If there’s one vinaigrette recipe my family never stops making, it’s this one. Our Barone House Dressing (Barone is my maiden name!) has been on the table for decades, and at this point it’s less of a recipe and more of a family tradition. It’s bright, zesty, reliable, and the exact kind of house dressing that makes every salad taste like it came from a restaurant, but with all the comfort of home.
This is the house dressing recipe we come back to again and again because it never lets us down. It has sparked countless memories and endless dinner conversations than I could ever count. Simple, flavourful, and literally drinkable — everything a really good vinaigrette should be.
My dad has been making this vinaigrette recipe for years! We named it the Barone House Dressing because we very rarely switch it up. What I love about this vinaigrette recipe is how effortlessly it fits into every kind of meal. Some nights it tops a big, loaded salad; other times it’s just tossed with fresh leafy greens as the perfect starter. It works as a marinade and a finishing touch too — drizzled over grilled veg or leftover chicken when you want a quick punch of flavour. It’s so versatile!
😍 Why You’ll Love This Homemade Vinaigrette Recipe
Tried-and-true: this is our family’s forever dressing. It’s reliable, consistent, and always delicious.
Better than store-bought: bright, zesty, and made with ingredients you actually recognize. You won’t be buying it at the store again!
Super versatile: perfect on loaded salads, simple leafy greens, or drizzled over grilled veggies, chicken, or shrimp.
Everyday staple: quick to make, easy to shake up, and the kind of house dressing you’ll want ready in the fridge at all times.
🥗 Ingredients To Make This Vinaigrette Recipe
Olive oil: is the classic smooth base that gives this vinaigrette its classic flavour and texture.
Lemon juice: adds bright, fresh acidity that lifts this Barone house dressing.
Lemon zest: boosts the citrus notes and gives the dressing a subtle, fragrant kick.
White vinegar: brings a clean and sharp tang to balance the olive oil and herbs.
Pepperoncini brine: the secret family touch that adds salty, tangy depth and keeps you coming back for more.
Garlic: minced for a bold, savoury bite that anchors all the brightness.
Sugar: just a hint to round out the acidity and bring everything into balance.
Salt: enhances all the other flavours and ties the dressing together.
Dry mustard: adds gentle warmth and helps the vinaigrette emulsify.
Onion salt: gives extra savoury depth without overpowering the citrus.
Paprika: a soft smoky note that adds warmth and colour.
Dried oregano: the herb that gives this dressing its unmistakable “house dressing” flavour.
Dried thyme: a subtle, earthy addition that rounds out the herb blend.
✔ How To Make This Vinaigrette Recipe
To begin, grab a medium mixing bowl or liquid measuring cup and add all of your ingredients: the olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, white vinegar, pepperoncini brine, garlic, sugar, salt, dry mustard, onion salt, paprika, oregano, and thyme.
Start whisking until everything comes together and the mixture looks smooth and well blended.
Use right away or store it in the fridge for later. It keeps for about 7 days in the fridge! Just bring it to room temperature and give it a shake before serving.
🗒 Variations
Fresh herbs: Swap the dried herbs for fresh oregano or thyme if you want a brighter, more fragrant dressing. Just keep in mind it won’t last quite as long in the fridge.
Extra zesty: Add a little more lemon zest or an extra splash of pepperoncini brine if you like a stronger tang.
Milder version: If you want something a touch softer, reduce the vinegar slightly and bump up the olive oil.
🗒 Substitutions
Garlic options: Fresh minced garlic is classic, but garlic powder works in a pinch and gives a slightly smoother flavour.
Pepperoncini brine: No pepperoncini? Pickle brine or even olive brine can still give that salty-tangy balance this house dressing needs.
🍴 Leftovers? Lucky you.
If you’ve got leftover Barone House Dressing, store it in a mason jar or any airtight container in the fridge. It keeps well for about 7 days. Just let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes and give it a shake or stir before using. It comes right back to life.
🤔 FAQ’S
How long does this vinaigrette recipe last in the fridge?
This house dressing recipe keeps well for about 7 days in the fridge. Just let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes and give it a shake before using.
Can I use this Barone House Dressing as a marinade?
Absolutely. We’ve used it as a marinade for chicken, shrimp, and veggies for years. The acidity from the lemon and vinegar helps tenderize, and the spices add so much flavour.
What kind of salad does this house dressing work best on?
Honestly? Everything. It’s amazing on a loaded salad packed with toppings, but it’s equally delicious on fresh leafy greens. This is the kind of house dressing recipe that elevates every single thing.
What’s the best way to mix this vinaigrette?
A whisk works perfectly, but you can also add everything to a jar with a tight lid and shake it. It emulsifies nicely either way.
Can I double this vinaigrette recipe?
