This Italian Sub Dressing is the ideal combination of tangy, savory, and herbaceous flavors that elevate any sandwich. A blend of oil, vinegar and traditional Italian spices, it provides a delicious jolt of flavor to meats, cheeses and crisp vegetables!
Do you want to add it to a salad? Use this dressing with my Italian Grinder Salad!
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Italian Sub Dressing
This simple combination of ingredients really takes any sandwich to the next level! A mixture of olive oil, red wine vinegar and sharp Dijon mustard is the ideal balance of tangy and rich. Italian seasoning and fresh garlic add extra bold Italian flavor.
What I love most about this dressing is its versatility. It soaks into the bread just enough to enhance every bite without leaving the sandwich soggy, and it goes well with deli meats like salami, ham and pepperoni. The acidity of the vinegar cuts through the richness of the cheese and meats, resulting in a balanced flavor.
And it is not only for subs - this dressing can be drizzled over salads, grilled vegetables or even used as a marinade for chicken. This homemade version is fresher and more flavorful than store-bought versions, and only requires a few pantry staples. Once you have tried it, you won't want a sandwich without it!
Ingredients
This Italian sub dressing recipe only requires simple ingredients. The full proportions are listed on the printable recipe card below.
- Olive Oil - The rich, silky base that carries all the flavours and gives the dressing its smooth texture.
- Red Wine Vinegar - Provides a tangy brightness that cuts the richness of the oil and brightens up the flavor.
- Dijon Mustard - Promotes emulsification of the dressing while adding a bit of sharpness and depth.
- Italian Seasoning - A seasoning mix of basil, thyme, rosemary and other herbs that lends the dressing its flavor depth.
- Garlic - A little freshly minced garlic gives the dressing a sharp, punchy kick.
- Salt & Black Pepper - Brings out all the flavor and seasons well.
- Honey - A natural sweetener to help cut the acidity and give it a smoother flavor.
- Sugar (Optional) - A pinch of sugar can help tame the acidity and round out the flavors.
How to make homemade Italian sub dressing
- Whisk Together the Ingredients - In a bowl or jar, add olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper and honey (or sugar, if using). Whisk or shake vigorously until combined.
- Let It Rest & Serve - Let the dressing rest a minimum of 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Whisk or shake once more and drizzle over your sub, salad or favorite dish. Enjoy!
Recipe Tips and Variations
- Use Fresh Garlic - Use freshly minced garlic rather than garlic powder for a bold, true flavor.
- Shake Before Using - Because oil and vinegar separate, give the dressing a good shake (or whisk) before drizzling.
- Make It Creamy - For a thicker, creamier version, stir in a spoonful of mayonnaise or Greek yogurt.
- Boost the Umami - Add a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese for extra depth of flavour.
- Swap the Vinegar - Use balsamic or apple cider vinegar for a different depth of flavour.
- Herb boost - A handful of fresh basil or parsley adds a bright note.
- Add some heat: Shake in a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes, or leave them out for a mild dressing.
- Give it time: Because the herbs are dried, the flavor keeps getting better as it sits. If you can, make it a couple of hours before serving.
- Mellow the tang: A splash of water softens the sharpness, so you can be more generous when you pour.
- Making a big batch? Blitz it in a food processor and it comes together in seconds.
How Long Does Homemade Italian Sub Dressing Last?
Stored in a sealed jar in the refrigerator, it stays good for about two weeks. If you made the creamy version with mayonnaise or yogurt, use it within a week.
What to Serve It With
- Italian subs: Spoon it over the cut sides of both halves of the roll, so it soaks into the bread instead of pooling on top.
- Salads: Toss it with chopped lettuce, deli meats and cheese for a sub in salad form, like my Italian Grinder Salad.
Frequently Asked Questions
Extra virgin olive oil works best since it has a rich, smooth flavor that enhances without overwhelming the sandwich. If a milder taste is more your style, use a light olive oil.
Red wine vinegar is the classic option here, since it delivers just the right tangy acidity to balance the richness of the meats and cheese. Some variations call for balsamic or white wine vinegar for a slightly different depth of flavor.
The term "Italian Sub" derives from the Italian-American communities who popularized the sandwich - primarily in the Northeastern United States. It is believed to have emerged in Portland, Maine, where an Italian immigrant named Giovanni Amato pioneered the sandwich in the early 1900s.
Italian dressing is an oil-and-vinegar salad dressing flavored with a blend of herbs and spices, and sometimes with lemon juice or sugar for sweetness. Sub sauce is a specifically sandwich-oriented take with a higher ratio of oil than vinegar and fewer add-ins that might compete with deli meats.
Yes! Shake it up to a week ahead and keep it sealed in the fridge. Give it a good shake again before using.
Of course. Maple syrup or agave work just as well as honey here.
If you tried this Best Italian Sub Dressing (Quick and Easy!) or any other recipe on my website, please feel free to leave a 🌟 star rating and let me know how it goes in the 📝 comments below. And remember to tag me on Instagram!
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Recipe
The BEST Italian Sub Dressing (Perfect Sauce!)
INGREDIENTS
- ½ cup olive oil rich base.
- 3 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning thyme and rosemary for added depth.
- garlic freshly minced
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon honey
- ½ teaspoon sugar optional - Further balances the tang, if desired.
INSTRUCTIONS
- In a small bowl or salad dressing shaker, combine all of your ingredients. Cover and shake well until emulsified, or whisk until completely emulsified. Season with salt and pepper.
- Let the dressing rest for at least 10 minutes so the flavors meld. Shake again, then drizzle it over your cold cuts, salads, or Italian sub sandwiches, and dig in!
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