Treat yourself to the craveable, zesty Olive Garden Salad Dressing, and bring the delightful taste of this iconic staple right into your home.
I was thrilled when I discovered that you could buy Olive Garden’s salad dressing at the grocery store. Initially, it was a one-year promotion—an excellent idea from their marketing department—but it proved so successful that it is still available today. However, I was even more excited to learn the “secret” recipe so I could easily make it at home anytime I had a craving. Beyond thrilled!
Growing up, my best friend worked at Olive Garden. We were slightly addicted to their salad dressing and breadsticks. It was a huge perk to enjoy them at home whenever she had a shift. When I moved to Manhattan, known for its diverse restaurant scene, I realized there were no chain restaurants, except in Times Square. As a true New Yorker, you typically avoid this area unless you’re showing a friend who has never been there. However, if you’re seven months pregnant and have a craving for Olive Garden’s iconic salad dressing (hello, it’s me), you may just find yourself in the heart of Times Square. What can I say, I have a genuine affection for this salad dressing.
Well, I can confidently say that this recipe is spot on, if not better! For one, you make it at home, so you don’t have to travel to your local Olive Garden or make a trip to the grocery store. Another perk? You likely have most of the ingredients at home already. Simply combine olive oil, white vinegar (for its signature tanginess), a variety of herbs, Parmesan cheese, and mayonnaise for added creaminess. Toss this on top of any salad, and you’ll instantly feel like you’re dining at Olive Garden.
Not all olive oils are created equal
The main ingredient in Olive Garden’s salad dressing is olive oil. Well, which kind? There is a wide range of olive oils available, with the lowest quality being olive pomace oil, which is barely edible, to extra-virgin olive oil (EVOO), which is the highest quality. There is also a significant price range associated with olive oil. I’ve seen special reserve olive oil for up to $300 in specialty shops, but I wouldn’t recommend getting that. I personally always use EVOO, and you should too when making this dressing. Extra-virgin olive oil is cold-pressed, meaning it doesn’t use heat or chemicals to extract the oil from the olives, resulting in a fruity, bold flavor. Choose an EVOO that is not blended with other oils, but don’t break the bank either. You can likely find something reasonably priced at your local grocery store.
How do I store leftovers?
Store your homemade Olive Garden dressing in an airtight container or a mason jar in the refrigerator. This dressing will taste even better the second day, once the flavors have melded together, and it will last for up to 5 days in the fridge. Be sure to shake it well before using.
Serving suggestions
This salad dressing is excellent over a simple salad with romaine or iceberg lettuce. You can also replace the balsamic vinaigrette in this easy Green Salad, or step it up a bit with our crispy Spring Salad or Italian Salad. Go for the whole Italian dinner and serve your dressed salad with my favorite Baked Eggplant Parmesan and this light Caprese Pasta. Additionally, you can use this Olive Garden salad dressing as a marinade on chicken or steak. Prepare the dressing according to the recipe and follow the steps in our Chicken Marinade for a juicy and flavorful dinner.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- 4 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 3 tablespoons white vinegar
- 1 1/2 teaspoons granulated sugar
- 3/4 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
- 3/4 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 tablespoons freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- Kosher salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Place the olive oil, mayonnaise, white vinegar, granulated sugar, Italian seasoning, dried oregano, onion powder, garlic powder, Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Whisk thoroughly until the dressing is smooth and well combined.
- Pour the dressing into a sealed container and refrigerate. Shake well before each use. The dressing can be stored for up to 5 days.
Nutrition Info:
Nutrition information are estimates only and may vary based on the specific brands, ingredients, and portion sizes you use. This data is provided for informational purposes only.
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