Olive Garden’s famous salad dressing is a perfect balance of tangy, creamy, and savory flavors, making it the ideal companion for a crisp garden salad. This homemade version recreates the restaurant-quality taste with everyday pantry ingredients. It’s a versatile dressing that pairs beautifully with fresh lettuce, tomatoes, red onions, and croutons or can be used as a marinade for chicken and vegetables. Best of all, it takes only a few minutes to whip up, allowing you to bring that signature Olive Garden experience right to your table.
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/3 cup white vinegar
- 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons water (optional, for thinning)
Instructions:
- Combine Base Ingredients: In a medium-sized mixing bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, white vinegar, and grated Parmesan cheese until smooth.
- Add Seasonings: Mix in the sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Whisk until well blended.
- Incorporate Olive Oil: Gradually drizzle in the olive oil while whisking to emulsify the dressing.
- Adjust Consistency: If the dressing is too thick, stir in 1-2 tablespoons of water until you reach your desired consistency.
- Chill and Serve: Transfer the dressing to an airtight container and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Serve over your favorite salad or as a dip for breadsticks.
Tips:
- For a lighter version, substitute half the mayonnaise with plain Greek yogurt.
- Store in the refrigerator for up to a week and shake well before each use.
