place ½ cups of mayonnaise in a mixing bowl. Add ½ cups of an oil-based Italian dressing to the mayonnaise and gently mix with a whisk until incorporated. Taste and adjust the seasonings. If it is not creamy enough, add 2 tablespoons of either heavy cream or sour cream.
Creamy Italian Dressing Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice freshly squeezed
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon dried parsley
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- ¼ cup heavy cream¼ cup olive oil
- ¼ teaspoon granulated garlic
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Gather up all the ingredients. Add them to a mixing bowl.
- Mix well with a whisk.
- Place in the refrigerator for about 15 minutes to let the flavors meld together.
- Taste and adjust the seasoning.
- Serve cold over your favorite salad!
Notes
Nutrition
“This website provides approximate nutrition data and information for convenience and as a courtesy only.”
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2 Responses
Perfection, exactly the taste I was after. Served on spinach salad with egg, bacon, parm, and tomato. Many thanks for this recipe, I’ve tried others and this was it!
Hi Kim:
That salad sounds fantastic- I would have like to be at that table! Glad that you liked the recipe and thank you for taking a moment to leave the comment- it means a lot!
Have a great day in the kitchen-
Scott