Creamy Italian dressing is a tangy, herby salad dressing made with Greek yogurt and a little mayonnaise for a smooth, creamy texture. It has classic Italian seasoning flavor with a bright kick from red wine vinegar and Dijon.
A Quick Look at the Recipe
✅ Recipe Name: Creamy Italian Dressing
🕒 Ready In: ~5 minutes
👪 Makes: About 1 cup
🍽 Calories: ~90 per tablespoon (estimated)
🥣 Main Ingredients: Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, red wine vinegar, olive oil, Dijon, Italian seasoning
📖 Dietary Info: Vegetarian, gluten-free
👌 Difficulty: Easy - whisk-and-chill dressing
SUMMARIZE & SAVE THIS CONTENT ON
This version is quick to whisk together and tastes even better after a short chill, which lets the garlic and herbs blend into the dressing. It's a great go-to when you want something creamy that still feels fresh and light.
Use it on salads like Grinder Salad, drizzle it over Grilled Chicken Salad, toss it into Southwest Quinoa Salad, or use it as a dip for Air Fryer Carrot Fries.
Jump to:
- A Quick Look at the Recipe
- Why You'll Love this Creamy Italian Dressing:
- Key Ingredients:
- Easy Substitutions & Variations:
- How to Make Creamy Italian Dressing:
- Recipe Notes & Tips:
- How to Store:
- Creamy Italian Dressing FAQs:
- More Dressing Recipes You'll Love
- Get a FREE Healthy Meal Planning Ebook
- Creamy Italian Dressing
Why You'll Love this Creamy Italian Dressing:
Creamy but Tangy: Greek yogurt and mayo make it smooth, while red wine vinegar keeps it bright.
Classic Italian Flavor: Italian seasoning, Dijon, and garlic powder give it that familiar herby taste.
Quick to Make: It comes together in minutes with pantry ingredients.
So Versatile: Use it for salads, pasta salad, marinades, or as a dip for veggies and chicken.
Key Ingredients:
- greek yogurt. Creates a thick creamy base and adds a tangy flavor that keeps the dressing from tasting heavy.
- mayonnaise. Adds richness and smooth texture that makes the dressing taste more like a classic creamy Italian.
- red wine vinegar. Provides the sharp tang that balances the creamy base.
- dijon mustard. Helps the dressing emulsify and adds extra flavor.
- italian seasoning. Brings the classic herby taste without needing a long list of spices.
Scroll to the recipe card at the bottom of this page for exact quantities.
Easy Substitutions & Variations:
- Make it lighter: Use all Greek yogurt and skip the mayonnaise for a tangier, lighter creamy Italian dressing.
- Make it richer: Add an extra tablespoon of mayonnaise for a more classic creamy texture.
- Vinegar swap: Use white wine vinegar if needed, but red wine vinegar gives the most classic Italian dressing flavor.
- Add sweetness: Whisk in a small drizzle of honey if you like a slightly sweeter creamy Italian dressing.
- Fresh garlic option: Swap garlic powder for 1 small minced garlic clove for a sharper garlic bite.
How to Make Creamy Italian Dressing:
- Step 1: Add the Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, and olive oil to a bowl or jar. Whisk until smooth and well combined.
- Step 2: Add the Italian seasoning, salt, garlic powder, and pepper. Whisk again until evenly mixed. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
Save this Recipe
Enter your email address and we'll send it straight to your inbox.
Recipe Notes & Tips:
- Whisk the base first: Mixing the yogurt, mayo, vinegar, Dijon, and oil first helps the dressing turn smooth before the seasonings go in.
- Let it chill: Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes so the Italian seasoning hydrates and the flavor tastes more balanced.
- Taste after chilling: The vinegar and salt can mellow as it rests, so do a final taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Thin if needed: If it thickens in the fridge, whisk in a small splash of water to loosen it.
- Use a jar for easy mixing: A jar makes it simple to shake, store, and re-mix right before serving.
How to Store:
Refrigerator: Store creamy Italian dressing in an airtight jar or container for up to 1 week.
Shake before using: The dressing can thicken and separate slightly as it sits, so shake or whisk before serving.
Texture tip: If it becomes too thick after chilling, whisk in a small splash of water to loosen it.
Creamy Italian Dressing FAQs:
Creamy Italian dressing is made with a creamy base plus tangy vinegar and Italian seasonings. This version uses Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, red wine vinegar, olive oil, Dijon mustard, Italian seasoning, and simple spices.
To make creamy Italian dressing thicker, use full-fat Greek yogurt and chill it for at least 30 minutes. If it still feels thin, add a little more Greek yogurt and whisk again.
Homemade creamy Italian dressing lasts up to 1 week in the refrigerator when stored in an airtight container. Shake or whisk before serving.
Grab your free copy
Get a FREE Healthy Meal Planning Ebook
Tips, Tricks, and Recipes for Stress Free Meal Planning
Creamy Italian Dressing
Ingredients
- ½ cup greek yogurt
- 3 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 3 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon pepper
Instructions
- Add the Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, and olive oil to a bowl or jar. Whisk until smooth and well combined.
- Add the Italian seasoning, salt, garlic powder, and pepper. Whisk again until evenly mixed.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if needed, then cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes for the best flavor.
- Shake or whisk again before serving.
Nutrition
Notes
- Whisk the base first: Mixing the yogurt, mayo, vinegar, Dijon, and oil first helps the dressing turn smooth before the seasonings go in.
- Let it chill: Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes so the Italian seasoning hydrates and the flavor tastes more balanced.
- Taste after chilling: The vinegar and salt can mellow as it rests, so do a final taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Thin if needed: If it thickens in the fridge, whisk in a small splash of water to loosen it.
- Use a jar for easy mixing: A jar makes it simple to shake, store, and re-mix right before serving.
Jake says
Wow this is my new favorite dressing!! The creaminess gives it a much smoother flavor, I actually prefer this to the usual.