As the crisp fall air rolls in and golden leaves scatter across the sidewalk, there’s something comforting about recreating our favorite restaurant flavors in the warmth of our own kitchen. Few things evoke that cozy, nostalgic feeling more than a hearty fall dinner—paired with a salad topped with the tangy, creamy Olive Garden Salad Dressing we all know and love.
Whether you’re preparing a weeknight meal or hosting a cozy family gathering, this homemade version of Olive Garden’s iconic salad dressing brings restaurant-style comfort straight to your table. It’s zesty, slightly sweet, and perfectly balanced—just like the original. And best of all? You can whip it up in under 10 minutes with pantry staples.
Let’s dive into this seasonal favorite that readers return to again and again!
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Olive Garden Salad Dressing Recipe
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 1 cup dressing
Description
This Olive Garden Salad Dressing Recipe is a creamy, zesty classic that brings the comfort of your favorite restaurant salad to your fall table—perfectly balanced and ready in minutes.
Ingredients
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- ⅓ cup white vinegar
- ¼ cup vegetable oil (or light olive oil)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 teaspoons sugar
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Optional: 1 tablespoon water (to thin, if needed)
Instructions
- In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, vinegar, oil, and lemon juice until smooth.
- Add Parmesan, sugar, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and onion powder. Mix well.
- Season with salt and pepper. Adjust tanginess or sweetness to taste.
- If too thick, stir in 1 tablespoon of water until desired consistency is reached.
- Transfer to a jar or bottle and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Notes
Use freshly grated Parmesan for best flavor. Let the dressing chill to enhance taste, and always shake or stir before serving. Adjust vinegar and sugar to your taste.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Dressing
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Italian-American
🥗 Why You’ll Love This Olive Garden Salad Dressing Recipe
- Quick & Easy: No cooking required—just mix and shake!
- Tastes Just Like the Original: Bold flavor, creamy texture, and that signature tang.
- Versatile: Use it as a salad dressing, veggie dip, or sandwich spread.
- Seasonally Perfect: Ideal for fall salads with apples, pears, or roasted squash.
🛒 Ingredients for Olive Garden Salad Dressing
To create this classic dressing at home, you only need a handful of simple ingredients. Most are likely already in your pantry!
Main Ingredients:
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- ⅓ cup white vinegar
- ¼ cup vegetable oil (or light olive oil)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 teaspoons sugar
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Optional: 1 tablespoon water (to thin, if needed)
🥣 How to Make Olive Garden Salad Dressing (Step-by-Step)
Step 1: Combine the Base
In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, vinegar, oil, and lemon juice until smooth and well blended.
Step 2: Add Flavor
Stir in the Parmesan cheese, sugar, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and onion powder. Keep mixing until everything is fully incorporated.
Step 3: Season to Taste
Add a pinch of salt and pepper. Taste the dressing and adjust with a bit more sugar or lemon juice, depending on how tangy or sweet you prefer it.
Step 4: Adjust Consistency
If the dressing is too thick, add 1 tablespoon of water and stir. Repeat if necessary until you reach your desired consistency.
Step 5: Chill & Serve
Pour the dressing into a jar or bottle and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
🌟 Tips for Success
Even though this recipe is beginner-friendly, these tips will help you nail the perfect flavor and texture every time:
- Use fresh Parmesan: Pre-shredded or powdered cheese works, but freshly grated Parmesan gives a richer, more authentic taste.
- Chill time matters: Don’t skip the chilling! Letting the dressing sit enhances its flavor dramatically.
- Shake before serving: Natural separation may occur—just give it a good shake or stir before using.
- Balance the tang: If you’re sensitive to vinegar, start with a little less and adjust after tasting.
🍂 Delicious Variations to Try
This homemade Olive Garden Salad Dressing is delicious on its own, but you can easily tailor it to suit your preferences or dietary needs.
Gluten-Free Version:
- All ingredients in this recipe are naturally gluten-free, but double-check labels on mayonnaise and Parmesan for any hidden additives.
Dairy-Free Option:
- Omit the Parmesan cheese and add 1 teaspoon nutritional yeast for a similar umami flavor.
Add Heat:
- Stir in a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for a spicy kick.
Creamier Texture:
- Add 1 tablespoon of Greek yogurt or sour cream to make it extra creamy and tangy.
Herb Lover’s Twist:
- Mix in fresh chopped parsley, basil, or chives for a garden-fresh flavor boost.
🥬 Serving Ideas
Wondering how to put this dressing to use beyond a bowl of lettuce? Try these ideas:
- Toss with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, red onions, black olives, and croutons for the classic Olive Garden-style salad.
- Drizzle over roasted fall veggies like butternut squash, Brussels sprouts, or sweet potatoes.
- Use it as a dip for carrot sticks, cucumbers, or air-fried zucchini.
- Spread on sandwiches or wraps as a zesty mayo alternative.
🧊 Storage Recommendations
This homemade Olive Garden Salad Dressing keeps beautifully when stored properly.
- Fridge Life: Store in an airtight jar or dressing bottle in the fridge for up to 1 week.
- Shake before use: Always give it a good stir or shake before pouring.
- Not freezer-friendly: Because of the mayo base, freezing is not recommended.
📝 Final Thoughts
There’s something incredibly satisfying about recreating a restaurant favorite like Olive Garden Salad Dressing at home—especially as the seasons change and we all crave comfort, warmth, and flavor. Whether you’re dressing a crisp autumn salad or using it as a dip at your next cozy gathering, this easy dressing adds a touch of nostalgia and bold flavor to any table.
With just a few minutes and basic pantry staples, you’ll have a delicious, creamy, tangy dressing that tastes just like the one you get at the restaurant—but even better, because it’s made by you.