Transform your everyday salads into extraordinary culinary experiences with this easy homemade Sun-Dried Tomato Vinaigrette. Forget bland store-bought options; this vibrant dressing is a game-changer, bursting with the tangy sweetness of sun-dried tomatoes, the richness of olive oil, and a perfect balance of savory notes. In just 5 minutes, you can whisk together a dressing that will become your new favorite for all your beloved salads and more.

The secret to truly exceptional salads lies in the dressing. While grocery store aisles are filled with countless choices, nothing quite compares to the freshness, quality, and customizable flavor of a homemade vinaigrette. Crafting your own dressing ensures you know exactly what ingredients go in, allowing you to avoid unwanted additives and tailor it precisely to your taste preferences.

Making your own salad dressings is surprisingly simple, especially for vinaigrettes like this one. The basic formula involves a good quality olive oil, a choice of vinegar or acid, a touch of sweetness, and a medley of herbs and spices to build layers of flavor. This particular sun-dried tomato vinaigrette takes a clever approach by utilizing the flavorful oil reserved from jars of sun-dried tomatoes. Not only does this infuse the dressing with a bold, concentrated tomato essence, but it also promotes a zero-waste kitchen, making use of a valuable ingredient that might otherwise be discarded. It’s an eco-friendly and incredibly delicious hack!

We especially love how this Tuscan-inspired dressing complements a classic Italian bean salad, creating a harmonious blend of textures and tastes that’s simply irresistible. But its versatility extends far beyond, as you’ll soon discover.

Why You’ll Fall in Love with This Sun-Dried Tomato Vinaigrette

• Superior Flavor & Quality: This homemade sun-dried tomato dressing boasts a depth of flavor that store-bought options simply can’t match. By using fresh, high-quality ingredients, you achieve a vibrant, rich taste that elevates any dish it touches. The natural flavors of the sun-dried tomatoes, good olive oil, and aromatic herbs truly shine through, creating a gourmet experience in your own kitchen.
• Healthy & Wholesome: Say goodbye to artificial preservatives, unhealthy oils, and high-fructose corn syrup often found in commercial dressings. This recipe uses wholesome ingredients like extra-virgin olive oil, natural honey, and maple syrup, offering a healthier alternative without compromising on taste. It’s a clean and nourishing choice for your salads.
• Quick & Effortless to Make: With a prep time of just 5 minutes, this sun-dried tomato vinaigrette is incredibly easy to whip up. Whether you’re in a rush or simply prefer quick recipes, this dressing allows you to enjoy homemade goodness without significant time investment. Just gather your ingredients, combine, and emulsify!
• Incredibly Versatile: While perfect for traditional green salads, this vinaigrette’s robust flavor profile makes it suitable for a wide array of dishes. Its Tuscan-inspired notes pair wonderfully with Mediterranean and Italian cuisine, adding a gourmet touch to everything from pasta salads to grain bowls and even as a unique marinade.
• Zero Waste Hero: One of the most satisfying aspects of this recipe is its ingenious use of reserved oil from your jarred sun-dried tomatoes. This oil is already infused with the concentrated flavor of the tomatoes, making it a powerful, free ingredient that would otherwise go to waste. It’s a sustainable and delicious way to get the most out of your pantry staples.

Essential Ingredients for Your Tuscan-Inspired Dressing

Crafting this exceptional sun-dried tomato vinaigrette requires a few key ingredients, each playing a vital role in creating its balanced and bold flavor profile. Here’s what you’ll need, along with some tips for selecting the best:

