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If you’re craving bold Italian flavor in a light and creamy dressing, you’re going to love this healthy homemade creamy Italian dressing! It’s made with Greek yogurt for a healthy take on a classic. This homemade creamy Italian salad dressing is rich, tangy, and bursting with bold Italian flavors, just like the one my Italian grandmother used to make, but with a lighter, low-fat twist!
It’s especially delicious on our Italian chopped salad, the two are made for each other! If you haven’t tried that salad yet, it’s the perfect way to enjoy this Italian dressing.
If you’re looking for a healthy, creamy Italian dressing that’s quick to make and full of classic flavor, this is the one. You’re going to want to put it on everything!
For more lightened-up dressings made with Greek yogurt, be sure to check out our healthy homemade Caesar dressing and creamy blue cheese dressing!
Why You Will Love This Italian Dressing
- Creamy & Tangy: Made with protein-rich Greek yogurt instead of mayo, this dressing is incredibly creamy with just the right tang from red wine vinegar. It’s a flavor combo that truly stands out.
- No Mayo: We skipped the mayonnaise completely, so you get all the richness without the heaviness. It’s our light and fresh take on a classic creamy Italian dressing.
- High-Protein: The Greek yogurt base makes this dressing high-protein!
- Full Of Flavor: This dressing is packed with bold, savory flavor from the garlic, parmesan, herbs, and a touch of olive oil. You won’t want to go back to store-bought versions after trying this recipe!
- Healthy: This creamy Italian dressing is everything you love about classic Italian flavor, just lightened up and made even easier. It’s tangy, herby, and incredibly versatile. Once you make it, you’ll want to keep a jar in the fridge at all times!
- Made In Minutes: You can whip this up in one bowl in just minutes. It’s perfect for busy days when you still want something homemade and delicious.
Ingredients Needed
- Greek Yogurt: The creamy, high-protein base that makes this dressing rich and satisfying without any mayo.
- Red Wine Vinegar: Adds the perfect tangy kick to balance the creaminess and brighten up the flavors.
- Olive Oil: Just a touch for smoothness and richness, enough to round out the dressing without weighing it down.
- Parmesan Cheese: Adds cheesy, savory, irresistible flavor that makes this dressing totally crave-worthy.
- Milk: A bit of milk to thin out the dressing to the desired consistency.
- Mustard: Stone-ground mustard is my go-to, it adds incredible depth of flavor and a bit of texture that takes this dressing to the next level. If you don’t have stone-ground mustard, Dijon mustard works as well.
- Seasonings: This Italian dressing is packed with flavor from the combination of garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and pepper.
Find the full measurements in the recipe card below.
Substitutions & Variations
- Greek Yogurt Options: We used non-fat Greek yogurt for a light and creamy base, but you can absolutely use 2% or whole milk Greek yogurt if you prefer a richer, creamier texture. All work well, just use what you have or love best!
- Vinegar Swap: Don’t have red wine vinegar? Try white wine vinegar or fresh lemon juice for a slightly different tang.
- Mustard To Use: Stone-ground mustard is my go-to for its bold flavor and subtle texture, but Dijon works perfectly if that’s what you have on hand.
- Herbs: If you don’t have dried oregano and dried basil, use one teaspoon of Italian seasoning.
How To Make Creamy Italian Dressing
Step 1: Add the Greek yogurt, red wine vinegar, olive oil, parmesan cheese, mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper to a bowl.
Step 2: Mix thoroughly until the dressing is creamy and all the ingredients are well incorporated.
Serving Suggestions
This creamy Italian dressing goes with just about everything! Here are a few of our favorite ways to use it.
- Salad: Toss this dressing with crisp romaine, cherry tomatoes, red onion, and chickpeas for a refreshing Italian chopped salad. Or, add it to pasta salad for a creamy twist!
- Vegetables: Drizzle it over roasted or air-fried veggies like zucchini, bell peppers, or asparagus.
