Iconic Olive Garden Salad Dressing Recipe You Can Master

Creamy and tangy olive garden salad dressing carries the magic of restaurant-style flavor right into home kitchens.

Chefs and home cooks alike have long sought this beloved recipe’s secret blend.

Generations of food enthusiasts have craved these vibrant, zesty notes that dance across fresh crisp greens.

The perfect balance of herbs and creamy texture makes this dressing an instant crowd-pleaser.

Restaurant-quality taste emerges from simple ingredients waiting in your pantry.

Mix these elements with confidence and watch a basic salad transform into something spectacular.

You’ll love how easily this recipe brings restaurant elegance to your dining table.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 0 minutes

Total Time: 10 minutes

Calories: 175 kcal

Servings: 9

Olive Garden Salad Dressing Ingredient Breakdown

• Mayonnaise: Creamy base that provides rich, smooth texture and helps bind ingredients together.
• Vinegar: Adds tangy brightness and helps balance the richness of the dressing.
• Olive Oil: Provides silky smoothness and enhances overall flavor profile.
• Parmesan Cheese: Introduces nutty, savory depth with signature Italian cheese character.
• Lemon Juice: Brings fresh citrusy notes and helps brighten the entire dressing.

• Sugar: Balances acidity and adds subtle sweetness to round out flavor.
• Garlic Powder: Delivers concentrated garlic essence without raw garlic intensity.
• Onion Powder: Contributes gentle, aromatic onion undertones.
• Italian Seasoning: Infuses classic Mediterranean herb blend for authentic taste.
• Salt: Enhances and amplifies all other ingredient flavors.
• Black Pepper: Provides subtle heat and aromatic warmth.

• Water: Helps thin dressing to desired texture if too thick.

Tools That Bring the Olive Garden Dressing to Life

• Whisk: Essential for blending ingredients smoothly and creating a creamy dressing.
• Medium bowl: Perfect for combining all dressing ingredients and mixing thoroughly.
• Measuring spoons: Critical for accurately measuring seasonings and liquids.
• Measuring cups: Helps ensure precise ingredient proportions.
• Airtight container: Ideal for storing and chilling the dressing before serving.

How to Whisk Up Olive Garden Salad Dressing

• Create Flavor Base

Blend creamy mayo with tangy vinegar and rich olive oil in a mixing bowl, creating a smooth foundation for the dressing.

• Enhance Seasoning

Sprinkle in zesty Parmesan, squeeze fresh lemon juice, and add garlic and onion powders to build depth of flavor. Whisk everything together until perfectly combined.

• Balance Texture

If the mixture feels too thick, gently stir in a splash of water to reach a silky, pourable consistency that coats salad greens beautifully.

• Let Flavors Develop

Cover the dressing and tuck it into the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, allowing the ingredients to mingle and intensify their delicious profile.

• Serve and Enjoy

Pour the chilled dressing over crisp mixed greens, scatter some red onions, juicy tomatoes, crunchy croutons, and briny black olives for a restaurant-quality salad experience.

Tips to Match the Olive Garden Flavor

• Quick Refrigeration Trick: Let the dressing chill for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to blend and develop a more robust taste profile.
• Dairy-Free Swap: Replace mayonnaise with vegan mayo or cashew cream for a plant-based version that maintains the creamy texture.
• Herb Enhancement: Experiment by adding fresh chopped herbs like basil or parsley to boost the dressing's flavor complexity and freshness.
• Low-Carb Option: Reduce sugar or substitute with a sugar-free sweetener like stevia for a keto-friendly alternative that keeps the dressing's signature taste.
• Spice Level Adjustment: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne for those who enjoy a subtle kick in their salad dressing.

Serving Olive Garden Dressing at Home

• Salad Symphony: Pair this zesty dressing with crisp romaine lettuce and colorful veggie combinations for a restaurant-quality experience.
• Appetizer Adventure: Use the dressing as a dipping sauce for breadsticks, grilled chicken strips, or fresh vegetable crudités to add extra flavor.
• Mediterranean Makeover: Transform your salad into a Mediterranean-inspired dish by adding crumbled feta cheese, sliced cucumbers, and kalamata olives alongside the dressing.
• Protein Power-Up: Elevate the salad by topping it with grilled shrimp, sliced rotisserie chicken, or hard-boiled eggs for a satisfying and nutritious meal.

Dressing Storage Tips You’ll Appreciate

• Quick Refrigeration Strategy: Store the dressing in a tightly sealed glass jar or airtight container to maintain its fresh flavor and prevent flavor absorption from other foods in the refrigerator.
• Optimal Freshness Window: Enjoy the homemade dressing within 5-7 days for the best taste and quality, checking for any changes in smell or texture before using.
• Smart Mixing Tip: Give the dressing a gentle shake or stir before each use, as natural ingredients may separate during refrigeration, ensuring consistent flavor and texture.
• Temperature Recommendation: Keep the dressing chilled at 40°F or below to prevent bacterial growth and maintain its creamy consistency and delicious taste.

Legendary Olive Garden Salad Dressing Recipe

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4.7 from 28 reviews

• Total Time: 10 minutes
• Yield: 9 1x

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Description

Olive Garden salad dressing elevates classic Italian-American greens with creamy, tangy goodness. Homemade versions bring restaurant flavors right to kitchen tables, helping cooks recreate beloved restaurant experiences with simple ingredients.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• ½ cup (120 ml) mayonnaise
• ½ cup (120 ml) olive oil (or vegetable oil)
• ⅓ cup (80 ml) white vinegar
• 2 tbsps grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tbsp lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp onion powder
• ½ tsp dried Italian seasoning
• ¼ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp sugar
• 2 tbsps water (to adjust consistency, optional)

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Instructions

1. Blending Base: Whisk mayonnaise, vinegar, olive oil, Parmesan cheese, and lemon juice in a medium bowl until smooth and uniform, creating a creamy foundation for the dressing.
2. Seasoning Fusion: Incorporate sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper into the liquid mixture, thoroughly whisking to ensure even distribution and complete flavor integration.
3. Consistency Calibration: Adjust the dressing’s texture by gently adding water if needed, aiming for a pourable yet luxurious consistency that will elegantly drape over salad ingredients.
4. Flavor Infusion: Seal the prepared dressing in an airtight container and refrigerate for 30 minutes, allowing the herbs and spices to meld and intensify their aromatic profile.
5. Salad Assembly: Generously drizzle the chilled dressing over a vibrant medley of crisp mixed greens, delicate red onion slivers, juicy tomatoes, golden croutons, and briny black olives, transforming an ordinary salad into a gourmet culinary experience.

Notes

• Whisk Carefully: Ensure thorough mixing to prevent ingredient separation and create a smooth, uniform dressing consistency.
• Adjust Thickness Smartly: Add water gradually to control the dressing’s texture, avoiding making it too thin or watery.
• Chill for Maximum Flavor: Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow seasonings to blend and develop a deeper, more complex taste profile.
• Customize Easily: Experiment with fresh garlic instead of powder for a more intense flavor, or swap Parmesan for a vegan alternative to suit different dietary needs.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Blending
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 9
• Calories: 175
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 180 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 2.5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 3 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 1 g
• Cholesterol: 5 mg