Lou Malnati’s Style House Dressing: A Culinary Homage

I still remember the first time I tasted this dressing. I was a wide-eyed kid, visiting Chicago with my family. The deep-dish pizza was, of course, the main attraction, but the crisp, vibrant salad that preceded it, drizzled with this tangy, herby dressing, stole a piece of my heart. It was a flavor explosion that perfectly balanced the richness of the pizza to come, and it’s a memory I’ve cherished and tried to recreate ever since.

Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Total Time: 15 minutes (plus overnight resting)
• Servings: Approx. 40
• Yield: Approx. 5 cups
• Dietary Type: Vegetarian, Gluten-Free

Ingredients

• 4 garlic cloves
• 2 1/4 cups extra virgin olive oil
• 1 1/2 cups red wine vinegar
• 3/4 cup red wine (Cabernet Sauvignon)
• 1/2 tablespoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon coarse salt
• 1 tablespoon dried oregano
• 1/4 cup sugar

Equipment Needed

• Knife
• Cutting board
• Large mixing bowl or container with lid
• Whisk (optional)

Instructions

1. Begin by preparing the garlic. Crush and dice the garlic cloves until they are finely minced. This ensures that the garlic flavor infuses evenly into the dressing.

2. In a large mixing bowl, combine all of the ingredients. Pour in the 2 1/4 cups of extra virgin olive oil, followed by the 1 1/2 cups of red wine vinegar.

3. Next, add the 3/4 cup of red wine (Cabernet Sauvignon). The wine adds a depth of flavor and a subtle fruitiness to the dressing.

4. Season the dressing with the dry ingredients: 1/2 tablespoon of black pepper, 1 tablespoon of coarse salt, and 1 tablespoon of dried oregano.

5. Add the 1/4 cup of sugar. The sugar helps to balance the acidity of the vinegar and wine, creating a harmonious flavor profile.

6. Whisk all the ingredients together thoroughly. Ensure that the salt and sugar are fully dissolved. Alternatively, you can combine the ingredients in a large container with a lid and shake vigorously until well combined.

7. Refrigerate overnight. This allows the flavors to meld and develop, resulting in a more complex and delicious dressing. This step is crucial for achieving the signature taste of Lou Malnati’s style dressing.

Expert Tips & Tricks

• Garlic Intensity: If you prefer a less intense garlic flavor, you can lightly sauté the minced garlic in a small amount of olive oil before adding it to the other ingredients. This mellows the garlic’s sharpness.
• Wine Choice: While Cabernet Sauvignon is recommended, you can experiment with other dry red wines like Merlot or Pinot Noir for subtle variations in flavor.
• Herb Freshness: If you have fresh oregano available, use about 3 tablespoons of finely chopped fresh oregano instead of the dried oregano. Fresh herbs provide a brighter, more vibrant flavor.
• Emulsification: While this dressing isn’t a true emulsion, whisking or shaking it vigorously helps to temporarily combine the oil and vinegar. Before serving, give it another good shake or whisk to redistribute the ingredients.
• Adjusting Sweetness: Taste the dressing after it has rested overnight and adjust the amount of sugar to your preference. Some palates prefer a slightly sweeter dressing.
• Infusion Time: The longer the dressing sits, the more the flavors will meld. If you have the time, let it rest for 24-48 hours for optimal flavor development.
• Olive Oil Quality: Using high-quality extra virgin olive oil is essential for the best flavor. Look for olive oils with a fruity and peppery taste.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

This dressing is perfect for topping a variety of salads, especially crisp romaine lettuce with tomatoes, cucumbers, and red onion, just like at Lou Malnati’s. It can also be used as a marinade for chicken or vegetables.

Store the dressing in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep for up to 2 weeks. The olive oil may solidify in the refrigerator, but it will return to its liquid state at room temperature. Before serving, allow the dressing to sit at room temperature for a few minutes and shake or whisk well.

Do not store at room temperature for more than 2 hours.

Nutritional Information

(Estimated per 1 tablespoon serving – Nutritional values may vary based on ingredient brands and measuring techniques)

Nutrient	Amount per Serving	% Daily Value
Calories	65 kcal	3%
Total Fat	7g	11%
Saturated Fat	1g	5%
Cholesterol	0mg	0%
Sodium	30mg	1%
Total Carbohydrate	1g	0%
Dietary Fiber	0g	0%
Sugars	1g	N/A
Protein	0g	0%

Variations & Substitutions

• Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for a spicy version.
• Italian Herb Blend: Substitute the dried oregano with an Italian herb blend for a more complex herbal flavor.
• Vinegar Variation: Experiment with different types of vinegar, such as balsamic vinegar or white wine vinegar, for a different tang. Start with smaller amounts and adjust to taste.
• Honey instead of Sugar: Substitute honey for sugar. Start with the same measurement, but keep in mind honey is sweeter.
• Garlic Powder: If you don’t have fresh garlic, you can substitute 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, but the flavor will be slightly different.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q: Why is it important to let the dressing sit overnight?
A: Allowing the dressing to rest overnight allows the flavors to meld together, creating a more balanced and complex taste. The garlic and herbs infuse into the oil and vinegar, resulting in a much richer flavor.

Q: Can I use dried basil instead of oregano?
A: While oregano is traditional, you can substitute with dried basil for a slightly different flavor profile. Use the same amount as the oregano.

Q: How long does this dressing last in the refrigerator?
A: Stored properly in an airtight container, this dressing will last for up to 2 weeks in the refrigerator.

Q: What if my dressing is too tart?
A: If the dressing is too tart, you can add a little more sugar, 1/2 teaspoon at a time, until you reach your desired level of sweetness.

Q: Can I freeze this dressing?
A: Freezing is not recommended as it can alter the texture and flavor of the oil and vinegar. It’s best to make a fresh batch.

Final Thoughts

This Lou Malnati’s style house dressing is more than just a recipe; it’s a taste of Chicago, a memory of happy times, and a celebration of simple, fresh flavors. Don’t be intimidated by the long list of ingredients—it comes together quickly and easily. Make a batch today, and bring a little bit of Chicago to your table. I encourage you to experiment with the variations and substitutions to find your perfect version of this classic dressing. Enjoy!