Tangy Olive Garden Salad Dressing Recipe Just Like the Restaurant

Crafting the perfect olive garden salad dressing can transport you instantly to a cozy Italian restaurant.

Memories of crisp greens and zesty flavors dance through my kitchen whenever I whip up this delightful recipe.

Restaurant-quality taste doesn’t require complicated techniques or expensive ingredients.

Countless home cooks have searched for this magical blend that captures the essence of dining out.

Whisking together a few simple components creates a dressing that rivals any commercial version.

Classic herbs and tangy notes bring remarkable depth to your everyday salad.

Prepare to surprise yourself with how easily you can recreate this beloved restaurant classic.

FAQs About Olive Garden Salad Dressing Recipe

• Is this dressing exactly like Olive Garden's original recipe?

The dressing is a close copycat version that mimics the restaurant’s signature taste, but it’s not the exact proprietary recipe used in their restaurants.

• Can I make this dressing ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dressing up to 5-7 days in advance and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

• What type of vinegar works best for this recipe?

White vinegar or red wine vinegar are the most recommended options for achieving the authentic flavor profile.

• Is this dressing vegetarian-friendly?

The dressing contains Parmesan cheese and mayonnaise, so it’s not vegan but can be vegetarian depending on the specific ingredients you use.

What’s Good About Olive Garden Salad Dressing Recipe

• This Olive Garden salad dressing recipe offers incredible benefits that home cooks will adore.
• Easily replicate the iconic Olive Garden dressing without expensive restaurant prices, transforming ordinary salads into gourmet experiences right in your kitchen.
• Mix ingredients in just 5 minutes, creating a delicious dressing faster than driving to a restaurant, with minimal cooking skills required.
• Adjust seasoning and consistency to match personal taste preferences, making this recipe wonderfully flexible for different dietary needs and flavor profiles.

Ingredients for That Famous Olive Garden Flavor

• Mayonnaise: Rich and creamy base that provides smooth texture and tangy flavor.
• Vinegar: Adds bright acidity and balances the richness of mayonnaise.
• Olive Oil: Contributes silky mouthfeel and subtle fruity undertones.
• Parmesan Cheese: Introduces salty, sharp cheese notes with nutty complexity.
• Lemon Juice: Provides fresh citrusy brightness and helps balance flavors.

• Sugar: Softens acidic edges and rounds out overall flavor profile.
• Garlic Powder: Delivers concentrated garlic flavor without raw garlic intensity.
• Onion Powder: Adds gentle sweet and savory background notes.
• Italian Seasoning: Provides herbal complexity with dried herb mixture.

• Salt: Enhances and amplifies all other ingredient flavors.
• Black Pepper: Adds subtle heat and aromatic depth to the dressing.
• Water: Helps adjust dressing consistency if needed, ensuring perfect texture.

Mixing Up the Olive Garden Salad Dressing

Step 1: Create Creamy Dressing Base

• Mayonnaise
• White vinegar
• Olive oil
• Parmesan cheese
• Fresh lemon juice

Whisk everything together until the mixture transforms into a smooth, silky blend.

Step 2: Boost Flavor Profile

• Granulated sugar
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Italian seasoning
• Salt
• Black pepper

Vigorously whisk all ingredients until perfectly integrated and fragrant.

Step 3: Perfect the Texture

Check the dressing consistency. If it seems too thick, gently introduce water one tablespoon at a time, whisking continuously until you achieve a luxurious, pourable texture.

Step 4: Allow Flavors to Dance

Transfer the dressing to an airtight container. Slide into the refrigerator and let the ingredients mingle and harmonize for at least 30 minutes.

Step 5: Craft Your Salad Masterpiece

• Mixed salad greens
• Thinly sliced red onions
• Juicy tomato chunks
• Crispy croutons
• Briny black olives

Enjoy your restaurant-quality salad right at home!