- Dip: Use it as a dip for veggies or pita chips. If you are turning this dressing into a dip, omit the milk so it will have a thicker consistency.
Expert Tips
- Dressing Consistency: If the dressing is too thick for your liking, add more milk as needed to thin it out. Use one tablespoon at a time.
- Mix Well: Thoroughly mix all the ingredients until the dressing is well combined and creamy.
- Let It Chill: For the best flavor, let the dressing chill in the fridge for 15-20 minutes before serving. This gives the ingredients time to meld together.
Storage Instructions
Leftover creamy Italian dressing can be stored in an airtight container or jar in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Give it a good stir before using, as it may thicken or separate slightly as it chills. If the dressing is too thick, add 1 tablespoon of milk, shake well, and serve.
Frequently Asked Questions
What If I Don’t Have Red Wine Vinegar?
You can use white wine vinegar or freshly squeezed lemon juice in a pinch. The flavor will vary slightly but it will still be delicious.
Can I Use A Different Yogurt?
Yes! While we use 0% fat Greek yogurt to lighten things up, 2% or whole milk Greek yogurt will give you a richer, creamier dressing.
What Makes Italian Dressing Creamy?
Creamy Italian dressing gets its signature smooth texture from emulsifying oil and vinegar with a creamy base like mayonnaise or Greek yogurt. For my version, I lightened it up by using non-fat Greek yogurt instead of mayo to keep it creamy while adding protein. I combined it with olive oil, red wine vinegar, a touch of stone-ground mustard, Italian herbs, and garlic powder for the ultimate flavor and creamy texture.
More Healthy Dressing Recipes To Try!
- Blue Cheese Dressing With Greek Yogurt
- Healthy Caesar Salad Dressing
- Creamy Tomato Basil Dressing
- Strawberry Vinaigrette
If you try this recipe please be sure to leave us a comment and star rating ★★★★★ letting us know how it turns out for you.
HEALTHY HOMEMADE CREAMY ITALIAN DRESSING
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup 0-fat Greek yogurt
- 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
- 2 teaspoons olive oil
- 3 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons milk, to thin out the dressing
- 1 teaspoon stone-ground mustard or Dijon
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, or 1 crushed garlic clove
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/8 teaspoon pepper
Instructions
- Add the Greek yogurt, red wine vinegar, olive oil, parmesan cheese, mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper to a bowl.
- Mix thoroughly until the dressing is creamy and all the ingredients are well incorporated.
Video
Notes
- Dressing Consistency: If the dressing is too thick for your liking, add more milk as needed to thin it out. Use one tablespoon at a time.
- Let It Chill: For the best flavor, let the dressing chill in the fridge for 15-20 minutes before serving. This gives the ingredients time to meld together.
- Greek Yogurt Options: We used non-fat Greek yogurt for a light and creamy base, but you can absolutely use 2% or whole milk Greek yogurt if you prefer a richer, creamier texture. All work well, just use what you have or love best!
- Herbs: If you don’t have dried oregano and dried basil, use one teaspoon of Italian seasoning.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
What if I don’t have milk, can I use water?
Hi Sandee, if you don’t have milk, you can use an unsweetened plant-based milk such as almond, oat, or cashew milk. If you don’t have any milk alternatives on hand, water will work, just keep in mind that it may slightly dilute the flavor of the dressing.
how much is one serving?
Hello, this creamy Italian dressing recipe makes about 3/4 cup of dressing total. Since this recipe serves 6, each serving is about 2 tablespoons of dressing. I hope you enjoy!
his Creamy Italian Dressing is everything! It’s rich, tangy, herby, and totally crave-worthy, but made lighter with 0-fat Greek yogurt. The combo of red wine vinegar, Parmesan, and herbs brings all the classic Italian flavors you love, with a creamy twist. It’s perfect on salads, as a dip, or even drizzled over roasted veggies. Once you try it, you’ll never go back to store-bought!