If you’ve ever wished you could capture the vibrant, zesty flavor of your favorite restaurant salad dressing at home, you are in for a treat with this Olive Garden Italian Dressing Recipe. It combines the perfect balance of tangy vinegar, rich olive oil, fragrant Italian herbs, and a hint of Parmesan cheese that delivers all the character and warmth you love in that iconic dressing. Best of all, it’s incredibly simple to whip up in just minutes, making your salads and dishes pop with homemade charm that’s far superior to anything bottled.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward yet thoughtfully chosen to bring the authentic Olive Garden Italian Dressing Recipe to life. Each one plays an essential role, harmonizing flavors and creating a dressing that’s fresh, lively, and wonderfully versatile.
- ½ cup olive oil: Provides the rich, fruity base and luscious texture essential for a smooth dressing.
- 2 tablespoons white wine vinegar: Adds the perfect tangy bite that brightens all the flavors.
- 1 garlic clove (finely minced): Infuses a subtle yet unmistakable savory punch that wakes up your palate.
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs like oregano and basil that make this dressing unmistakably Italian.
- 2 teaspoons lemon juice (freshly squeezed): Introduces a fresh, citrusy zing to balance the richness.
- 3 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese: Brings a nutty, salty depth that elevates the dressing to something truly special.
- 2 teaspoons honey (optional): Adds a subtle sweetness that rounds out the acidity beautifully.
- Salt (to taste): Enhances all the other flavors and ties everything together perfectly.
How to Make Olive Garden Italian Dressing Recipe
Step 1: Combine Your Ingredients
Gather all your fresh ingredients and place them into a 16-ounce mason jar. This container is perfect for shaking up the dressing evenly without any fuss.
Step 2: Shake or Blend
Seal the mason jar tightly and shake vigorously until the dressing is thoroughly combined and emulsified. If you prefer a smoother texture, you can combine everything in a high-speed blender or food processor and blend for about 10 to 20 seconds.
Step 3: Ready to Use or Store
Your dressing is now ready to brighten salads, marinate veggies, or drizzle over grilled meats. If you’re not using it right away, keep it refrigerated in the jar for up to one week. Remember to let it come to room temperature and give it a good shake before serving.
How to Serve Olive Garden Italian Dressing Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or a few torn basil leaves over your dressed salad for an extra burst of herbaceous fresh flavor and an inviting pop of green that highlights the dressing’s Italian roots.
Side Dishes
This dressing pairs beautifully with simple garden salads, crisp romaine lettuce, or a medley of roasted vegetables. It’s also remarkable as a dipping sauce for warm breadsticks or drizzled over a bowl of perfectly al dente pasta salad.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the Olive Garden Italian Dressing Recipe in small individual ramekins alongside a salad bar, or lightly toss it with grilled shrimp or chicken skewers to add vibrant, savory flavor that’s sure to impress your guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any remaining dressing in a tightly sealed jar or container in the refrigerator. It stays fresh for up to 7 days. Before using leftovers, swirl or shake well, as the oil and vinegar naturally separate.
Freezing
This dressing is best enjoyed fresh or refrigerated. Freezing is not recommended because the texture and flavor can become compromised, with the cheese and oil sometimes separating irreversibly.
Reheating
Reheating is unnecessary and not advised. Instead, simply bring the dressing to room temperature and shake or whisk it before use to restore its silky consistency.
FAQs
Can I make this dressing without Parmesan cheese?
Absolutely! While Parmesan adds a distinctive richness, you can omit it for a dairy-free option. The dressing will still be flavorful thanks to the herbs, garlic, and lemon juice.
Is honey necessary in this Olive Garden Italian Dressing Recipe?
Honey is optional but recommended—it balances the acidity nicely. If you prefer a completely savory dressing, feel free to leave it out or substitute with a pinch of sugar or maple syrup.
How long does this dressing last in the fridge?
Stored properly in an airtight container, this dressing will keep its fresh flavor and texture for up to one week.
Can I use a different type of vinegar?
White wine vinegar is preferred for its mild acidity and clean flavor, but red wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar can be substituted if needed, though this will slightly alter the taste.
What salads go best with Olive Garden Italian Dressing Recipe?
This dressing is incredibly versatile but shines on mixed greens, Caesar-style salads, antipasto platters, and any dish where you want a balanced, herbaceous dressing with a little tang.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about making your own Olive Garden Italian Dressing Recipe at home—it’s a simple, delightful way to bring that beloved restaurant flavor right to your kitchen table. I encourage you to try this recipe soon; once you taste the fresh, vibrant blend of herbs, garlic, and Parmesan, you’ll wonder how you ever enjoyed a salad without it. It’s not just a dressing, it’s a celebration of flavor that turns every bite into a little Italian escape.
Print
Olive Garden Italian Dressing Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 5 servings
- Category: Salad Dressing
- Method: Blending
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
A simple and delicious Olive Garden-style Italian dressing that combines olive oil, white wine vinegar, garlic, Italian seasoning, lemon juice, Parmesan cheese, and a touch of honey to create a flavorful, versatile dressing perfect for salads or marinades.
Ingredients
Ingredients
- ½ cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons white wine vinegar
- 1 garlic clove, finely minced
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 2 teaspoons lemon juice (from 1 lemon)
- 3 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 teaspoons honey (optional)
- Salt, to taste
Instructions
- Combine ingredients: Add the olive oil, white wine vinegar, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, lemon juice, grated Parmesan cheese, honey (if using), and salt into a 16-ounce mason jar or a blender container.
- Mix the dressing: If using a mason jar, secure the lid tightly and shake vigorously until the ingredients are fully combined and emulsified. Alternatively, if using a high-speed blender or food processor, blend the mixture for 10-20 seconds until smooth and well mixed.
- Use or store: You can use the dressing immediately on your favorite salads or as a marinade. For storage, refrigerate the dressing for up to 1 week. Before each use, bring the dressing to room temperature for 5-10 minutes and shake well to remix the ingredients.
Notes
- Adjust the amount of honey based on your preferred level of sweetness.
- The dressing thickens when chilled; let it sit at room temperature and shake before using.
- Use fresh garlic for the best flavor.
- Parmesan adds a savory, creamy texture that balances the acidity.
- This dressing can be used as a marinade for chicken or vegetables as well.