Tips for a Better Olive Garden Copycat

• Blend Ingredients Thoroughly: Whisk all components vigorously to ensure a smooth, well-integrated dressing without lumps or separation.
• Customize Consistency Carefully: Add water gradually to thin the dressing, preventing it from becoming too watery and maintaining its rich flavor profile.
• Store Smartly for Maximum Flavor: Refrigerate the dressing for at least 30 minutes to allow ingredients to marry, intensifying the taste and creating a more authentic restaurant-style experience.
• Adjust Seasonings to Taste: Experiment with additional herbs or a pinch of salt to personalize the dressing and match your preferred flavor intensity.
• Make Ahead with Confidence: Prepare the dressing up to 5 days in advance, storing it in an airtight container to preserve freshness and convenience.

How to Store and Use Olive Garden Salad Dressing Later

• Store the dressing in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 7 days. Shake or whisk well before each use to recombine the ingredients.
• Not recommended, as the emulsion may break down and separate, causing texture changes and potential loss of flavor.
• This cold dressing does not require reheating. Always serve chilled for the best taste and consistency.
• If the dressing becomes too thick after chilling, gently whisk in a small amount of water to restore its original creamy texture.

Great Meals to Pair with Olive Garden Salad Dressing

• Select a light, zesty Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc to complement the tangy, creamy dressing and cut through its richness.
• Serve alongside grilled or roasted chicken seasoned with Italian herbs to create a harmonious flavor profile that enhances the salad's Mediterranean-inspired taste.
• Add warm, herb-infused focaccia to soak up extra dressing and provide a delightful textural contrast to the crisp salad greens.
• Choose a lemon or lime-infused sparkling water to refresh the palate and cleanse the taste buds between bites of the rich, creamy dressing.

Olive Garden Dressing Variations That Shine

• Vegan Olive Garden Dressing: Replace mayonnaise with vegan mayonnaise or blended silken tofu. Use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan cheese for similar umami flavor.
• Dairy-Free Option: Substitute Parmesan cheese with cashew-based cheese or skip cheese entirely. Use plant-based mayo for a creamy texture.
• Low-Carb Version: Eliminate sugar or replace with stevia. Reduce olive oil quantity and increase vinegar for tangier profile. Perfect for keto dieters seeking lighter dressing.
• Herb-Infused Variation: Add fresh chopped basil, oregano, or thyme to enhance herbal notes. Experiment with different dried herb combinations for unique flavor complexity.

Olive Garden Salad Dressing Recipe

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4.8 from 32 reviews

• Total Time: 10 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Olive Garden’s legendary Signature Salad Dressing brings Italian zest straight to home kitchens. Creamy, tangy, and packed with herbal notes, this copycat recipe promises restaurant-quality flavor that elevates simple greens into a mouthwatering experience you’ll crave.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• ½ cup (120 ml) olive oil (or vegetable oil)
• ⅓ cup (80 ml) white vinegar
• ½ cup (120 ml) mayonnaise

Cheese and Seasonings:

• 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

Additional Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 2 tablespoons water (to adjust consistency, optional)

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Instructions

1. Combine mayonnaise, vinegar, olive oil, Parmesan cheese, and lemon juice in a medium mixing bowl, using a whisk to create a smooth, uniform base for the dressing.
2. Introduce sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to the liquid mixture, whisking thoroughly to ensure all seasonings are evenly distributed and fully incorporated.
3. Evaluate the dressing’s texture and consistency, gently thinning with water if needed to achieve a pourable, yet creamy consistency that will coat salad ingredients perfectly.
4. Cover the prepared dressing with a tight-sealing lid or plastic wrap, then place in the refrigerator to allow the flavors to harmonize and intensify for approximately 30 minutes.
5. When ready to serve, pour the chilled dressing over a vibrant salad composed of crisp mixed greens, thinly sliced red onions, ripe tomatoes, crunchy croutons, and briny black olives, creating a restaurant-quality dining experience at home.

Notes

• Customize the tanginess by adjusting the vinegar and lemon juice ratio to suit your taste preferences.
• Swap mayonnaise with Greek yogurt for a lighter, protein-packed version that cuts down on calories.
• Use fresh minced garlic instead of garlic powder for a more robust and authentic flavor profile.
• Make the dressing dairy-free by replacing Parmesan cheese with nutritional yeast or omitting it completely for a clean, zesty dressing.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Blending
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 120
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 100 mg
• Fat: 12 g
• Saturated Fat: 2 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 3 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 1 g
• Cholesterol: 5 mg