Question

Italian dressing contains olive oil and vinegar, which will separate out from each other if left to sit. This makes the dressing a:

Answer 1

Italian dressing is an example of an **emulsion**. An emulsion is a mixture of two liquids that typically do not mix well together, such as oil and vinegar in this case. When an emulsion is allowed to sit, the components can separate due to the differences in their density and polarities. To create a stable emulsion, it often requires emulsifiers or vigorous mixing (shaking) before use. In the case of Italian dressing, it's commonly recommended to shake or stir the dressing before using it to re-emulsify the oil and vinegar.