Olive Garden Salad Dressing Recipe
Introduction
This Olive Garden-style salad dressing is a tangy and flavorful addition to your greens, perfect for recreating that beloved restaurant taste at home. It’s easy to make with simple pantry ingredients and adds a zesty kick to any salad.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 3 tablespoons white vinegar
- 1/2 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 tablespoons freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Step 1: Add all ingredients to a mixing bowl and whisk together until well combined. Alternatively, place them in a jar with a tight lid and shake vigorously until the dressing is smooth and emulsified.
- Step 2: Taste the dressing and adjust the seasoning if needed, adding more vinegar for tanginess or sugar for sweetness. Use immediately or store in a sealed container in the refrigerator.
Tips & Variations
- For a lighter dressing, substitute half the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt while keeping the creamy texture.
- Fresh herbs like chopped parsley or basil can enhance the flavor if you prefer a fresher note.
- Use freshly ground black pepper for a more vibrant taste.
Storage
Store the dressing in a sealed container in the refrigerator for 5 to 7 days. Before each use, shake well as separation may occur. This dressing is best used chilled but can be brought to room temperature briefly for easier pouring.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I make this dressing ahead of time?
Yes, it actually tastes better after sitting a few hours as the flavors meld. Just keep it refrigerated and shake well before serving.
Is this dressing vegan-friendly?
No, it contains mayonnaise and Parmesan cheese. To make it vegan, substitute with vegan mayo and nutritional yeast or a vegan Parmesan alternative.
PrintOlive Garden Salad Dressing Recipe
A creamy and tangy Olive Garden-style salad dressing, perfect for replicating the popular restaurant’s classic salad at home. This dressing combines olive oil, mayo, vinegar, and Italian herbs with a touch of parmesan for a flavorful addition to your greens.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: About 3/4 cup dressing, enough for 4–6 servings of salad 1x
- Category: Salad Dressing
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American-Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Salad Dressing Ingredients
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 3 tablespoons white vinegar
- 1/2 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 tablespoons freshly grated parmesan cheese
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Pepper to taste
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients: Add all the salad dressing ingredients—olive oil, mayonnaise, white vinegar, granulated sugar, Italian seasoning, onion powder, garlic powder, parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper—to a prep bowl or a jar.
- Mix Dressing: Whisk the ingredients together in the bowl until fully combined, or if using a jar, shake vigorously to emulsify the dressing thoroughly.
- Taste and Adjust: Taste your dressing and adjust the flavor as needed by adding more vinegar for tanginess or sugar for sweetness to match your preference.
- Store Dressing: Transfer the dressing into a sealed container and refrigerate. It will keep well for 5-7 days.
- Shake Before Use: Before each use, shake the container well to recombine the ingredients since separation will naturally occur.
Notes
- Use freshly grated parmesan cheese for the best flavor.
- Adjust the seasoning to suit your taste preferences, especially the salt and pepper.
- Keep the dressing refrigerated and consume within a week for optimal freshness.
- This dressing pairs beautifully with crisp romaine lettuce and freshly chopped vegetables to mimic the Olive Garden salad experience.
Keywords: Olive Garden Salad Dressing, Italian Salad Dressing, Creamy Italian Dressing, Copycat Olive Garden Salad, Parmesan Salad Dressing
