Creamy Italian Dressing Quick Olive Garden Copycat
Recreate the famous Olive Garden salad dressing at home with simple ingredients like light olive oil, mayo, red wine vinegar, parmesan cheese, lemon, Italian seasoning, mustard, and garlic powder. Perfect for salads or pairing with your favorite dishes, this homemade version delivers restaurant-quality taste without the preservatives of store-bought options.
Looking to recreate the famous Olive Garden salad dressing at home? This recipe delivers that same zesty, tangy flavor everyone loves, but with simple ingredients you likely already have in your kitchen: light olive oil, mayo, red wine vinegar, parmesan cheese, lemon, Italian seasoning, mustard, and garlic powder. It’s perfect for drizzling over salads or pairing with dishes like Zuppa Toscana, bringing the restaurant-quality taste right to your table—without the extra preservatives or additives found in store-bought dressings.
What makes this Italian dressing recipe different from the Olive Garden original?
This recipe uses a few key ingredient swaps that allow you to control what goes into your dressing. With light olive oil and no artificial additives, you can enjoy a cleaner version of the classic while still achieving that signature taste. You also have the flexibility to adjust the ingredients to suit your dietary needs, whether it’s lowering fat content or opting for dairy-free alternatives. It’s all about making it your own with simple, fresh ingredients.
If you’ve ever wondered how to get that perfect tangy kick from your salad dressing without the heavy processing, this is the recipe you need in your kitchen. It’s the one I use regularly, and it’s been perfected to bring out the best flavors while keeping things light and fresh. Trust me, once you make it, you’ll see why this homemade version easily surpasses what you’d find in a bottle.
Why You’ll Love This Easy Italian Salad Dressing Recipe
- Simple ingredients: Made with pantry staples like olive oil, parmesan cheese, and Italian seasoning.
- Restaurant-style flavor: Recreates that classic Olive Garden taste everyone loves at home.
- Quick and easy: Ready in just minutes, perfect for busy weeknights or casual dinners.
- Customizable options: Easily adjust with swaps like Greek yogurt or vegan mayo to fit your taste.
Ingredients & Substitutions
Here is everything you need to make an easy Italian Salad Dressing recipe:
Light Olive Oil: You can use avocado oil or extra virgin olive oil instead.
Mayo: Greek yogurt or vegan mayo works well as a substitute.
Red Wine Vinegar: Apple cider vinegar, white wine vinegar, or white vinegar can also be used.
Parmesan Cheese: Nutritional yeast is a great dairy-free option.
Lemon Juice: You can use fresh lemon juice or bottled lemon juice. Lime juice or white wine vinegar can be used instead.
Italian Seasoning: A mix of dried basil, oregano, and thyme can replace Italian seasoning.
Mustard Powder: 1 teaspoon of Dijon mustard can be used as a substitute.
Garlic Powder: Fresh minced garlic, about 1/2 teaspoon, can replace garlic powder.
Salt: Sea salt or pink Himalayan salt can be used instead.
Black Pepper: Freshly ground black pepper is a good alternative.
How to Make My Creamy Salad Dressing Recipe
Here are easy, detailed, step-by-step instructions for making your own olive garden dressing. The instructions are also repeated in the recipe card at the bottom of this blog post.
Step 1: Combine the Ingredients
In a medium mixing bowl, add the light olive oil, mayo, red wine vinegar, parmesan cheese, lemon juice, Italian seasoning, mustard powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Using a whisk, blend all the ingredients together until the dressing is smooth and creamy. Make sure the mayo is fully incorporated into the mixture.
Step 2: Season to Taste
Taste the dressing and adjust the seasonings as needed. If you prefer a tangier dressing, add a bit more vinegar or lemon juice. For a creamier texture, add a bit more mayo. Transfer the dressing to an airtight container and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
Recipe Notes:
Texture: If you prefer a thicker dressing, increase the amount of mayo or add a bit of Greek yogurt. For a thinner dressing, add a bit more olive oil or vinegar.
Flavor Adjustments: Adjust the seasoning to your taste. Add more garlic powder or fresh minced garlic for a more garlicky flavor. Increase the amount of Italian seasoning if you prefer a more herbaceous dressing. You can also use a homemade Italian seasoning blend if you prefer.
Sweetness: If you like a hint of sweetness in your dressing, add a small amount of honey or maple syrup. Start with a teaspoon and adjust to taste.
Serving Suggestions for this Delicious Salad Dressing
- Classic Italian Salad: Toss the dressing with crisp lettuce, sliced red onion, pepperoncini peppers, black olives, and halved cherry tomatoes. Top with homemade croutons for added crunch.
- Pasta Salad: Mix the dressing into a pasta salad with cooked pasta, diced roma tomatoes, sliced black olives, red onion, and pepperoncini peppers. Add grilled chicken for a hearty meal.
- Grilled Chicken Marinade: Use the dressing as a marinade for grilled chicken. Serve the chicken over a bed of mixed greens, red onion, cherry tomatoes, and black olives, drizzled with extra dressing.
- Savory Vegetable Dip: Serve the dressing as a dip for fresh vegetables like red bell pepper strips, cucumber slices, and cherry tomatoes. Add a touch of sweetness by stirring in a few teaspoons of honey if desired.
- Homemade Crouton Topping: Drizzle the dressing over a salad made with crisp romaine, red onion, roma tomatoes, black olives, and pepperoncini peppers. Top with homemade croutons for a delicious crunch.
Do you love homemade dressings? Check out more of my easy and nutritious dressing recipes:
Creamy Italian Dressing Quick Olive Garden Copycat
Ingredients
- 1/3 cup light olive oil
- 3 tablespoons mayo
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 2 tablespoons parmesan cheese (grated)
- 2 teaspoons lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon mustard powder (or dijon mustard)
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- dash pepper
Instructions
- In a medium mixing bowl, add the light olive oil, mayo, red wine vinegar, parmesan cheese, lemon juice, Italian seasoning, mustard powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Using a whisk, blend all the ingredients together until the dressing is smooth and creamy. Make sure the mayo is fully incorporated into the mixture.
- Taste the dressing and adjust the seasonings as needed. If you prefer a tangier dressing, add a bit more vinegar or lemon juice. For a creamier texture, add a bit more mayo. Transfer the dressing to an airtight container and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
Video
Notes
Nutrition
This recipe has been reviewed by a healthcare professional for its nutritional balance and alignment with healthy eating principles.
This recipe is Outstanding………..Thank-you
You’re so welcome, JR Costa! I’m so glad you enjoyed it 🙂
Adding that little bit of lemon juice really made the difference.
Tasted just like Olive Gardens version!
Thank you for the review, Elena! I’m so glad you liked it 🙂
Super creamy, me and my husband loved it!
Thank you, Haley, for taking the time to leave a review! I appreciate it 🙂
Love this! It seriously took less than five minutes to make. Adding the parmesan cheese is brilliant!
Thank you for the review, Donelle! 🙂
I’m excited to share this super easy salad dressing recipe with you! It tastes just like Olive Garden but healthier 🙂