Olive Garden Salad Dressing Recipe
If you’ve ever found yourself craving that creamy, zesty, and oh-so-addictive Olive Garden salad dressing, you’re in luck! This homemade version tastes just like the real thing—maybe even better. It’s tangy, garlicky, and perfectly balanced, making every salad irresistibly good. Plus, it’s ridiculously easy to whip up in minutes with simple pantry staples. Trust me, once you try this, you’ll never go back to store-bought!
Why You’ll Love Olive Garden Salad Dressing
Restaurant-Quality Flavor Tastes exactly like the one you get at Olive Garden—maybe even better!
Super Easy to Make Just whisk everything together, and you’re done.
Customizable Adjust the tang, creaminess, or seasoning to your taste.
No Preservatives Unlike store-bought dressings, this one is fresh and made with real ingredients.
Versatile Not just for salads! Use it as a marinade, dip, or sandwich spread.
Ingredients
Ingredients in Olive Garden Salad Dressing
Mayonnaise The base for creaminess and richness.
Olive Oil Adds a smooth, luxurious texture.
White Vinegar Gives the dressing its signature tang.
Lemon Juice Brightens up the flavor beautifully.
Parmesan Cheese A touch of savory, cheesy goodness.
Garlic Powder For that subtle garlicky depth.
Italian Seasoning A blend of herbs that brings the dressing to life.
Sugar Just a pinch to balance the acidity.
Salt & Black Pepper To enhance all the flavors.
Instructions
Whisk Everything Together In a bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, olive oil, vinegar, and lemon juice until smooth.
Add Seasonings Stir in Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, sugar, salt, and black pepper. Mix until fully combined.
Adjust Consistency If you prefer a thinner dressing, add a little water or milk, a teaspoon at a time, until it reaches your desired consistency.
Chill & Serve For the best flavor, refrigerate the dressing for at least 30 minutes before serving to let the flavors meld together.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 8
Calories per serving Approx. 120 kcal
Preparation Time
Prep Time 5 minutes
Total Time 5 minutes
How to Serve Olive Garden Salad Dressing
- Over a fresh green salad with lettuce, tomatoes, red onions, and croutons.
- As a dip for breadsticks or fresh veggies.
- As a sandwich spread for extra flavor.
- As a marinade for grilled chicken or shrimp.
Additional Tips
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best flavor.
- Adjust the tanginess by adding more vinegar or lemon juice.
- Make it dairy-free by skipping the Parmesan or using a plant-based substitute.
- Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week.
FAQ’s
1. Can I use a different type of vinegar?
Yes! White wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar also work well.
2. How long does this dressing last in the fridge?
About one week in an airtight container.
3. Can I make this dressing without mayonnaise?
Yes! You can substitute Greek yogurt or a mix of olive oil and mustard.
4. Is this dressing gluten-free?
Yes, all the ingredients are naturally gluten-free!
5. Can I make it lighter?
Use low-fat mayo or Greek yogurt for a healthier version.
6. Does this dressing need to be refrigerated?
Yes! Keep it in the fridge to maintain freshness.
7. Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely! Just scale up the ingredients as needed.
8. Can I add fresh garlic instead of garlic powder?
Yes! One clove of minced garlic will add a stronger garlic flavor.
9. What’s the best way to mix the dressing?
A whisk works great, but a blender makes it extra smooth.
10. Can I use pre-shredded Parmesan?
Yes, but freshly grated Parmesan gives the best texture and taste.
Conclusion
This Olive Garden Salad Dressing is the perfect blend of creamy, tangy, and savory flavors—just like the one at the restaurant! Whether you’re drizzling it over a crisp salad, using it as a dip, or spreading it on a sandwich, it’s guaranteed to elevate any dish. Give it a try, and get ready to fall in love with homemade dressing!
PrintOlive Garden Salad Dressing Recipe
Recreate the iconic Olive Garden salad dressing at home with this simple and delicious recipe. This creamy, tangy, and slightly sweet dressing is perfect for drizzling over crisp lettuce, fresh veggies, or even as a dip. Enjoy the restaurant-quality flavor in the comfort of your own kitchen!
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 1 cup
- Category: Dressing, Condiment
- Method: Whisking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1/3 cup white vinegar
• 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons water (adjust for desired consistency)
Instructions
1. In a medium bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, white vinegar, and olive oil until smooth.
2. Add grated Parmesan cheese, lemon juice, and sugar. Stir to combine.
3. Mix in Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.
4. Add water, one tablespoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency.
5. Transfer to a jar or airtight container and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to enhance flavors.
6. Shake or stir well before using. Enjoy over salads or as a dip!
Notes
• Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
• For a lighter version, substitute half the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt.
• If you prefer a sweeter dressing, add an extra teaspoon of sugar or honey.
• Great as a marinade for chicken or as a dip for fresh vegetables!
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 tbsp
- Calories: 120 kcal
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 5mg
