Authored by Veronika Fevers in Food and Cooking 
Published on 01-10-2010

The Olive Garden is as well known for its salads and salad dressings as it is for its pasta dishes. Anyone that has ever eaten at the Olive Garden knows just how delicious their salad dressing is. In this article, I will go over a few recipes for Olive Garden Salad Dressing so that you can duplicate the experience for your enjoyment at home. These recipes for Olive Garden salad dressing are as close to the real thing as possible-Enjoy!

The first recipe for Olive Garden Salad Dressing is as follows:

• 1/2 C. Mayonnaise
• 1/3 C. White Vinegar
• 1 tsp. Vegetable Oil
• 2 Tbsp. Corn Syrup
• 2 Tbsp. Parmesan Cheese
• 2 Tbsp. Romano Cheese
• 1/4 tsp. Garlic Salt – or one clove garlic minced
• 1/2 tsp. Italian Seasoning
• 1/2 tsp. Parsley Flakes
• 1 Tbsp. Lemon Juice

The mixture can then be mixed by hand in a carafe, or in a blender.

The second variation of the classic Olive Garden does not necessitate the use of mayonnaise. However, this variation on the Olive Garden salad dressing recipe is not as rich and creamy as the one using mayonnaise. Also, this recipe requires the use of raw egg, which may raise the concern of salmonella poisoning. Have no fear as the acid from the lemon juice and vinegar will kill present salmonella bacteria present. (If any)

• 1/2 cup white wine vinegar
• 1 tsp. fresh lemon juice
• 2 tbs. beaten egg (or egg beaters if you prefer)
• 1/3-cup water
• 1/3-cup vegetable oil
• ¼ cup corn syrup
• 3 tbs. fresh grated Romano cheese
• 2 tbs. dry unflavored pectin (can be found by Jell-O in the grocery store)
• 1 ¼ tsp. salt
• ½ tsp. minced garlic
• ¼ tsp. dried parsley
• ¼ tsp. dried oregano
• 1 pinch red pepper flakes

Once you have these ingredients together, blend them for 10 seconds. After you have blended the ingredients it is important to allow the mixture to rest refrigerated for about an hour. The longer you allow the ingredients for this recipe for Olive Garden salad dressing to sit, the better the result will be. I would suggest letting the Olive Garden salad dressing sit at least an hour prior to serving. You can also substitute red wine vinegar for white to give it your own twist.

To fully enjoy the experience of the Olive Garden salad dressing recipe, try it on a salad containing the following:

• Mixed greens (you can use the Dole brand prepackaged
  American Blend)
• Black olives (sliced)
• Pepperochinni
• Tomato (chopped)
• Red onion slices
• Croutons
• Grated Parmesan cheese
• Black pepper (optional)

By using these recipes for the traditional Olive Garden salad and dressing recipes you can enjoy the delicious taste of Olive Garden salad at home. Try using these recipes for family gatherings, office potlucks, or even a simple family dinner. Your friends and family will be impressed that you have the recipe for Olive Garden salad dressing…they may even be a tad envious.