Olive Garden Italian Dressing
This Olive Garden Italian Dressing recipe brings the bold, tangy, and creamy flavors of the iconic restaurant dressing right into your kitchen. Made with simple ingredients like extra virgin olive oil, white vinegar, garlic, parmesan cheese, and a mix of herbs, this homemade dressing is perfect for salads, marinades, and as a dipping sauce. The rich, balanced flavor pairs perfectly with a variety of dishes and is easy to customize based on your personal preferences. With just a few simple steps, you can create a delicious dressing that rivals the one from Olive Garden!
Equipment
- 1 medium-sized mixing bowl
- (1) Whisk
- 1 measuring cup (for liquid ingredients)
- 1 measuring spoon (for dry ingredients)
- 1 airtight container (for storing)
Ingredients
- ½ cup extra virgin olive oil
- ¼ cup white vinegar
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- ¼ cup grated parmesan cheese
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons water optional, to adjust consistency
Instructions
Combine Dry Ingredients:
- In a medium-sized bowl, add the garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Whisk them together until evenly mixed.
Add Wet Ingredients:
- Pour in the olive oil and white vinegar. Whisk vigorously until the mixture starts to emulsify and blend well.
Incorporate Parmesan Cheese:
- Add the grated parmesan cheese into the mixture and continue to whisk until the cheese is well distributed throughout the dressing.
Sweeten and Adjust:
- Add the sugar to the dressing and whisk until dissolved. Taste and adjust the sweetness or acidity if needed by adding more sugar or vinegar.
Add Water (Optional):
- For a thinner consistency, add water gradually and continue whisking until the dressing reaches your desired thickness.
Chill and Marinate:
- Let the dressing sit in the fridge for at least 30 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together and intensify.
Serve and Enjoy:
- After marinating, give the dressing a good stir or shake before serving. Use it on salads, as a marinade, or as a dip for breadsticks or veggies.
Notes
- Storage: Store any leftover dressing in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two weeks. Be sure to shake or stir it before each use, as the dressing may separate over time.
- Consistency Adjustment: If you prefer a thicker dressing, reduce the amount of water. If you want a lighter, more pourable dressing, increase the water slightly.
- Parmesan: For the best flavor, use freshly grated parmesan rather than pre-grated cheese, which can be less flavorful.
- Vegan Version: To make this dressing vegan, simply leave out the parmesan or use a dairy-free cheese alternative.