Creamy Submarine Dressing Recipe
This creamy submarine dressing brings that classic deli-style flavor, that you enjoy on your favorite takeaway sandwiches, straight into your own kitchen. It’s built on a simple blend of oil, vinegar, and herbs and adds the bright, herby tang that gives every good submarine sandwich it’s signature bite.
Everybody needs a good submarine dressing
When a girl who makes all of her own condiments puts together a deli-style sandwich in her kitchen, she has to make a great dressing to top it with. And I made this one — now you can make it too.
Once you start making your own condiments, there’s really no going back. Homemade is so much better than anything you can buy in a store — and that is true of this from scratch submarine dressing. It has earned it’s place right alongside homemade Dijon mustard, simple horseradish mayo spread, and an easy garlic aioli with spice in my kitchen.
When you put together a deli-style sandwich in your kitchen, this is the dressing you’ll reach for. It brings everything together — the meat, the cheese, and the vegetables — and makes them one solid bite instead of simply a stack of ingredients on a roll. Use it anywhere you’d normally reach for mayonnaise, like on a traditional New York club sandwich, or drizzle it over a homemade Italian grinder wedge salad when you want some of that same deli-style flavor without the bread.
Recipe ingredients
- Extra virgin olive oil: This is the base of the dressing, carrying the herbs and vinegar through every bite, so use the same olive oil you reach for when making a simple vinaigrette dressing.
- Mayonnaise: This is what gives the dressing its creamy consistency and helps it cling to the sandwich layers. You can use a good store-bought option or make your own creamy homemade mayo for a smoother, more consistent result.
- Italian seasoning blend: This brings in the classic herb blend that defines the flavor of a deli-style submarine dressing, giving it that familiar Italian flavor profile you expect in every bite.
See the recipe card for full information on ingredients and quantities.
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How to make creamy submarine dressing
Step 1: Add the extra virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar, mayonnaise, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to a small bowl.
Step 2: Whisk the mixture steadily until the oil and vinegar are fully incorporated into the mayonnaise and the dressing turns smooth and uniform. You’re looking for a cohesive texture with no visible separation and the herbs evenly distributed throughout.
Top tips
- Let it rest before using: Give the dressing 10–15 minutes after mixing so the dried herbs can hydrate and release their flavor into the base.
- Adjust the consistency as needed: If it feels too thin, whisk in a small spoonful of mayonnaise to give it a slightly fuller body without changing the flavor.
- Balance the acidity to your taste: After it sits, taste again and add a small pinch of salt or a few drops of vinegar if it needs a sharper finish.
- Use a steady whisking motion: Keep your whisk moving in tight circles rather than aggressive strokes to maintain a smooth, stable texture.
- Make it ahead for better flavor: This dressing improves as it sits, so preparing it a few hours in advance gives the flavors time to settle and round out.
Other recipes you’ll love
If you loved this dressing recipe, give these other great condiment recipes a try too!
Farmhouse Style Homemade Butter
Old-Fashioned Southern Tartar Sauce Recipe
Homemade Cajun Tartar Sauce Recipe
Chicago Mild Sauce Recipe
Simple Ginger Scallion Sauce Recipe
Simple Spicy Cranberry Mustard
Homemade Condiment Recipes You Can Make From Scratch
Creamy Submarine Dressing
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1/4 cup red wine vinegar
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 1/2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
Instructions
- Add the extra virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar, mayonnaise, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to a small bowl.
- Whisk until smooth and fully combined.
Notes
- Rest before using: Let the dressing sit for 10–15 minutes after mixing so the dried herbs fully hydrate and the flavor develops.
- Adjust consistency: If a slightly thicker texture is preferred, whisk in a small amount of mayonnaise until the desired consistency is reached.
- Make ahead: Prepare a few hours in advance to allow the flavors to settle and blend together more evenly.
- Storage: Store in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. Stir or shake well before using.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