• High-Quality Extra Virgin Olive Oil: Since oil forms the base of any vinaigrette, the quality of your olive oil truly matters. Opt for a good quality extra-virgin olive oil that you enjoy the taste of on its own. It should have a fruity, slightly peppery, and rich flavor, as this will heavily influence the overall taste of your dressing. Economical olive oils are fine for cooking, but splurge a little for dressings where its flavor can truly be appreciated.
• Reserved Sun-Dried Tomato Oil: This is the secret weapon! It’s the flavorful oil left in the jar after you’ve used your sun-dried tomatoes (packed in oil). This oil is already infused with the intense, savory, and slightly sweet flavor of the tomatoes, adding an incredible depth that plain olive oil can’t replicate. Don’t let it go to waste! Even if you haven’t finished your jar of tomatoes, you can carefully drain off some of the oil, ensuring the remaining tomatoes stay mostly submerged to keep them preserved. Collect it in a separate jar for later use in dressings, marinades, or sautéing.
• Red Wine Vinegar: This vinegar provides the essential tangy kick to balance the richness of the oils and the sweetness. Red wine vinegar has a more nuanced, robust flavor compared to the sharper profile of white vinegar. While white wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar can be used in a pinch, red wine vinegar is highly recommended for its classic Mediterranean compatibility and subtle fruity notes.
• Honey and Maple Syrup: We love a combination of both for their unique sweetness and subtle flavor differences. Honey offers a floral sweetness, while maple syrup contributes a deeper, earthy note. Together, they perfectly balance the acidity of the vinegar. If you only have one on hand, feel free to use just honey or just maple syrup. For a fully vegan dressing, simply use only maple syrup or agave nectar.
• Whole Grain Mustard: More than just a flavor enhancer, whole grain mustard acts as an emulsifier in homemade dressings. It helps to bind the oil and vinegar together, preventing them from separating quickly and creating a smooth, cohesive vinaigrette without the need for eggs. Its coarse texture also adds a pleasant bite and a subtle, savory kick. Dijon mustard can be used as a smooth substitute if whole grain isn’t available.
• Italian Seasoning: This blend of dried herbs (typically oregano, basil, thyme, rosemary, and marjoram) is an incredibly easy way to infuse your vinaigrette with classic Italian-inspired flavors. For the best results, use a good quality blend that hasn’t been sitting in your pantry for ages, as older herbs lose their potency.
• Garlic Powder: A touch of granulated garlic powder adds a mellow garlic flavor without the sharpness or intensity that raw fresh garlic can sometimes impart. It integrates smoothly into the dressing, providing an aromatic background note.
• Flaky Salt and Freshly Ground Black Pepper: These are crucial for seasoning the dressing to perfection. Flaky sea salt (like Maldon) provides a wonderful texture if you’re dipping bread, but any fine sea salt will work. Always season to taste, adding incrementally until the flavors sing. Freshly ground black pepper offers a more vibrant aroma and taste than pre-ground varieties.

How to Make Homemade Sun-Dried Tomato Dressing: A Simple 2-Step Process

Preparing this flavorful sun-dried tomato vinaigrette is astonishingly quick and straightforward, perfect for even the busiest days. Follow these easy steps to create your new favorite dressing:

1. Combine All Ingredients: Start by adding all of the specified ingredients into a clean glass jar, mason jar, or a cruet. This includes:
   • ⅓ cup extra virgin olive oil
   • ⅓ cup sun-dried tomato oil
   • ⅓ cup red wine vinegar
   • 1 tablespoon honey
   • 1 tablespoon maple syrup
   • 1 tablespoon whole grain mustard (or 2 teaspoons dijon mustard)
   • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
   • ¼ teaspoon granulated garlic powder
   • Flaky salt and black pepper (to taste)

   Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature if possible, especially honey and maple syrup, to help them mix more easily.

2. Emulsify (or Shake) Until Well Combined: Once all ingredients are in the jar, it’s time to blend them into a smooth, emulsified dressing. You have a few options:
   • Milk Frother: For the easiest and most effective emulsification, use a handheld milk frother. Simply insert it into the jar and whisk until the mixture is thick and creamy, with no visible separation of oil and vinegar.
   • Small Blender or Food Processor: If you have a mini blender or a small food processor, you can use it for a perfectly smooth dressing. Blend on high until fully emulsified.
   • Shake Vigorously: If you don’t have a frother or blender, simply secure a tight-fitting lid on your jar and shake vigorously for 30-60 seconds until everything is well combined and the dressing appears homogenous. While this method works, the dressing might separate a bit faster than when emulsified with a frother or blender.

Top Tip: A handheld milk frother is an absolute game-changer for homemade dressings! It’s inexpensive, takes up minimal counter space, and effortlessly emulsifies vinaigrettes to a beautiful, creamy consistency in seconds. Plus, cleanup is a breeze. If you make dressings often, it’s a worthwhile small investment.

