Copycat Olive Garden Salad Dressing Recipe

If you’re a fan of Olive Garden’s iconic salad, then this homemade version of their famous dressing is going to be a game-changer! It’s creamy, tangy, and just the right amount of savory—everything you love about the restaurant’s salad dressing but made right at home. And let me tell you, once you whip this up, you won’t want to go back to store-bought dressing. It’s quick, easy, and seriously delicious! Get ready to elevate your salads and make every meal feel like a special treat.

Why You’ll Love Copycat Olive Garden Salad Dressing

This recipe isn’t just about making a dressing—it’s about recreating a restaurant favorite in your own kitchen. Here’s why you’ll be reaching for this recipe time and time again:

Quick & Easy

This dressing is super simple to make with just a few pantry staples. You’ll have it ready in minutes, so there’s no need to run out to the store every time you crave that Olive Garden salad.

Creamy & Tangy

The flavor is spot on—creamy, tangy, and just a bit zesty. It has that perfect balance that makes you want to pour it over everything, not just your salad. You’ll get that familiar, satisfying taste you love from the restaurant, but you can control exactly how much goes in.

Versatile

While it’s perfect for a salad, this dressing can be used for so much more! Try it as a dip for veggies, drizzle it over grilled chicken, or even use it as a sandwich spread for extra flavor. The possibilities are endless!

Budget-Friendly

No need to spend on pricey bottles of store-bought dressing. This homemade version uses simple ingredients you probably already have on hand, making it both affordable and delicious.

Customizable

This dressing is super flexible. If you like a little more garlic, throw in some extra minced garlic. If you’re a fan of a little more tang, increase the vinegar or lemon juice. You can make it exactly how you like!

Ingredients

Let’s dive into the ingredients that come together to create this irresistible dressing:

For the Salad Dressing:

• Mayonnaise: The creamy base of this dressing. It gives it that rich, smooth texture that makes it so satisfying.
• Buttermilk: Adds the perfect tangy flavor and thins out the dressing to just the right consistency.
• Olive Oil: A little olive oil adds depth and richness to the dressing, while keeping it smooth.
• White Wine Vinegar: This brings a zesty kick that balances the richness of the mayo and olive oil.
• Garlic: Fresh minced garlic gives the dressing its signature flavor.
• Parmesan Cheese: A bit of grated Parmesan gives the dressing that familiar savory, umami taste.
• Italian Seasoning: This classic blend of herbs is key to recreating that perfect Olive Garden flavor.
• Lemon Juice: A squeeze of lemon brightens up the dressing with just the right amount of acidity.
• Sugar: A touch of sugar to balance out the tang and make everything come together in perfect harmony.
• Salt & Pepper: To taste, to round out all the flavors.

(Note: Full ingredient measurements are provided in the recipe card above!)

Instructions

Now, let’s get to making this amazing dressing:

Step 1: Combine the Base Ingredients

In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, buttermilk, olive oil, and white wine vinegar until smooth. This will be the creamy base for your dressing.

Step 2: Add Flavor Boosters

Stir in the minced garlic, grated Parmesan, Italian seasoning, lemon juice, and sugar. Mix until everything is well combined. The Parmesan should melt into the dressing, adding that perfect savory depth.

Step 3: Taste & Adjust

Taste your dressing and add salt and pepper to your liking. If you prefer a little more tang, add a splash more vinegar or lemon juice. If you like a creamier texture, add a little more buttermilk. The beauty of homemade dressing is you can make it exactly how you like it!

Step 4: Chill & Serve

Cover the dressing and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld together. The longer it sits, the better the flavors will develop, so if you can wait overnight, even better! Once chilled, give it a quick stir before serving.

Step 5: Enjoy!

