Olive Garden’s signature salad dressing is a delightful blend that transforms a simple salad into a gourmet experience. Known for its creamy texture and rich, tangy flavor, this dressing has become a favorite among salad lovers. I remember the first time I visited Olive Garden; the endless salad bowl with its unique dressing left a lasting impression. The dressing was so delicious that it became the highlight of the meal. After several attempts, I finally recreated this iconic dressing at home, and it quickly became a staple in our household. Whether you’re looking to impress guests at a dinner party or simply elevate your everyday salads, this Olive Garden Salad Dressing recipe is sure to delight your taste buds.
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
Instructions
Preparation
Gather Ingredients: Before you begin, ensure you have all the ingredients ready. This will make the process smoother and quicker. Measure out the mayonnaise, white vinegar, vegetable oil, corn syrup, Parmesan cheese, Romano cheese, garlic salt, Italian seasoning, parsley flakes, and lemon juice.
Mixing Ingredients
Combine Ingredients in a Blender: Place all the ingredients into a blender. The mayonnaise will serve as the base, providing a creamy texture, while the vinegar adds the essential tanginess. The vegetable oil helps emulsify the dressing, ensuring it has a smooth consistency. Corn syrup adds a touch of sweetness to balance the acidity of the vinegar and lemon juice. The Parmesan and Romano cheeses give the dressing its rich, savory depth, while the garlic salt, Italian seasoning, and parsley flakes enhance the flavor profile with aromatic herbs and spices.
Blend Until Smooth: Blend the ingredients on medium speed until they are well mixed. This should take about 30 seconds to a minute. The goal is to achieve a smooth, homogeneous mixture without any lumps. If you prefer a chunkier texture, you can pulse the blender a few times instead of blending continuously.
Adjusting Flavor
Taste and Adjust: Once blended, taste the dressing and adjust the seasoning if needed. You can add more garlic salt if you prefer a stronger garlic flavor or a bit more corn syrup if you like it sweeter. If the dressing is too thick, you can thin it out with a little more vinegar or a splash of water.
Storing the Dressing
Transfer to a Container: Pour the blended dressing into a glass jar or a bottle with a tight-fitting lid. This will make it easy to shake and pour the dressing when needed.
Refrigerate: Store the dressing in the refrigerator for at least an hour before serving. This resting period allows the flavors to meld together, enhancing the overall taste. The dressing can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Over Your Favorite Salad: When ready to serve, shake the jar well to ensure the dressing is well mixed. Drizzle it over your favorite salad greens, such as romaine lettuce, cherry tomatoes, red onions, olives, and croutons. This dressing pairs wonderfully with a classic garden salad but can also elevate more complex salads with ingredients like grilled chicken, avocado, or roasted vegetables.
Variations and Substitutions
Healthier Option: For a lighter version, you can substitute the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt. This will reduce the calorie content while still providing a creamy texture.
Vegan Version: To make the dressing vegan, use a plant-based mayonnaise and substitute the Parmesan and Romano cheeses with nutritional yeast or a vegan cheese alternative.
Herb Variations: Feel free to experiment with different herbs. Fresh basil, dill, or chives can add a unique twist to the dressing. You can also adjust the amount of Italian seasoning and parsley flakes to suit your taste.
Sugar Substitute: If you prefer to avoid corn syrup, you can use honey, agave nectar, or maple syrup as a natural sweetener. Adjust the quantity to your desired level of sweetness.
Flavor Enhancements: For an extra burst of flavor, add a teaspoon of Dijon mustard or a splash of balsamic vinegar. These additions can provide a different dimension to the dressing, making it even more versatile.
Conclusion
Olive Garden Salad Dressing is a versatile and delicious addition to any salad. Its creamy, tangy, and slightly sweet flavor profile makes it a crowd-pleaser that’s sure to impress. The simplicity of the recipe means you can whip up a batch in no time, bringing a touch of restaurant-quality dining to your home. Whether you’re preparing a simple side salad or a more elaborate dish, this dressing adds a gourmet touch that elevates the entire meal. Plus, with the various substitutions and adjustments, you can tailor it to suit different dietary preferences and tastes. Enjoy the process of making this delightful dressing and savor the enhanced flavors it brings to your salads!
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OLIVE GARDEN SALAD DRESSING
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise: Base for the dressing providing a creamy texture.
- 1/3 cup white vinegar: Adds tanginess and balances the creamy mayonnaise.
- 1 teaspoon vegetable oil: Helps emulsify the dressing for a smooth consistency.
- 2 tablespoons corn syrup: Adds a touch of sweetness to balance the acidity.
- 2 tablespoons Parmesan cheese: Adds rich savory flavor to the dressing.
- 2 tablespoons Romano cheese: Enhances the cheesy savory profile.
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic salt: Adds a hint of garlic flavor with seasoning.
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning: Provides a blend of herbs for a classic Italian flavor.
- 1/2 teaspoon parsley flakes: Adds an aromatic herbaceous note.
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice: Adds brightness and acidity to the dressing.
Instructions
- Gather Ingredients: Measure and prepare all ingredients to ensure a smooth preparation process.
- Combine Ingredients in a Blender: Place mayonnaise, white vinegar, vegetable oil, corn syrup, Parmesan cheese, Romano cheese, garlic salt, Italian seasoning, parsley flakes, and lemon juice in a blender.
- Blend Until Smooth: Blend on medium speed for 30 seconds to 1 minute until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Taste and Adjust: Adjust seasoning to taste, adding more garlic salt or corn syrup if needed. Thin with a little vinegar or water if necessary.
- Transfer to a Container: Pour the dressing into a glass jar or bottle with a tight-fitting lid.
- Refrigerate: Chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour to allow flavors to meld.
- Serve Over Your Favorite Salad: Shake the jar well before drizzling the dressing over your preferred salad greens.
Notes
- Healthier Option: Substitute mayonnaise with Greek yogurt for a lighter version.
- Vegan Version: Use plant-based mayonnaise and nutritional yeast instead of cheese.
- Herb Variations: Try fresh basil, dill, or chives for a different flavor twist.
- Sugar Substitute: Use honey, agave nectar, or maple syrup in place of corn syrup.
- Flavor Enhancements: Add Dijon mustard or balsamic vinegar for extra flavor.