Before serving, always taste your dressing and adjust the seasoning if needed. You might want a little more salt, pepper, or a touch more sweetness or tang depending on your preference. Give it a final shake or whisk just before drizzling over your favorite dishes.

Delicious Ways to Enjoy Your Sun-Dried Tomato Vinaigrette

The robust and versatile flavor of this homemade sun-dried tomato vinaigrette makes it a fantastic addition to countless dishes. Its Mediterranean charm and savory-sweet profile allow it to shine beyond just salads. Here are some of our favorite ways to incorporate this delicious dressing into your meals:

• Chopped Salads: Drizzle generously over your favorite chopped salads featuring ingredients like crisp romaine lettuce, cucumbers, bell peppers, chickpeas, red onion, and crumbled feta cheese for a truly satisfying and flavorful meal.
• Bean Salads: It’s the perfect dressing for hearty bean salads. Mix it with cannellini beans, green beans, cherry tomatoes, and red onion for a refreshing and protein-packed side dish or light lunch.
• Homemade Grain Bowls: Elevate your grain bowls by drizzling this vinaigrette over a base of quinoa, farro, or couscous, topped with roasted vegetables, grilled chicken or tofu, and fresh herbs.
• As a Dipping Sauce: Serve it alongside crusty Italian bread, warm focaccia, or crispy breadsticks for an appetizer that will transport you straight to the Mediterranean. It’s also delicious with raw vegetable sticks like carrots and celery.
• Drizzled on Fresh Tomatoes: Enhance the natural sweetness of ripe, fresh tomatoes by drizzling the vinaigrette over sliced or cubed tomatoes. Add some fresh basil leaves for a simple yet elegant side.
• Fresh Green Salads: Transform simple mixed greens, arugula, or spinach into a gourmet salad. Add toasted nuts, goat cheese, or thinly sliced red onion for extra texture and flavor.
• Pasta Salads: Use it as the star dressing for your next cold pasta salad. Combine cooked pasta with Kalamata olives, halved cherry tomatoes, fresh mozzarella balls (bocconcini), and a generous amount of this vinaigrette for a crowd-pleasing dish.
• Caprese Salad Enhancement: Take your Caprese salad to the next level. Drizzle this vinaigrette over fresh mozzarella and tomato slices, alongside a balsamic glaze, fresh basil, and a generous amount of flaky salt. The sun-dried tomato flavor adds an unexpected, delightful twist.
• Unique Chicken Marinade: Its blend of oil, vinegar, and herbs makes it an excellent marinade for chicken breasts, thighs, or even pork. Allow the meat to marinate for at least 30 minutes (or up to 4 hours in the refrigerator) before grilling, baking, or pan-frying for tender, flavorful results.
• Roasted Vegetable Drizzle: Toss freshly roasted vegetables like asparagus, zucchini, bell peppers, or broccoli with this vinaigrette immediately after they come out of the oven for a burst of fresh flavor.
• Sandwich or Wrap Spread: Spread a thin layer inside sandwiches or wraps for a moist and flavorful addition that complements various fillings.

Storing Your Homemade Vinaigrette for Optimal Freshness

Proper storage is key to enjoying your homemade sun-dried tomato vinaigrette for as long as possible while maintaining its peak flavor and freshness. Since it contains fresh ingredients and no artificial preservatives, it’s important to store it correctly.

After preparing the dressing, transfer it to a clean glass jar with a tight-fitting lid or an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. Always give it a good shake or whisk before each use, as the natural separation of oil and vinegar can occur over time, especially if not fully emulsified initially.

Always practice good food safety: discard the dressing if you notice any signs of spoilage, such as an off smell, an unusual flavor, discoloration, or any visible mold growth. It’s crucial not to store homemade dressings at room temperature, as this can encourage bacterial growth and significantly shorten its shelf life.

