Copycat Olive Garden Salad Dressing

Instructions:

1. Combine the Wet Ingredients:

In a medium bowl, combine the mayonnaise, white vinegar, olive oil, and lemon juice. These ingredients form the base of the dressing, giving it its smooth, creamy texture and tangy flavor.

2. Add Mustard and Sugar:

Stir in the Dijon mustard and sugar. The mustard adds a slight tang and depth of flavor, while the sugar helps balance the acidity from the vinegar and lemon juice, creating a well-rounded dressing.

3. Season the Dressing:

Add the garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to the bowl. These spices are what give the dressing that signature Italian restaurant flavor. The Italian seasoning especially brings out those herbal notes that make this dressing so crave-worthy.

4. Incorporate the Parmesan (Optional):

If you like an extra layer of richness, you can add grated Parmesan cheese to the dressing. This is optional, but it helps replicate the depth of flavor found in Olive Garden’s original dressing. Whisk until fully combined.

5. Taste and Adjust:

Give your dressing a quick taste and adjust the seasonings as needed. You can add more salt, pepper, or even a touch more sugar to suit your personal taste preferences.

6. Refrigerate Before Serving:

For best results, refrigerate the dressing for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. This resting time enhances the overall taste and ensures the dressing thickens slightly for that perfect consistency.

7. Serve and Enjoy:

Once the dressing has chilled and the flavors have had time to develop, it’s ready to serve! Pour it over a fresh salad, use it as a dip for breadsticks, or even drizzle it over roasted vegetables for an added burst of flavor.

Why This Copycat Olive Garden Salad Dressing Is a Must-Try:

1. Quick and Easy to Make: This homemade version of Olive Garden’s iconic salad dressing is incredibly easy to make. With a few basic ingredients and just a little whisking, you can have a delicious dressing ready in minutes. Plus, it only requires one bowl, so cleanup is a breeze!
2. Customizable to Your Taste: The beauty of making this dressing at home is that you can adjust it to your taste. If you prefer a tangier dressing, add a little extra vinegar or lemon juice. If you like it creamier, you can increase the amount of mayonnaise. The possibilities are endless!
3. Perfect for Any Salad: While it’s a fantastic match for a classic garden salad, this dressing works wonderfully on all types of salads—whether it’s a Caesar salad, a spinach salad, or a pasta salad. You can even use it as a dipping sauce for pizza or breadsticks!
4. No Preservatives: By making this dressing at home, you avoid the preservatives and artificial ingredients that store-bought dressings often contain. You can feel good knowing that everything going into your dressing is fresh and natural.
5. Restaurant Quality at Home: If you love Olive Garden’s salad dressing, you’ll be delighted by how closely this recipe mimics the real thing. You get the same creamy texture, tangy flavor, and rich herbal notes, but with the added bonus of enjoying it at home whenever you like.

Tips for Success:

• Store in an Airtight Container: For best results, store the dressing in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for about 1-2 weeks. Be sure to shake it well before each use, as the ingredients may separate over time.
• Adjust Consistency: If you prefer a thinner dressing, you can add a little more olive oil or lemon juice to reach your desired consistency. Just be careful not to add too much, or the dressing might become too runny.
• Make It Dairy-Free: If you’re dairy-free, you can omit the Parmesan cheese and substitute the mayonnaise with a vegan-friendly version. You can also try a non-dairy sour cream for added richness.
• For Extra Zing: To give the dressing a little extra zing, add a teaspoon of Dijon mustard or a pinch of red pepper flakes for some heat. This will add complexity to the flavor without overpowering the original taste.

Conclusion: A Tasty and Convenient Homemade Dressing

This Copycat Olive Garden Salad Dressing is a fantastic way to bring the restaurant experience into your home. With simple ingredients, easy preparation, and customizable flavors, you can enjoy this creamy, tangy dressing any time you want. Whether you’re tossing it over a fresh salad or using it as a dipping sauce, this homemade version will surely become a staple in your kitchen.

So why wait? Try this recipe today and enjoy the delightful, familiar flavors of Olive Garden in the comfort of your own home!