Olive Garden Salad Dressing

This homemade version of the famous Olive Garden Salad Dressing brings the signature flavors right to your kitchen. Creamy, tangy, and full of zesty Italian herbs, this dressing is perfect for drizzling over salads, dipping vegetables, or even using as a marinade for grilled meats. Quick and easy to make, this dressing will elevate any meal with its rich, savory taste.

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1/3 cup white vinegar
• 1 teaspoon vegetable oil
• 2 tablespoons corn syrup
• 2 tablespoons Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons Romano cheese
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic salt
• 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon parsley flakes
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice

Directions

1. Combine all the ingredients in a blender.
2. Blend until everything is well mixed and smooth.
3. Transfer the dressing to a container with a tight-fitting lid.
4. Store in the refrigerator and shake well before each use.
5. Pour the dressing over your favorite salad and enjoy!

Servings and Timing

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Total Time: 5 minutes
• Servings: 8

Variations

1. Creamier Dressing: Add an extra tablespoon of mayonnaise or substitute sour cream for a richer texture.
2. Vegan Version: Replace the mayonnaise with vegan mayo, and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan and Romano cheese.
3. Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for a bit of heat.
4. Herb Variation: Experiment with fresh herbs such as basil or oregano instead of dried Italian seasoning for a fresher flavor.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store the dressing in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1-2 weeks. Always shake well before using as ingredients may separate over time.
• Reheating: This dressing is typically served chilled and doesn’t require reheating. Simply take it out of the fridge before serving and give it a shake.

10 FAQs

1. Can I make this dressing ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare this dressing up to a week in advance and store it in the fridge.
2. Can I use other types of vinegar? While white vinegar is the best choice for this recipe, you can experiment with apple cider vinegar for a slightly different flavor.
3. Can I use bottled Parmesan and Romano cheese? For the best flavor, freshly grated Parmesan and Romano cheese are recommended, but pre-grated cheese will work as well.
4. Is this recipe gluten-free? Yes, this dressing is naturally gluten-free, but always check the labels of your ingredients to ensure there are no hidden gluten sources.
5. Can I use a food processor instead of a blender? Yes, a food processor works well for this recipe if you don’t have a blender.
6. Can I use olive oil instead of vegetable oil? Olive oil can be used, though it may alter the flavor slightly due to its stronger taste.
7. What salads pair well with this dressing? This dressing is perfect for any mixed green salad, especially those with romaine lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers, and red onions. It also pairs well with pasta salads.
8. Is it okay to use store-bought mayonnaise? Yes, store-bought mayonnaise is perfectly fine to use for this dressing.
9. Can I freeze this dressing? Freezing is not recommended as it may affect the texture of the mayonnaise and other ingredients.
10. Can I make this dressing spicier? Yes, you can add more garlic salt, red pepper flakes, or hot sauce to increase the heat level.

Conclusion

This Olive Garden Salad Dressing is an easy and flavorful way to enjoy a restaurant-style salad at home. With just a few ingredients and minimal prep time, you can create a delicious, creamy dressing that adds the perfect finishing touch to any salad. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or just enjoying a simple meal, this dressing is sure to impress.

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