Olive Garden Salad Dressing Recipe

Olive Garden Salad Dressing is fabulously tart and sweet with creamy Romano cheese throughout. Make this homemade salad dressing recipe today!

Let’s be honest - unlimited salad and breadsticks is what we all love the most about the popular Italian chain, and the secret ingredient is that amazing Olive Garden salad dressing!

Skip the bottled version from the store and recreate it with simple pantry staples. It’s ready in minutes since all you need to do is measure and blend.

Want to start making more dressings at home? I also have a Green Goddess recipe that’s packed with greens and tastes just like the one from Panera, and you can never go wrong with a classic buttermilk ranch.

What’s In Olive Garden Dressing?

• Mayonnaise - This is what gives it that creamy consistency, but you can substitute plain Greek yogurt instead or use extra oil for more of a vinaigrette.
• White Vinegar - Apple cider vinegar will also work in a pinch.
• Olive oil - High quality extra virgin varieties are the best choice, but you can get away with whatever you have on hand since the amount is small. Avocado, safflower, or other neutral tasting oils will work as well.
• Cheese - I like to use Romano for this recipe, but I have heard that some people prefer Parmesan. Whichever you choose, avoid the bottles of powdered mixed cheese. A fresh wedge is a must and tastes so much better too.
• Lemon juice - I highly recommend fresh citrus over bottled for a brighter, more vibrant flavor. 
• Seasonings - A blend of Italian herbs, garlic powder, salt, and just a bit of sugar round out this Olive Garden dressing.

Different Ways To Use It

Obviously, this homemade salad dressing recipe is the perfect addition to Olive Garden salad, but there are so many other ways to enjoy it!

Try using it to marinate chicken breasts and pork chops or drizzle some over bruschetta. You could even use it to brighten up salsas and pasta salads.

Kitchen Tools You Will Need

• Blender - A must in every kitchen! Use it for smoothies, soup, sauces, and more.
• Cheese Grater - Fresh cheese puts this recipe over the top, so buy a wedge and grate it by hand.
• Citrus Juicer - This gets every last drop out, which means juicing lemons is that much easier.

FAQ - Common Recipe Questions

Can I make Olive Garden dressing ahead of time?

Absolutely! In fact, it tastes even better when you let it sit in the refrigerator for a few hours first.

This allows all of the different flavors to meld together more seamlessly - you won’t believe the difference it makes!

How long does this homemade salad dressing recipe last in the fridge?

It will stay fresh for up to a week in the refrigerator when stored in a tightly sealed jar or airtight container.

Is there a way to make it appear more yellow?

To get this copycat Olive Garden salad dressing looking more like the restaurant version, add a few pinches of ground turmeric until it reaches the desired shade.

It will be such a small amount that you shouldn’t notice a change in the overall flavor.

Enjoy!

With love from our simple kitchen to yours. 

Do you  ❤ love ❤ TSRI?  Don't miss another recipe.  Click here to Subscribe to The Slow Roasted Italian by Email and receive new recipes in your inbox every day!

Don't miss a thing! Follow us on Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest | Instagram ❤ ❤ ❤  

MORE SALAD RECIPES

Cucumber Tomato Salad  

Best Ever Strawberry Spinach Salad

Bacon Ranch Tortellini Pasta Salad

Muffaletta Tortellini Pasta Salad

---

Yield: 8

Author: Donna Elick

Olive Garden Salad Dressing Recipe

Olive Garden dressing is fabulously tart and sweet with creamy Romano cheese throughout. Make this homemade salad dressing recipe today!

Prep time: 5 MinTotal time: 5 Min

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1/4 cup water
• 3 tablespoons white vinegar
• 2 tablespoons extra light tasting olive oil (or other neutral oil)
• 2 tablespoon fresh grated Romano cheese
• 1/2 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/2 teaspoon sugar

Salad Recipe: 

• 3 romaine lettuce hearts, washed and chopped
• 1/2 red onion, sliced
• 2 Roma tomatoes, sliced
• 4 pickled Pepperoncini
• 10 large pitted black olives
• 1/2 cup seasoned croutons
• 1/4 cup fresh shredded Parmesan cheese

Instructions

1. In the bowl of a blender, combine dressing ingredients and blend until smooth. Place in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
2. In a large salad bowl, layer salad ingredients in order beginning with lettuce. Pour salad dressing over salad and toss to combine.
3. Serve and enjoy!

DONNA'S NOTES

1. If you prefer dressing to be yellow in color (like the original) add pinches of turmeric until it reaches the desired shade (thanks to a reader for the tip). I left it out in the above photo.

https://www.theslowroasteditalian.com/2014/05/olive-garden-copycat-salad-dressing-recipe.html

Recipe developed by Donna Elick for The Slow Roasted Italian
Copyright ©2014 The Slow Roasted Italian – All rights reserved.

Originally published May 2014, updated and republished August 2021

Disclosure: Posts may contain affiliate links. If you purchase a product through an affiliate link your price will remain the same and The Slow Roasted Italian will automatically receive a small commission. Thank you for supporting us, it helps us keep creating new recipes.