Homemade Italian Dressing

Makes about 3/4 cup

If you like bottled Italian salad dressing, you will love this recipe. It is quick, easy and, unlike most bottled dressings, there are no preservatives or artificial ingredients. You get to control all of the flavors, adding more herbs, reducing the salt and, for a tangier, lower fat version, use more vinegar and less oil. Since the recipe can be made in any amount, make extra to use on your salads for several days.

Ingredients

• 2 to 3 tablespoons red wine vinegar
• Fresh minced garlic or garlic powder to taste
• Fresh chopped or dried basil and/or oregano to taste
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 4 to 6 tablespoons olive oil

Mix together first 3 ingredients. Add salt and pepper. Gradually add olive oil, whisking until thickened. Serve immediately or refrigerate for up to 5 days, whisking or shaking to recombine.