Drizzle this creamy, tangy goodness over your salad, and enjoy every bite! It’s also perfect for dipping veggies or pairing with grilled meats.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 8
Calories per serving: 150
Total Fat: 14g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 10mg
Sodium: 250mg
Carbohydrates: 2g
Fiber: 0g
Sugar: 1g
Protein: 1g

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Chill Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes

How to Serve Copycat Olive Garden Salad Dressing

This dressing is perfect for so much more than just salads! Here are a few ideas to make the most of it:

Classic Salad

Top a simple salad of mixed greens, cucumbers, tomatoes, and red onions for a perfect side dish. The creamy dressing pairs wonderfully with fresh vegetables.

Veggie Dip

Serve it as a dip for raw veggies like carrots, celery, bell peppers, and broccoli. It’s an easy and delicious snack that will disappear in no time!

Grilled Chicken Salad

Drizzle it over grilled chicken and fresh veggies for a delicious, satisfying meal. You could even add some croutons or avocado for extra flavor and texture.

Sandwich Spread

Use it as a creamy spread on sandwiches or wraps. It adds a tangy, flavorful kick to your lunch!

Pasta Salad

Try it as a dressing for pasta salad. Toss with pasta, veggies, and protein for a delicious, creamy side dish at your next BBQ or picnic.

Additional Tips

Make It Lighter

If you want to make a lighter version, swap the mayo for Greek yogurt or a light mayo alternative. You’ll still get the creaminess, but with fewer calories.

Make it Spicy

For a spicy twist, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the dressing. It’s a great way to add a little heat without overwhelming the flavor.

Store It Properly

Keep the dressing in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. It thickens as it sits, so if it’s too thick, just add a splash of buttermilk or olive oil to loosen it up.

Use Fresh Garlic

For the best flavor, use fresh garlic instead of garlic powder. It really makes a difference in the overall taste of the dressing.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use regular milk instead of buttermilk?

A1: Yes! If you don’t have buttermilk, you can use regular milk, but the dressing won’t have the same tangy flavor. To mimic buttermilk, add a teaspoon of lemon juice or vinegar to the milk and let it sit for a few minutes before using.

Q2: Can I make this dressing ahead of time?

A2: Yes! In fact, this dressing tastes even better after it has had some time to chill and let the flavors meld together. Prepare it the night before for maximum flavor.

Q3: Can I use a different type of vinegar?

A3: While white wine vinegar is ideal, you can substitute with regular white vinegar or even apple cider vinegar. Just note that the flavor might differ slightly.

Q4: How do I make this dressing thicker?

A4: If you like a thicker dressing, add a little more mayonnaise or reduce the amount of buttermilk. Adjust until you get the consistency you prefer.

Q5: How do I store leftovers?

A5: Store the dressing in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. It will thicken as it sits, so you can add a bit of buttermilk or water to loosen it if needed.

Q6: Can I freeze this dressing?

A6: It’s not recommended to freeze salad dressing as it may separate or change in texture once thawed. Stick to storing it in the fridge for the best results.

Q7: Can I use a different cheese in this dressing?

A7: Parmesan gives this dressing its signature flavor, but if you’re in a pinch, you can substitute with pecorino Romano or another hard cheese.

Q8: Is this dressing gluten-free?

A8: Yes! This recipe is naturally gluten-free, but always double-check your ingredients, especially for the mayonnaise and other packaged items, to make sure they are gluten-free.

Q9: Can I make this dressing dairy-free?

A9: For a dairy-free version, use a dairy-free mayonnaise and skip the Parmesan or use a dairy-free alternative.

Q10: How do I make this dressing vegan?

A10: To make it vegan, swap the mayonnaise for a vegan mayo alternative, and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan for that cheesy flavor.

Conclusion

This Copycat Olive Garden Salad Dressing is everything you love about the original, but made right in your own kitchen. It’s rich, creamy, tangy, and super versatile—you’ll be pouring it over salads, dipping veggies, and even spreading it on sandwiches. Best of all, it’s simple, quick, and so much more affordable than buying the bottled version. So, go ahead and make a batch today—your salads are about to get a major upgrade!

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