Yes! Our family does it all the time. Just keep the ratios the same and store the dressing in a sealed jar in the fridge.
👩🏻🍳 Hungry For More?
If you loved this Vinaigrette recipe, then make sure to check out a few of my other favourites you may also love:
- Dill Dip
- Homemade Ranch Dip
- Pizza Oil
- Spicy Caesar Dressing
- Best Chicken Marinade
- Johnny B’s Caesar Dressing
💌 Let’s Stay Connected
Keep in touch with me on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and Pinterest! If you do make this vinaigrette recipe (or any recipe of mine) don’t forget to leave a review.
Barone House Dressing
Ingredients
- 1 cup olive oil, extra virgin
- 1/4 cup lemon juice
- 1/4 tsp lemon zest
- 1/4 cup white vinegar
- 1 tbsp pepperoncini juice/brine
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 2 tsp sugar
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp dry mustard
- 1/2 tsp onion salt
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
- 1/8 tsp dried thyme
Instructions
- In a liquid measuring cup or bowl, combine all of the ingredients.
- Whisk until the ingredients are well combined.
- Use immediately, or cover and refrigerate for future use. This homemade dressing keeps well for about 7 days in the fridge. If your dressing solidifies in the fridge, let come to room temperature before serving.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Yes
Quick question, do u use regular white vinegar, or white wine vinegar?
regular white vinegar! -Sammy
Fabulous!
Could you substitute coconut sugar or something else?
You sure can – you can also add a splash of maple syrup for sweetness. – Sammy
So good and simple.
Just Immaculate recipe
Easy, versatile and delicious!
Really nice!! just made it and tasted it. Going to have a big , beautiful and healthy salad today! Thank you for sharing your family recipe 🙂
Will try soon but I have no doubt it will be awesome. I have made your meatballs and they were fantastic! Love following you! Many thanks!🙏
Hi Sandi! Thank you for being here and making my recipes! xo – Sammy
My new go to. Love the addition of dry mustard – it really adds a little extra flavor.
This looks so good! Quick question- I am not a fan of mustard. If I omit the dry mustard, will it still taste good, or do you really need that element? Thanks!
It will still taste delicious!
This vinaigrette was fantastic!! It will definitely be my new go to for salads❤️
Can you use apple cider vinegar instead of white vinegar?
you sure can
Excellent
Will you share your Caesar dressing recipe, please
https://sammymontgoms.com/johnny-bs-caesar-dressing/ – it’s on my site listed under salads and dressings! xo
Very good. Thank you
Delicious!
This looks amazing!!!!
Quick, easy and DELICIOUS! I used an immersion blender to bring it together. It lasted 2 days in our house and gave us reason to eat more salad!
Very good. Thank you
Unbelievable to receive this recipe, thank you for sharing, it’s an act of love to us that you share this family recipe, hugs from Cuba
Thank you for the salad dressing that I requested; and also thank you for sharing your salad recipes…I really appreciate it and can’t wait to try them. They sound delicious!
Easy to make and tastes wonderfully. Thank you so much. It goes well with many different salads. Add nuts or cranberries a hit!
Hi Margaret – thank you for taking the time to leave a review! – Sammy
Delicious made with red wine vinegar for extra zing
Delicious and so simple with ingredients I already have. Yum.
If I only have wet mustard, how much do I use instead of the dry mustard? Thank you!
Love this recipe so good on any salad!
This is now one of my favorite dressings! I love all your recipes.
Hi Anna! Thank you so much for taking the time to leave this review. I am so happy you loved this recipe!
Can’t wait to try it.
Delicious! Works well with spinach, feta, pomegranate, walnuts, radish, red onion.
I’m curious, why only 7 days?if it’s in a sealed glass container, wouldn’t it ladt longer? There’s no eggs in it
Wonderful! Love this vinaigrette
The intensity of the flavors compliment each other and the palate. Nicely done.
best recipes EVER…
Oh my!! This is SO GOOD!! I got sick a couple of months ago w/a terrible chronic disease and since then, have craved tangy/spicy things. I’m not one of those jerks that change alot of things and smugly report them to u!! My changes were out of necessity! I didnt have the right oil or vinegar (I used grapeseed oil & RWV & ACV & some Red Pepper flakes. Both versions are yummy. When I want it spreadable, a little mayo fits the bill!! I’ve made this prob 6 times, Italian bread for dipping is heaven, turkey w/banana peppers, heaven!! I cant wait to try your other recipes but I cant seem to break myself away from this one to try anything else!! Thank you!
Love this vinaigrette! Very easy to make with things I always have on hand. Highly recommend!
BEST salad dressing I’ve ever made. Perfect balance of ingredients and absolutely delicious
Thumbs up!
Loved how quickly this came together. Perfect for a busy weeknight!