Let’s be real—when you go to Olive Garden, you’re not there for the endless breadsticks (okay, maybe a little). You’re there for that ridiculously good Olive Garden salad dressing that somehow makes a plain garden salad taste like a gourmet meal. And if you’re like me, you’ve probably considered smuggling an extra bottle home in your purse.
Well, no need for that level of desperation anymore! This copycat Olive Garden salad dressing recipe is so spot-on, you’ll wonder why you ever bought the bottled version. It’s creamy, tangy, slightly sweet, and makes every salad feel like a restaurant-worthy dish—without the awkward “Would you like more cheese?” interrogation.
The best part? You can whip up this homemade Olive Garden dressing in minutes with pantry staples. No preservatives, no mystery ingredients, just pure creamy Italian dressing goodness. So go ahead—drench your salad, dip your breadsticks, or even drizzle it over pasta (because why not?). Your taste buds will thank you. 😏
Olive Garden-Style Salad Dressing (Copycat)
Equipment
- Mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Mason jar or glass container with a lid
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
- Black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Mix Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, add olive oil, mayonnaise, vinegar, sugar, Italian seasoning, onion powder, garlic powder, Parmesan cheese, salt, and black pepper.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, Black pepper to taste
- Emulsify Dressing: Whisk the ingredients vigorously until the dressing becomes smooth and emulsified, ensuring the oil and vinegar are well blended. If using a mason jar, seal the lid and shake vigorously until well combined.
- Adjust Flavor: Taste the dressing and adjust seasoning as needed. Add more vinegar for extra tanginess, sugar for sweetness, or salt and pepper for balance.
- Store Properly: Transfer the dressing to a tightly sealed glass jar or container and store it in the refrigerator for up to 5-7 days. Shake well before each use, as separation may occur.
- Serve and Enjoy: Drizzle over fresh salads, use as a dip for veggies, or as a marinade for chicken or grilled vegetables.
So, you’ve decided to ditch the bottled stuff and make this Olive Garden-style salad dressing at home? Good choice. I’ve made this dressing more times than I’d like to admit, so let me share some hard-earned wisdom to make sure yours turns out just right. No weird preservatives, no mystery ingredients—just creamy Italian dressing perfection.
Tips, Tricks & Ingredient Swaps – Because You Deserve the Best Salad Dressing
🫒 Use Good Olive Oil (But Don’t Get Too Fancy) – This dressing gets half its flavor from olive oil, so don’t grab the dusty bottle from the back of your pantry. But also, save the $30 cold-pressed extra virgin stuff for dipping bread—you don’t need that level of sophistication here.
🥄 Mayo Makes the Magic Happen – I know, I know—some people get weird about mayo. But trust me, it’s what gives this dressing its creamy, cling-to-your-lettuce texture. If you swap it for Greek yogurt, it’ll be tangier and not as smooth, but hey, you do you.
🧀 Grate Your Own Parmesan – Pre-grated Parmesan is fine if you enjoy eating sawdust. For best results, grab a block of real Parm and give it a quick grate. It melts into the dressing like a dream and actually tastes like, well, cheese.
🥗 Vinegar Matters – White vinegar gives this dressing its signature tang, but if you want to get fancy, try white wine vinegar for a smoother kick. Just don’t go swapping in balsamic unless you’re trying to make a whole new dressing (which, honestly, would still probably be delicious).
🧄 Garlic & Onion Powder: Non-Negotiable – Yes, fresh garlic is amazing, but this is one of those times when the powdered stuff works better. It blends in perfectly without making you feel like you just licked a garlic clove.
🍋 Want Extra Zing? Add Lemon Juice – If your dressing tastes a little flat, a squeeze of fresh lemon can brighten things up. Just don’t overdo it unless you enjoy dressing that tastes like lemonade.
💡 Shake It Like You Mean It – If you want a perfectly blended dressing, put it in a mason jar and give it a solid shake. Or whisk it like you’re getting an arm workout. Either way, don’t skip this step unless you enjoy a separated oil-and-vinegar mess.
🚫 Don’t Make It Too Far in Advance – This dressing is best fresh, but if you must meal-prep, store it in a tightly sealed jar in the fridge. Shake well before each use because separation is inevitable (kind of like that friend who always cancels plans last minute).
🔥 Want to Spice It Up? Add a Pinch of Red Pepper Flakes – Not in the original recipe, but a little heat takes this dressing from “nice” to “wow, why haven’t I always done this?”
There you have it—all the secrets to mastering this Copycat Olive Garden Salad Dressing. Now go forth and drench everything in it. Breadsticks, salads, grilled chicken—nothing is off-limits. 😏
