This easy to make copycat dry mix unlocks the secret to recreating everyone's favorite Olive Garden Salad Dressing recipe.
Made with the perfect blend of spices, you can easily store it in your pantry and whip up a batch and transform any simple salad into a flavorful dinner option whenever the craving strikes.
This is just one flavorful way to create your own spice blends and mixes... there are so many more delicious combinations to discover!
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Say goodbye to store-bought bottles and hello to a homemade dressing that tastes even better than the original.
This homemade dressing mix is perfect for more than just salads! Its creamy texture and tangy flavor make it a delicious marinade for chicken or shrimp, a zesty dip for vegetables or breadsticks, or a flavorful topping for baked potatoes or pasta salad.
Looking for more salad recipes? Try my Homemade Italian Salad Dressing, Homemade Ranch Dressing or my sister's recipe for Creamy Pasta Salad.
Table of Contents
Recipe Tips
Use fresh, high-quality spices for the best flavor. Avoid old or stale spices as they can negatively impact the overall taste of your blend.
Don't be afraid to try new combinations of spices. Experiment with different ratios.
It's always best to start with a small batch when creating a new spice blend. This allows you to adjust the flavors as needed before committing to a larger quantity.
Always label your spice blends with the name and date of creation. This will help you keep track of their freshness and identify them easily in your pantry.
Helpful Kitchen Tools
Good Grips Twist & Pour Salad Dressing Mixer, Gray, 14 ounces, 0.44 qt
4oz Glass Jars With Lids(Silver),Mason Jars,Ideal For Honey,Jam,Wedding Favor,DIY Magnetic Mini Spice Jars For Kitchen,Set of 40Mason Jar LabelsMason Jar Lid Labels, Removable Canning Label, Waterproof Write-On Meal Prep Label for Food Container, Glass Bottle, Canned Jams, Preserve, Home & Kitchen Organization, 90 (Forest Streams)
📋Ingredients
This is an overview of the ingredients and instructions. Be sure to see the recipe card below for exact quantities, detailed instructions and special notes.
Substitutions and Variations
This is not a "thick and creamy" salad dressing, so a little goes a long way.
Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the mix for a fiery twist. Adjust the amount to your desired level of heat.
f you love the cheesy notes in the original dressing, try adding a tablespoon of grated Parmesan cheese to the dry mix.
eel free to experiment with different combinations of spices and herbs to create your own signature blend that perfectly suits your taste preferences.
How to make the Seasoning Mix
Step 1: In a small bowl, combine the garlic powder, salt, and sugar. Whisk together until thoroughly blended.
Step 2: Season the mixture with a generous pinch of black pepper. Then for a subtle kick, add the red pepper flakes.
Step 3: Sprinkle the fragrant Italian seasoning into the bowl. Give the mixture a final whisk to ensure all the spices are evenly distributed.
Step 4: Then start combining everything together.
Step 5: Once combined, add the dry mix to a mason jar. Store the container in a cool, dark place like a pantry or cupboard away from direct sunlight and heat sources like the stove or oven for up to six months.
How to make Olive Garden Salad Dressing
In a mixing bowl, whisk together the seasoning mix and the following ingredients:
- Olive Oil
- White Vinegar
- Water
- Mayonnaise
- Lemon Juice
Drizzle the creamy, tangy dressing generously over a bed of crisp salad greens and enjoy!
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Storage Instructions for the Dry Mix
Choose an airtight container, such as a glass jar, mason jar, or a spice container with a tight-fitting lid. This will prevent moisture and air from affecting the quality of the spices.
Store the container in a cool, dark place like a pantry or cupboard away from direct sunlight and heat sources like the stove or oven. Heat and light can degrade the flavors and aromas of the spices.
Label the container with the name of the spice blend and the date you made it. This will help you track its freshness and ensure you use it before it loses its potency.
Most dry spice mixes can last for several months, up to a year if stored properly. However, over time, the flavors may fade slightly. It's best to use them within 6 months for optimal taste.
Storage Instructions for the Salad Dressing
After combining the dry seasoning mix with mayonnaise, vinegar, and oil to create your Olive Garden-inspired salad dressing, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Glass jars with tight-fitting lids or mason jars are ideal for storing dressings. Be sure to label the container with the date and consume the dressing within 7-10 days for optimal freshness.
More Recipes to Love
If you're looking for a simple non-creamy salad dressing, try this Balsamic Vinaigrette Dressing.
📖 Recipe Card
Copycat Olive Garden Salad Dressing
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 ½ teaspoons Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- ½ cup olive oil extra virgin
- ¼ cup white vinegar
- 2 teaspoons lemon juice
- 4 tablespoons water
Method
- Mix all the above together in a bowl and mix well.
- Taste for extra seasonings.
- Store in a mason jar in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.
- Combine the wet ingredients together in a bowl.
- Add the dry seasoning mix.
- Combine well. Store in the refrigerator until ready to serve over salad greens.
Nutrition
Notes
- Store the dry mix in an airtight container for freshness. It should remain fresh for up to 3-6 months.
- The dried herbs and spices in the mix will retain their flavor and aroma best when kept away from heat, light, and moisture.
- When ready to use, simply combine with your preferred wet ingredients to create a luscious salad dressing.
- Once you combine the seasoning mix with the wet ingredients, store the salad dressing in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.
- This also makes a great hostess gift! Simply package the dry mix in a decorative jar with a ribbon and a recipe card for a personalized touch.
Tried this recipe?
Let us know how it was!copycat-olive-garden-salad-dressing/
Pam says
This looks really good. I love Olive Garden dressing, and this is such a clean way to make it. I will be featuring this post at Thursday Favorite Things tomorrow. 🙂
Daelynn DeDe Monakino says
I just pinned this and plan to make it tonight with my Ribeye steaks, Julienne Potatoes, and green salad. Oh yum ! ♥
Chatty Crone says
I pinned this and sent it to my daughter! lol sandie
Catherine says
Dear Lois, Happy Blessed Birthday to you.
I like homemade salad dressing too. It is so much better in every way.
I bet this dressing was terrific.
With this hear I have been making a lot of salads too.
Blessings dearest. Catherine xo
Tammy says
Loove creamy salad dressings...I am such a big baby when it comes to salads. I need croutons and salad dressing...preferably creamy dressings.
Sounds delicious, Lois! ...I bet its actually better than the Olive Garden 😉
Happy Belated Birthday! And thank you for visiting and sharing my brownies. You're so sweet.
Toodles,
Tammy<3
April says
Sure sounds good to me, Lois! Thanks a bunch for sharing it! Please stop by my blog today! I'm having an Easy Canvas giveaway and would sure love for you to join in on the fun! 🙂