Dijon mustard, garlic, oregano and red pepper are brightened up delightfully with fresh lemon juice in this zesty Italian dressing. So easy to make, it’s ready in just minutes!

Italian dressing marinade for chicken
This dressing goes great with salads. And it also makes a great marinade for chicken. You don’t have to change anything. Simply shake, pour over the chicken and allow to marinate.
You can also use this savory Italian dressing recipe for a pasta salad. Just add enough dressing so it shines when tossed. The noodles don’t have to float in it. Give it some time to rest in the fridge and the flavors will blend beautifully.
Is Italian Dressing Gluten Free?
For those of you who have concerns about gluten, I have good news! While most major brands may contain gluten, this recipe makes a 100% gluten-free Italian salad dressing. And it tastes better than anything you’ll find on store shelves.
This easy Italian dressing goes just as well with gluten-free pasta. Or try zucchini noodles for a refreshing twist on your favorite pasta salad.

Spicy Italian Dressing Recipe
- olive oil
- Dijon mustard
- lemon juice
- Garlic cloves
- oregano
- red pepper flakes
- salt and pepper

To prepare this recipe, combine all ingredients in a pint-sized or larger glass or bottle. Close the lid and shake well. As simple as that.
This homemade Italian dressing will keep in the fridge for 1-2 weeks. It’s been a flavor-packed staple in my home for years because of its versatility.

Spicy Italian dressing
I should probably warn you – once you start making your own dressings, you won’t want to go back. I love creamy homemade ranch fare on a quick salad or as a dip with some spicy chicken bites.
I’ve posted many custom salad dressing recipes and there are still so many delicious flavors to experiment with! Can’t wait to try one of these on this caprese salad that caught my eye.
Well, I don’t use the word “best” very often. But this recipe makes the best balsamic vinaigrette I’ve ever tried. And this creamy poppy seed dressing also gets rave reviews.
Servings: 16 tablespoon
Prevent your screen from going dark
Calories: 84kcal · Carbohydrates: 1G · Protein: 0.2G · Fat: 9G · Saturated Fatty Acids: 1G · Polyunsaturated fat: 1G · Monounsaturated fatty acids: 7G · Sodium: 167mg · Potassium: 20mg · Fiber: 0.4G · Sugar: 0.2G · Vitamin A: 26IU · Vitamin C: 4mg · Calcium: 9mg · Iron: 0.2mg
