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Make your own Olive Garden dressing at home with this easy copycat recipe! Creamy, zesty, and full of flavor, it’s perfect for salads, dips, and marinades. And it whips up in minutes with simple ingredients you probably already have in your pantry!
If you’ve ever found yourself craving that tangy, creamy Olive Garden salad dressing long after your last visit to the restaurant, this recipe is for you. Enjoy the iconic flavor from the comfort of your own home with simple ingredients. Whether you’re drizzling it over a crisp salad, using it as a dip, or even as a marinade, this homemade version tastes like the real deal.
The best part is, unlike a lot of copycat recipes, we don’t use a packege of Italian dressing mix. This vinaigrette is made from simple ingredients you probably have stocked in your kitchen right now.
Are you ready to start craving salad? The trick is to find a dressing you love!
What Makes This Recipe a Winner
- Tastes Just Like Olive Garden’s! Get that signature zesty, creamy flavor at home.
- Easy to Make. It comes together in just minutes with common pantry ingredients.
- Versatile. Use it on salads, as a dip, or as a marinade for chicken and veggies.
- No Preservatives. Fresher and better than store-bought versions!
Olive Garden Dressing Ingredients
Breaking It Down
Ingredients Explained
In this section I explain the ingredients and give substitution ideas where applicable. For the full recipe (including the ingredient amounts), see the recipe card below.
- Extra-virgin olive oil – For richness and a fruity, peppery flavor. And don’t forget, the healthy fats in olive oil help your body absorb the fat-soluble vitamins in the salad that you eat with this dressing (read more on News-Medical).
- White wine vinegar – I had to check the bottle when I bought this white wine vinegar because of its amber color! It looks more like apple cider vinegar, but I found out that white wine vinegar can range in color from clear to amber to golden. If you don’t have white wine vinegar on hand, you can use apple cider vinegar or red wine vinegar instead.
- Garlic – Friends, don’t skimp out and use garlic powder here! Fresh garlic is a must in this recipe. Punchy raw garlic helps create the signature flavor that we all love.
- Mayo – For rich flavor and creamy texture.
- Sugar – Use granulated white sugar here. For the keto version, use your favorite keto sugar replacement.
- Dried Italian herb seasoning – With herbs like rosemary and basil, this mix packs a punch of savory flavor.
- Salt and black pepper – These pantry-staple seasonings make sure the dressing isn’t bland.
- Crushed red pepper flakes – For a touch of heat to add balance.
- Dijon mustard – Dijon mustard in salad dressing isn’t just for its tangy flavor. It also acts as an emulsifier, helping the oil and vinegar blend and stay blended.
Instructions
- Add all ingredients to a medium bowl.
- Whisk to combine.
Storage
Store this dressing in a lidded glass jar in the fridge for up to 1 week. Shake or whisk it before using.
Tips for the Best Copycat Olive Garden Dressing Recipe
- Let It Sit. Giving the dressing time to chill enhances the flavors. It’s even better the next day!
- Make It Lighter. Swap out the mayonnaise for Greek yogurt if you prefer.
- Double It Up. This dressing keeps well in the fridge for up to a week, so make extra. If you have a delicious dressing on hand, you’re more likely to want to eat salad all week long!
- Add Parmesan. You know how the waiter at Olive Garden says “tell me when to stop” when they’re grating parmesan cheese onto your salad? Well, if you like, you can add the cheese right to the dressing! For this recipe, I would start with 3 to 4 tablespoons of freshly-grated parmesan and add more if desired.
How to Serve Olive Garden Dressing
- Classic Salad: Toss it with romaine lettuce, red onions, black olives, pepperoncini, and croutons for an authentic Olive Garden-style salad.
- Dip It: Use it as a dip for fresh veggies, homemade crusty bread, breadsticks, or even chicken tenders.
- Marinade Magic: Try it as a marinade for grilled chicken or roasted vegetables.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes! You can use apple cider vinegar or red wine vinegar instead of white wine vinegar here.
Yes! You can substitute mayonnaise with Greek yogurt or sour cream.
Yes! This homemade version is naturally gluten-free, but always check labels on your ingredients to be sure.
If your dressing is too tangy, try adding a pinch more sugar to balance the acidity. On the other hand, if it’s too punchy in general, you can whisk in a splash of water!
More Salad Dressing Recipes to Get You Excited About Salad
- Japanese Carrot Ginger Dressing
- Copycat Chipotle Salad Dressing
- Tahini Dressing
- Roasted Garlic Salad Dressing
Let’s Connect
Did you make this recipe? Please rate it and leave a comment below. You can also tag @anediblemosaic on social media.
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Copycat Olive Garden Salad Dressing Recipe
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Ingredients
- 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
- 3 tablespoons white wine vinegar
- 2 large cloves garlic peeled and crushed
- 2 tablespoons mayo
- 1 1/2 tablespoons granulated white sugar
- 1 1/2 teaspoons dried Italian herb seasoning
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1/4 teaspoon coarsely ground black pepper
Instructions
- Add all ingredients to a medium bowl and whisk to combine.
- Transfer to a lidded glass jar and refrigerate until using (or up to 1 week).
Notes
- Recipe Yield and Serving Size: This recipe makes about 1 cup of salad dressing, or 8 (2-tablespoon) servings.
- Keto Version: Instead of sugar, use your favorite keto sugar substitute.
- Storage: Store this dressing in a lidded glass jar in the fridge for up to 1 week. Shake or whisk it before using.
Nutrition
Nutritional information is automatically calculated and should be used as an approximate.
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I’m the writer, recipe developer, photographer, and food stylist behind this blog. I love finding the human connection through something we all do every day: eat! Food is a common ground that we can all relate to, and our tables tell a story. It’s my goal to inspire you to get in the kitchen, try something new, and find a favorite you didn’t know you had.
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