Copycat Olive Garden Salad Dressing Recipe

Are you craving that creamy, tangy, and just the right amount of zesty Olive Garden salad dressing? Well, look no further because I’ve got a recipe that will give you that exact flavor without stepping foot in the restaurant! Trust me, once you make this at home, you’ll wonder why you ever bought the bottled version. This dressing is a game-changer for your salads, and it’s super easy to whip up. Plus, you can use it on everything from greens to sandwiches, and even as a dip! Let’s dive into this flavor-packed recipe!

Why You’ll Love Copycat Olive Garden Salad Dressing

This homemade dressing isn’t just about the ingredients—it’s about recreating those special moments when you first tasted it at your favorite Italian restaurant. Here’s why you’re going to love it:

• Restaurant-Quality at Home: Why drive to Olive Garden when you can enjoy that same great flavor from the comfort of your kitchen? The best part is, it’s so simple to make!
• Versatile: Not just for salads! Use it as a marinade for chicken or veggies, or drizzle it over roasted potatoes. It’s like a magic sauce that makes everything taste better.
• Quick and Easy: You won’t need to spend hours in the kitchen—this recipe takes just minutes to throw together. Perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute dinner parties.
• Customizable: If you like things spicier, add more red pepper flakes. If you want it extra creamy, adjust the amount of mayonnaise. This dressing is totally adaptable to your tastes.
• Cost-Effective: No need to buy the bottled version anymore. You can make a big batch of this dressing for a fraction of the cost, and it lasts in the fridge for weeks.

Ingredients

This dressing is made with simple ingredients that you likely already have in your pantry. Here’s the rundown of what you’ll need:

Mayonnaise: The creamy base that gives the dressing its smooth texture. It’s what makes every bite feel rich and satisfying.

Italian Dressing Mix: The secret flavor-packed ingredient that gives this dressing that iconic zesty tang and herb-filled punch.

Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated parmesan adds a salty, umami kick that elevates the overall flavor of the dressing.

Garlic Powder: A dash of garlic powder brings that unmistakable savory flavor, making the dressing feel extra indulgent.

Onion Powder: Adds a subtle sweetness and depth to the dressing. It balances out the garlic and herbs.

Red Wine Vinegar: This brings a tangy bite that cuts through the richness, adding just the right amount of acidity.

Sugar: A small amount of sugar helps balance out the tanginess and creates a well-rounded flavor.

Lemon Juice: The fresh citrusy flavor that adds brightness and complements the other ingredients perfectly.

(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Now, let’s make this delicious dressing together. Ready? Let’s do this!

Mix the Ingredients

In a medium bowl, combine the mayonnaise, Italian dressing mix, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, red wine vinegar, sugar, and lemon juice. You’re going to want to make sure everything is mixed together really well—no lumps allowed!

Stir Until Smooth

Whisk everything together until the dressing is smooth and creamy. You should have a nice, well-blended mixture. It’s a good idea to give it a taste at this point—if you want more tang, add a little more vinegar or lemon juice!

Chill the Dressing

Once everything is mixed together, cover the bowl and refrigerate the dressing for at least an hour. This allows all the flavors to meld together and really come to life. Trust me, it tastes even better after it has a chance to sit!

Serve and Enjoy

After it’s chilled and the flavors have had time to marinate, you’re ready to serve. Drizzle it over your favorite salad or use it as a dipping sauce for breadsticks or veggies. Enjoy the creamy goodness!

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 8
Calories per serving: 150

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Chill Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes

How to Serve Copycat Olive Garden Salad Dressing

This dressing is perfect for so many things! Here are a few ways to serve it:

• Salads: Drizzle it over your favorite fresh greens, like romaine lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers, and onions for that classic salad experience.
• Dip for Breadsticks: Serve it alongside your favorite warm breadsticks or crusty bread for dipping. It’s a perfect addition to any Italian meal.
• Vegetable Dip: Use it as a dip for fresh veggies like carrots, celery, or bell peppers. It’s an unexpected but delicious pairing!
• Marinate Meats: This dressing makes an excellent marinade for chicken, pork, or even shrimp. The tangy flavors really infuse into the protein.
• Sandwiches and Wraps: Add a little drizzle inside a wrap or sandwich for extra flavor that’ll take your lunch to the next level.

Additional Tips

Here are some extra tips to help you get the most out of this recipe:

• Customize the Flavors: If you like your dressing a bit more zesty, add an extra tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice. If you like it more creamy, adjust the mayo.
• Make It Dairy-Free: Use a dairy-free mayonnaise and omit the parmesan for a dairy-free version of this dressing.
• Prep Ahead: Make a big batch of this dressing at the beginning of the week. It keeps really well in the fridge, and you’ll have it on hand for any meal.
• Storage Tips: Store the dressing in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 weeks. The flavors will continue to meld together and get even better over time.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use a different type of vinegar?
A1: Absolutely! If you don’t have red wine vinegar, balsamic vinegar works great, or you can even use apple cider vinegar for a different twist.

Q2: How long does the dressing last in the fridge?
A2: The dressing will stay fresh in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.

Q3: Can I make this dressing spicier?
A3: Yes! If you like a little heat, add some red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to kick up the spice level.

Q4: Can I use fresh garlic instead of garlic powder?
A4: You sure can! Just use about a clove of finely minced garlic instead of the garlic powder. Fresh garlic will give it a slightly stronger flavor.

Q5: Can I skip the Parmesan cheese?
A5: You could, but the Parmesan adds a rich, savory flavor that really makes the dressing. If you’re avoiding dairy, try using a dairy-free Parmesan or leave it out for a lighter version.

Q6: Can I use a different cheese?
A6: While Parmesan is the key flavor here, you could try using Pecorino Romano or Asiago for a different cheese flavor profile.

Q7: Can I make this dressing ahead of time?
A7: Yes, this is a great make-ahead recipe. Just store it in the fridge, and it’ll taste even better after the flavors have time to meld together.

Q8: What can I use this dressing on besides salad?
A8: It’s great as a dip for breadsticks, veggies, or even as a topping for roasted potatoes or grilled meats.

Q9: Can I make this dressing less creamy?
A9: Yes, you can cut down on the mayo and add a little more vinegar or lemon juice to achieve a lighter consistency.

Q10: Is this dressing gluten-free?
A10: Yes! All of the ingredients in this dressing are naturally gluten-free. Just double-check the Italian dressing mix to ensure it’s labeled gluten-free if you’re concerned.

Conclusion

And there you have it! This Copycat Olive Garden Salad Dressing is the perfect homemade version of the iconic restaurant favorite. It’s creamy, tangy, and so versatile—it’s sure to become a staple in your kitchen. Whether you’re drizzling it over a fresh salad, using it as a dip, or adding it to your favorite dishes, you’re going to love how easy and delicious it is. So grab your ingredients and get ready to enjoy the best salad dressing you’ve ever had! Happy cooking!

Print