Love tangy salads? This Ken’s Italian Dressing Recipe tastes just like store-bought. Zesty and garlicky and perfect every time. Learn how to make Ken’s Italian Dressing at home.
No preservatives. Fresh herbs shine. Shake and pour. Elevates any greens. Family salad night upgrade!
My Story With This Comforting Ken’s Italian Dressing
Discovered Ken’s at family picnic years ago. Everyone fought for last drop. Vowed to copy it. First try too oily. Perfected after tweaks. Now potlucks request my batch.
Kids drizzle on everything. This Ken’s Italian Dressing Recipe brings restaurant quality home. Simple joy.
Equipment List
- Mason jar with lid
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
- Garlic press
- Whisk (optional)
- Small bowl
- Funnel
Recipe Overview
- Recipe Name: Ken’s Italian Dressing Recipe
- Servings: 16 (2 tbsp each)
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 0 mins
- Total Time: 10 mins
- Course: Sauce
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Calories: 120 kcal per serving
Ingredients for Ken’s Italian Dressing
- 1 cup olive oil
- 1/2 cup white vinegar
- 1/4 cup water
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tbsp red wine vinegar
- 1 tbsp dried oregano
- 1 tbsp dried basil
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
These ingredients for Ken’s Italian Dressing blend perfectly. Pantry staples work.
Instructions for Ken’s Italian Dressing
1. Prep the Jar
Find clean mason jar. 16 oz size perfect. Dry completely. Ready for shaking magic. Takes 30 seconds.
2. Mince the Garlic
Peel garlic cloves. Press through garlic press. Or chop fine. Add to jar first. Flavor infuses best.
3. Add Vinegars
Pour white vinegar and red wine vinegar. Add water. Creates tangy base. Classic Italian bite.
4. Mix Dry Spices
Add oregano, basil, salt, pepper, onion powder, red pepper flakes. Dijon mustard, sugar next. Herb explosion coming.
5. Pour the Oil
Slowly add olive oil last. Creates emulsion. Seal jar tight. Essential for creamy texture.
6. Shake and Chill
Shake vigorously 1 minute. See it emulsify. Refrigerate 30 minutes. Flavors marry. Shake before each use.
Cooking Tips and Simple Recipe Variations
- Shake well before pouring.
- Extra virgin olive oil best flavor.
- Let sit overnight for peak taste.
- Variation: Add fresh parsley.
- Lemon juice brightens recipe.
- Less spicy? Skip red pepper.
- Avocado oil milder taste.
- Double batch fills two jars.
Little History Behind This Comfort Food
Ken’s Steak House born 1935 Massachusetts. Frank Kens invented creamy Italian. Family expanded dressing line. 1950s bottle sales boomed. Classic red label iconic.
Copycat recipes spread. This version captures original zest. Salad dressing legend lives.
What to Serve With This Dish
Iceberg wedge salad classic. Mixed greens simple. Antipasti platter perfect. Pasta salad upgrade. Grilled chicken drizzle. Veggie sticks dip. Bread dipping sauce.
Occasion or Event Ideas
Summer picnics essential. Potlucks steal show. Weeknight salads quick. BBQ sides shine. Holiday dinners elegant. Tailgates portable. Brunch salads fresh. Date nights impress.
Storage and Reheating Tips
- Fridge mason jar 3 weeks.
- Shake daily first week.
- No freezing; oil separates.
- Room temp use within 2 hours.
- Make small batches fresh.
Nutrition Information
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 120 kcal |
| Total Fat | 13g |
| Saturated Fat | 2g |
| Carbohydrates | 1g |
| Fiber | 0g |
| Protein | 0g |
| Sodium | 190mg |
Based on 16 servings. Oil choice affects fat.
Is This Dish Good for You?
Ken’s Italian Dressing Recipe healthy in moderation. Olive oil heart-healthy fats. Vinegar aids digestion. Garlic fights inflammation. Herbs pack antioxidants.
Low carb keto friendly. Portion control key. Better than creamy ranch. Fresh dressing wins.
Ken’s Italian Dressing Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 cup olive oil
- 1/2 cup white vinegar
- 1/4 cup water
- 3 garlic cloves minced
- 2 tbsp red wine vinegar
- 1 tbsp dried oregano
- 1 tbsp dried basil
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
Instructions
Prep the Jar
- Find clean mason jar. 16 oz size perfect. Dry completely. Ready for shaking magic. Takes 30 seconds.
Mince the Garlic
- Peel garlic cloves. Press through garlic press. Or chop fine. Add to jar first. Flavor infuses best.
Add Vinegars
- Pour white vinegar and red wine vinegar. Add water. Creates tangy base. Classic Italian bite.
Mix Dry Spices
- Add oregano, basil, salt, pepper, onion powder, red pepper flakes. Dijon mustard, sugar next. Herb explosion coming.
Pour the Oil
- Slowly add olive oil last. Creates emulsion. Seal jar tight. Essential for creamy texture.
Shake and Chill
- Shake vigorously 1 minute. See it emulsify. Refrigerate 30 minutes. Flavors marry. Shake before each use.
Notes
- Shake well before pouring.
- Extra virgin olive oil best flavor.
- Let sit overnight for peak taste.
- Variation: Add fresh parsley.
- Lemon juice brightens recipe.
- Less spicy? Skip red pepper.
- Avocado oil milder taste.
- Double batch fills two jars.
FAQs about Ken’s Italian Dressing Recipe
Creamy or clear version?
This classic clear style. Add 1/4 cup mayo for creamy. Shake extra well. How to make Ken’s Italian Dressing both ways.
Apple cider vinegar okay?
Yes, milder tang. White balsamic works. Experiment taste. Classic stays best.
Too oily?
Add vinegar splash. More mustard emulsifies. Shake mason jar hard. Perfect balance.
Fresh herbs possible?
Triple dried amounts. Basil parsley best. Use within week. Brighter flavor.
Salad spinner needed?
No, drizzle lightly. Toss bowl gently. Dressing coats evenly. Simple method.
Final Thoughts
Your Ken’s Italian Dressing Recipe transforms salads! Tangy homemade magic beats bottles. Shake and pour and enjoy. Family notices difference. Next picnic star ready.
Share your herb tweaks below. Dress up meals daily. Fresh flavor forever! What’s your salad combo? Mix happy! 🥗
Hi! I’m Livy Lane, the creator of LivyCooks.com. I share easy, delicious recipes anyone can make at home. Let’s cook, taste and enjoy every bite together!