Creative Variations and Smart Substitutions

One of the joys of homemade dressings is the ability to customize them. This sun-dried tomato vinaigrette offers a fantastic base for experimentation. Here are some ideas to inspire your culinary creativity:

• Sun-Dried Tomato Balsamic Vinaigrette: For a darker, sweeter, and more intensely flavored dressing, swap the red wine vinegar for a good quality balsamic vinegar. This variation offers a rich, complex tang that pairs wonderfully with grilled vegetables and richer salads.
• With Greek Salad in Mind: While a classic Greek vinaigrette is traditionally used for most Greek salads, this sun-dried tomato version offers a delicious, slightly Italian-inspired twist. It complements ingredients like feta cheese, Kalamata olives, cherry tomatoes, and crisp cucumbers beautifully, adding a unique depth.
• Basil Vinaigrette Infusion: To introduce a vibrant herbaceous note, consider swapping out the regular olive oil (and potentially some of the sun-dried tomato oil) for ⅔ cup of high-quality basil-infused olive oil. Alternatively, you can finely chop a tablespoon or two of fresh basil and add it directly to the dressing before blending.
• Spicy Kick: If you enjoy a little heat, add a pinch or two of red pepper flakes to the dressing. For a more pronounced spice, a dash of your favorite hot sauce can be mixed in.
• Citrus Brightness: Introduce a zesty element by adding a teaspoon of fresh lemon juice or a hint of orange zest to the mixture. This can brighten the overall flavor profile, especially for lighter salads.
• Fresh Herb Variations: Beyond Italian seasoning, consider adding other fresh, finely chopped herbs like oregano, thyme, or rosemary. These can enhance the Mediterranean character of the vinaigrette.
• Vegan Friendly: If you’re catering to a vegan diet, simply replace the honey with an equal amount of maple syrup or agave nectar. The sweetness balance will be maintained without using animal products.
• Garlic Lover’s Dream: For those who can’t get enough garlic, finely mince one small clove of fresh garlic and add it to the dressing. Be mindful that fresh garlic will give a stronger, more pungent flavor than garlic powder.

Expert Tips for Crafting the Best Homemade Dressing

Making a truly exceptional homemade vinaigrette is an art, but these expert tips will help you master it with ease and consistency, ensuring your sun-dried tomato dressing is always a hit:

• Harnessing the Power of Sun-Dried Tomato Oil: This isn’t just a clever hack; it’s a flavor powerhouse. Make it a habit to collect the oil from your jarred sun-dried tomatoes. If you’re a fan of recipes like La Scala chopped salad, you likely go through a lot of them! This reserved oil is fantastic for cooking, enhancing marinades, or creating other unique vinaigrettes. Store it in a separate, airtight jar in the fridge, just like you would with fresh olive oil.
• Invest in Good Quality Olive Oil: As mentioned, the quality of your extra virgin olive oil profoundly impacts the final taste of your dressing. While more economical oils are perfectly fine for general cooking, dressings are where a high-quality, flavorful EVOO truly shines. Its fruity, sometimes peppery notes become a star ingredient rather than just a carrier.
• Understanding and Managing Oil Solidification: Don’t be alarmed when your vinaigrette solidifies in the refrigerator. This is a natural characteristic of good quality olive oil. To return it to a liquid state and ensure a smooth pour, simply let the jar sit at room temperature for 20-30 minutes before serving. If you’re in a hurry, you can hold the sealed jar under warm running tap water, rotating it to gently melt the oil. Always shake vigorously before serving to re-emulsify the dressing.
• Always Taste and Adjust: This is arguably the most important tip for any homemade recipe. Before serving, always taste your sun-dried tomato vinaigrette. Does it need more salt? A touch more pepper? Perhaps a tiny bit more honey or maple syrup to balance the acidity, or a squeeze of lemon for extra brightness? Adjusting to your personal preference is what makes homemade dressings truly superior.
• Make Ahead for Enhanced Flavor: While this dressing is ready in 5 minutes, allowing it to sit in the refrigerator for a few hours (or even overnight) can allow the flavors to meld and deepen. The sun-dried tomato oil, Italian seasoning, and garlic powder will infuse the vinegar and olive oil even more, resulting in a richer, more harmonious dressing.
• Adjusting Consistency: If your dressing feels too thick, you can thin it out with a tiny bit of water or more red wine vinegar. If it’s too thin for your liking, you can add a bit more olive oil (and re-emulsify) or a small amount of additional mustard to help thicken it slightly.