Zesty Homemade Olive Garden Salad Dressing Recipe for Foodies

Crafting a homemade Olive Garden salad dressing brings culinary magic right into your kitchen.

Restaurants often guard their secret recipes with intense passion.

Nobody needs fancy ingredients to replicate this creamy sensation.

Whisking together simple pantry staples creates something remarkably close to the original.

Professional chefs might smile at how easy it becomes once you know the tricks.

Each blend delivers restaurant-quality flavor without spending extra cash.

You can master this recipe in minutes and impress everyone at your next gathering.

Why Olive Garden Salad Dressing Is a Favorite

• Capture Restaurant Magic at Home: Recreate the iconic Olive Garden salad dressing in your own kitchen, bringing that beloved restaurant flavor directly to your dining table.
• Customize with Ease: Adjust the consistency by adding water gradually, giving you complete control over the thickness and ensuring a perfect match to your taste preferences.
• Quick and Simple Preparation: Mix ingredients in one bowl with basic pantry staples, creating a delicious dressing in just a few minutes without complicated techniques or special equipment.
• Versatile Flavor Booster: Use as a salad dressing, dip for breadsticks, or marinade for vegetables and proteins, making this recipe a multipurpose kitchen champion that elevates multiple dishes.

Ingredients for Olive Garden Salad Dressing

• Mayonnaise: A rich and smooth foundation that provides the dressing with a luxurious texture.
• White Vinegar: Adds a tangy sharpness that balances the creamy elements.
• Olive Oil: Contributes a smooth, silky consistency and subtle Mediterranean flavor.

• Parmesan Cheese: Introduces a salty, nutty complexity to the dressing.
• Sugar: Helps to round out the flavors and soften the vinegar's acidity.
• Lemon Juice: Provides a bright, citrusy note that enhances the overall taste profile.

• Italian Seasoning, Garlic Powder, Onion Powder: Create a robust and aromatic herb blend that mimics classic Italian dressing flavors.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential for bringing out and balancing the other ingredient flavors.
• Water: Used to adjust the dressing's thickness and achieve the perfect consistency.

How to Prepare Olive Garden Salad Dressing

Step 1: Blend Base Ingredients

Grab a medium mixing bowl and whisk together mayonnaise, white vinegar, and olive oil until the mixture becomes completely smooth and well combined.

Step 2: Incorporate Cheese and Sweetness

• Grated Parmesan cheese
• Lemon juice
• Sugar

Stir everything thoroughly until all components are evenly distributed.

Step 3: Season with Aromatic Spices

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

Ensure all spices are fully integrated into the dressing.

Step 4: Adjust Dressing Consistency

Gradually add water, one tablespoon at a time, stirring between additions.

Continue until you reach your preferred texture and thickness.

Step 5: Chill and Develop Flavors

Transfer the dressing to a clean jar or airtight container.

Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and intensify.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Before serving, shake or stir the dressing well.

Drizzle over fresh salads or use as a delicious dipping sauce for bread or vegetables.

Helpful Tips for Olive Garden Salad Dressing

• Let the dressing chill for at least 30 minutes to allow seasonings to meld and intensify the taste profile.
• Add water gradually, one tablespoon at a time, to achieve your ideal dressing thickness without diluting the flavor.
• Use freshly grated Parmesan for a more authentic, rich taste compared to pre-packaged grated cheese.
• Keep the dressing in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5-7 days, shaking well before each use to remix ingredients.
• Sprinkle a pinch of red pepper flakes for a subtle kick if you enjoy a bit of spice in your dressing.

Flavor Variations for Olive Garden Salad Dressing

• Vegan Olive Garden Dressing: Replace mayonnaise with silken tofu, use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan cheese, and select plant-based oil for a dairy-free version.
• Low-Sodium Zinger: Eliminate added salt, use fresh garlic and herbs instead of powders, and incorporate low-sodium Parmesan for a heart-friendly alternative.
• Greek Yogurt Remix: Swap mayonnaise with Greek yogurt for a protein-packed, tangier dressing with reduced calories and increased creaminess.
• Keto-Friendly Blend: Use avocado oil, substitute sugar with erythritol, and increase herbs for a low-carb, ketogenic-friendly salad dressing option.

