Olive Garden Salad Dressing

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Olive Garden Salad Dressing is a deliciously creamy and tangy dressing that will quickly become a staple in your kitchen. The combination of olive oil, mayo, and vinegar creates a smooth base, while Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and onion powder give it a savory punch. A sprinkle of freshly grated parmesan adds a rich depth of flavor, making it a perfect complement to any salad. Plus, it’s super easy to whip up in just a few minutes, and you can control the seasonings to suit your taste!

Ingredients

• ½ cup olive oil
• ¼ cup mayo
• 3 tablespoons white vinegar
• ½ tablespoon granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• 2 tablespoons freshly grated parmesan cheese
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• Pepper to taste

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Mix the ingredients: In a medium-sized bowl, combine the olive oil, mayo, white vinegar, granulated sugar, Italian seasoning, onion powder, garlic powder, and freshly grated parmesan cheese.
2. Whisk until smooth: Using a whisk, mix the ingredients together until they are fully incorporated and the dressing is smooth.
3. Season to taste: Add salt and pepper to taste. You can adjust the amount of salt or pepper depending on your preference.
4. Refrigerate: For the best flavor, cover the dressing and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before using. This allows the flavors to meld together.
5. Serve: Drizzle over your favorite salad, and enjoy the creamy, tangy goodness!

Servings and Timing

• Servings: This recipe makes about 1 cup of dressing, enough for 4-6 servings of salad.
• Prep time: 5 minutes
• Total time: 35 minutes (including refrigeration time)

Variations

• Lighter version: For a lighter dressing, you can substitute the mayo with Greek yogurt or sour cream for a tangy twist.
• Add heat: For a spicy kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
• Herb variations: Experiment with fresh herbs like basil, parsley, or oregano for an extra layer of flavor.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store the dressing in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
• Reheating: There’s no need to reheat this dressing, as it’s served cold or at room temperature.

FAQs

1. Can I make this dressing ahead of time?

Yes, this dressing can be made ahead of time. It’s even better after sitting for a few hours or overnight in the fridge as the flavors meld together.

2. Can I use a different type of vinegar?

You can substitute white vinegar with apple cider vinegar or red wine vinegar, but the flavor will be slightly different.

3. Can I use store-bought mayo instead of homemade?

Yes, store-bought mayo works just fine for this recipe. Choose a high-quality mayo for the best flavor.

4. Can I add more cheese to the dressing?

Yes, you can add more parmesan if you want a stronger cheesy flavor. Just be sure to adjust the seasoning accordingly.

5. How long can I store this dressing?

This dressing will stay fresh for up to a week when stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

6. Can I make this dressing dairy-free?

To make this dressing dairy-free, simply omit the parmesan cheese and use a dairy-free mayo. You may want to adjust the seasonings to compensate for the missing cheese.

7. Can I use dried parmesan instead of freshly grated?

Freshly grated parmesan gives the best flavor, but if you don’t have it, you can use the pre-grated kind. Just note that it may alter the texture slightly.

8. Is this dressing gluten-free?

Yes, all of the ingredients in this dressing are gluten-free, so it can be safely enjoyed by those following a gluten-free diet.

9. Can I use a different oil in this dressing?

You can use a neutral oil, like canola or sunflower oil, in place of olive oil, but the flavor will be milder.

10. Can I add some fresh garlic instead of garlic powder?

Yes, you can substitute minced fresh garlic for garlic powder. Start with 1 small clove and adjust to your preference.

Conclusion

This Olive Garden Salad Dressing is a quick and easy way to add a restaurant-quality touch to your salads. With its creamy texture and bold flavors, it’s the perfect complement to a variety of greens and toppings. Whether you’re serving it with a simple garden salad or something more elaborate, this homemade dressing will elevate your dish and satisfy your taste buds.

Print