If you’ve ever wished you could capture the iconic taste of your favorite restaurant’s salad dressing at home, you’re going to love this Olive Garden Italian Dressing Recipe. It’s the perfect blend of tangy, savory, and bright flavors, combining olive oil, tangy vinegars, fresh lemon juice, and a punch of Italian herbs, all balanced with a subtle touch of sweetness and rich Parmesan cheese. This dressing is not only incredibly easy to make but also brings that classic Italian flair to any salad, marinade, or even as a dipping sauce. Trust me, once you try making this Olive Garden Italian Dressing Recipe yourself, you might never want to buy bottled dressing again!
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe requires just a handful of simple ingredients, each playing a crucial role in building the bold and harmonious flavors that make this dressing so special. From the richness of olive oil to the zesty brightness of lemon and vinegar, each component is essential.
- ½ cup olive oil: Use good quality extra virgin olive oil for the richest, smoothest texture and flavor.
- 2 tablespoons white wine vinegar: Adds the perfect tang that balances the richness of the oil.
- 1 garlic clove (finely minced): Fresh garlic gives a punch of aromatic depth and savory warmth.
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs like oregano and basil that brings authentic Italian flavor.
- 2 teaspoons lemon juice (from 1 lemon): Brightens the dressing with a fresh citrus note that cuts through the oiliness.
- 3 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a creamy, salty richness that makes this dressing irresistibly flavorful.
- 2 teaspoons honey (optional): Just a touch of sweetness to balance the acidity and round out the flavor.
- Salt (to taste): Enhances all the other ingredients and brings everything together perfectly.
How to Make Olive Garden Italian Dressing Recipe
Step 1: Combine Ingredients
Gather all your ingredients to make the process smooth and easy. Place olive oil, white wine vinegar, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, lemon juice, grated Parmesan, honey (if using), and salt into a 16-ounce mason jar or a high-speed blender.
Step 2: Shake or Blend
If using a mason jar, secure the lid tightly and shake vigorously until the dressing is fully combined and emulsified. If using a blender or food processor, pulse for 10 to 20 seconds until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Both methods work wonderfully, so pick whichever suits your kitchen style best.
Step 3: Taste and Adjust
Give your dressing a quick taste test. Depending on your preference, you might want to add a little more salt, honey, or lemon juice. The goal is a bright, well-balanced dressing with a silky texture and a kick of savory Parmesan.
Step 4: Use or Store
Drizzle immediately over salads, use as a marinade, or refrigerate for future use. The dressing keeps well for up to one week if stored in an airtight container, but do shake it well each time before use!
How to Serve Olive Garden Italian Dressing Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle a little extra grated Parmesan or a pinch of fresh chopped herbs like basil or parsley when serving salads with this dressing. A few halved cherry tomatoes or thinly sliced red onions on top can add lovely pops of color and flavor.
Side Dishes
This dressing really shines when paired with crisp green salads, but it also makes a fantastic dipping sauce for warm breadsticks, roasted vegetables, or even grilled chicken. Use it as the dressing for a Mediterranean or antipasto platter to bring everything together beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, toss the dressing with pasta salad and fresh veggies for an easy, crowd-pleasing side dish. Or drizzle it over grilled shrimp or chicken for an instant Italian-inspired main course. The versatility of this Olive Garden Italian Dressing Recipe means it’s great anytime you want to add a zesty, herby kick!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover dressing keeps beautifully in the refrigerator for about one week. Store it in an airtight container or mason jar and always give it a good shake or stir before using, as the oil and vinegar may separate over time.
Freezing
Freezing this dressing isn’t recommended because the oil can change texture and the fresh flavors may dull. Instead, it’s best made fresh or stored in the fridge for up to a week.
Reheating
This dressing is best served cold or at room temperature. If you’ve stored it in the fridge, just let it sit out for 5 to 10 minutes and give it a thorough shake before drizzling it onto your salad or dish.
FAQs
Can I make this dressing without Parmesan cheese?
Absolutely! While Parmesan adds a wonderful savory richness, you can omit it for a dairy-free version or substitute with nutritional yeast for a similar flavor.
Is honey necessary in this Olive Garden Italian Dressing Recipe?
Honey is optional, but it helps balance the acidity and rounds out the flavors nicely. You can leave it out or replace it with a pinch of sugar if you prefer.
How long does this dressing last in the fridge?
It stays fresh and tasty for up to one week when stored properly. Always give it a good shake before using since the ingredients tend to separate.
Can I use other types of vinegar instead of white wine vinegar?
White wine vinegar is preferred for its mild flavor, but you could substitute apple cider vinegar or red wine vinegar in a pinch—just adjust the amount to taste.
Is this dressing suitable for marinating meats?
Yes! Its bright and herbaceous flavors work wonderfully as a marinade for chicken, pork, or vegetables before grilling or roasting.
Final Thoughts
Once you’ve discovered how easy and delicious it is to whip up this Olive Garden Italian Dressing Recipe at home, you’ll wonder why you ever reached for store-bought bottles. Each ingredient blends perfectly to create that classic, irresistible flavor that complements countless dishes. Whether tossed on a crisp salad, drizzled over grilled veggies, or used as a marinade, this dressing is sure to become a beloved staple in your kitchen. Go ahead and give it a try—you’re in for a flavorful treat!
Print
Olive Garden Italian Dressing Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 5 servings
- Category: Dressing
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Olive Garden Italian Dressing recipe is a quick and easy homemade version of the classic, flavorful Italian dressing. Made with olive oil, white wine vinegar, garlic, Italian seasoning, lemon juice, Parmesan cheese, and a touch of honey, this dressing brings vibrant, zesty flavors to salads or as a marinade. Ready in just 5 minutes, it can be enjoyed immediately or stored in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Ingredients
Italian Dressing 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: In a 16-ounce mason jar, add the olive oil, white wine vinegar, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, lemon juice, grated Parmesan cheese, honey if using, and salt to taste.
- Mix well: Seal the jar tightly and shake vigorously until all ingredients are well combined and the dressing has emulsified. Alternatively, you can transfer the ingredients to a high-speed blender or food processor and blend for 10-20 seconds until smooth and evenly mixed.
- Use or store: Use the dressing immediately on your favorite salad or refrigerate it in the jar for up to 1 week. When ready to use from the fridge, bring it to room temperature for 5-10 minutes and shake well before serving to remix the ingredients.
Notes
- For best flavor, mince the garlic finely to avoid large chunks in the dressing.
- The honey is optional but helps balance the acidity and adds a slight sweetness.
- You can customize the Italian seasoning blend with dried oregano, basil, thyme, rosemary, and parsley.
- Store the dressing in a sealed container in the refrigerator and always shake before use as ingredients may separate.
- If creamy dressing is preferred, adding a bit more Parmesan cheese or a teaspoon of mayonnaise can enhance texture.