Best Foods to Pair with Olive Garden Salad Dressing

Warm, garlic-buttered breadsticks complement the zesty, tangy dressing perfectly, creating a classic Italian-inspired side that enhances the salad’s flavor profile.

Slice tender, herb-seasoned grilled chicken breast over the salad to add protein and transform this dressing into a complete, satisfying meal with rich, balanced textures.

A chilled Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc cuts through the creamy dressing’s richness, offering a light, refreshing counterpoint that cleanses the palate between bites.

Add roasted zucchini, bell peppers, and cherry tomatoes to introduce a warm, caramelized element that brings depth and complexity to the fresh salad experience.

Proper Storage for Olive Garden Salad Dressing

• Store in an airtight container for up to 7 days. Keep sealed tightly in the coldest part of the refrigerator to maintain freshness and prevent flavor degradation.
• Pour dressing into ice cube trays or small freezer-safe containers. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before use.
• If separation occurs, whisk or shake vigorously to recombine ingredients. Add a tiny splash of water if the texture seems too thick after refrigeration.
• Inspect for any unusual smell, color changes, or mold before using. Discard if any signs of spoilage appear to ensure food safety.

FAQs

• Can I use fresh garlic instead of garlic powder?

Yes, you can substitute 1-2 minced fresh garlic cloves for garlic powder, which will give a more intense, authentic flavor.

• Is this dressing similar to the original Olive Garden dressing?

This homemade version closely mimics the restaurant’s signature salad dressing, with nearly identical ingredients and proportions.

• How long will this dressing stay fresh in the refrigerator?

The dressing will remain good for up to 7-10 days when stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

• Can I make this dressing dairy-free?

Replace the Parmesan cheese with nutritional yeast or simply omit the cheese for a dairy-free alternative.

Olive Garden Salad Dressing Recipe

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4.6 from 17 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Olive Garden’s famous salad dressing brings Italian zest straight to home kitchens with creamy, tangy perfection. Homemade lovers can easily recreate this restaurant classic, blending simple ingredients for a deliciously authentic experience you’ll absolutely adore.

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Ingredients

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Base Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1/3 cup white vinegar

Seasoning Ingredients:

• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Additional Ingredients:

• 1 teaspoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 2 tablespoons water (adjust for desired consistency)

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Instructions

1. Whisk mayonnaise, white vinegar, and olive oil in a medium mixing bowl until a smooth, uniform emulsion forms.
2. Incorporate grated Parmesan cheese, ensuring it blends evenly throughout the mixture.
3. Add lemon juice and sugar, stirring carefully to create a balanced flavor profile.
4. Sprinkle Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper into the dressing, mixing thoroughly to distribute spices.
5. Gradually introduce water, one tablespoon at a time, adjusting the liquid to achieve the perfect pouring consistency.
6. Transfer the prepared dressing to a sealed glass jar or airtight container.
7. Refrigerate for a minimum of 30 minutes, allowing flavors to meld and intensify.
8. Before serving, vigorously shake or stir the dressing to recombine any separated ingredients.
9. Drizzle over crisp salad greens or use as a zesty dipping sauce for additional culinary enjoyment.

Notes

• Customize consistency by adding water gradually, ensuring the perfect drizzling texture for your salad.
• Swap mayo with Greek yogurt for a lighter, protein-packed version that cuts calories without sacrificing creaminess.
• Let the dressing chill for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld and intensify, creating a more robust taste profile.
• Store in an airtight container for up to a week, giving you a quick and delicious homemade dressing ready to elevate any salad.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Shaking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 165 kcal
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 210 mg
• Fat: 16 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 2 g
• Fiber: 0.2 g
• Protein: 2.5 g
• Cholesterol: 10 mg