homemade italian dressing {gluten free, vegan}

I have been on this crazy kick, making all things salad dressings, marinades and spice rubs. I am just amazed at the elevated flavors when you take the time to make them homemade. Italian dressing is one of my favorites because it not only makes a great addition to most any salad creation that I make, but also is a great simple marinade for steaks, veggies or chicken. 

Growing up we always had a bowl of greens with extra virgin olive oil and vinegar. This was always eaten after our meal to cleanse our palate. I didn't think this was strange as a child, but I could never figure out why they served salads first, when we ate out at restaurants. The dressing was always so mush tastier too. What I didn't know back then was that bottled dressing they were serving was filled with dangerous vegetable oils, high in Omega-6 and additives like Carrageenan and MSG.

Homemade dressing takes minutes to make and contains real, healthy ingredients that you can feel good about giving your family. Start with this recipe and and a few of your own, and you can have a refrigerator filled with options every night. Having choices when you are ready for a meal, makes you so much less likely to choose unhealthy choices.

What you will need

• 1 cup good quality Extra Virgin Olive Oil
• 1/2 cup red wine vinegar
• 2 Tbs. honey
• 1/2 tsp. basil
• 1/2 tsp. parsely
• 1/2 tsp. oregano
• 1/4 tsp. garlic powder 
• 1/4 tsp. onion powder
• 1/4 tsp. black pepper
• 1/2 tsp. salt

Place all ingredients in a 16 ounce glass mason jar or similar container (glass is a must) and shake vigorously to combine. I store this dressing in the same cabinet as my oils and vinegars and it stays fresh for up to a month. Double the recipe if you will be using often. See how incredibly easy it is to take small steps to eating healthier and responsibly nourishing your body!