Olive Garden Italian Dressing
The unlimited salad at Olive Garden is arguably more popular than any of their pasta dishes, and the dressing is the reason. It is tangy, herby, and has a slightly creamy consistency that coats every leaf of lettuce without being heavy. The good news is that the ingredients are dead simple, and you can make a batch at home that tastes virtually identical.
A bottle of Olive Garden dressing at the grocery store costs about $4 for 16 ounces. Making it at home costs about $2 and takes 5 minutes. Plus, yours has no preservatives and tastes fresher.
Why Make It at Home?
The bottled store version is fine, but it has been sitting on a shelf for months. Fresh-made dressing has brighter acidity and more herb flavor. You can also adjust it to your taste — more lemon, more garlic, whatever you prefer. One batch keeps in the fridge for up to two weeks.
Tips & Variations
- The mayonnaise is non-negotiable. It is what gives this dressing its signature creaminess and helps it cling to the lettuce. Without it, you just have a basic Italian vinaigrette.
- Use Good Seasons Italian mix. This is the closest match to the restaurant’s flavor profile. It is readily available at any grocery store.
- Serve with the right salad. Iceberg lettuce, sliced red onion, tomatoes, black olives, pepperoncini, and croutons — that is the Olive Garden salad formula. The dressing is great on other salads too, but this combination is the classic.
