Homemade Copycat Olive Garden Dressing Dry Mix Recipe
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This Homemade Copycat Olive Garden Dressing Dry Mix Recipe is perfect for whipping up restaurant-style salads in your kitchen whenever the craving strikes. We love making our own homemade dressings to avoid the extra chemicals of the store-bought versions.
If you’ve ever enjoyed a meal at Olive Garden, you know their yummy salad dressing is creamy, tangy, and bursting with Italian herbs and spices. But did you know you can recreate this signature dressing at home with a simple dry mix recipe?
The best part about making a dry mix is its versatility. You can keep it on hand to mix up fresh batches of salad dressing in minutes, gift it to friends and family, or even experiment with it as a seasoning in other recipes. This copycat recipe captures the essence of the beloved Olive Garden dressing with a few basic pantry staples, making it easy and cost-effective to prepare.
Ingredients for the Copycat Olive Garden Dressing Dry Mix
For the Dry Mix:
- 1 tablespoon of granulated sugar
- ½ teaspoon of garlic powder
- 1½ teaspoons of Italian seasoning (We make our own Italian Seasoning and it’s amazing)
- ½ teaspoon of kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon of fresh cracked black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon of red pepper flakes
For the Salad Dressing:
- ½ cup of extra virgin olive oil
- ¼ cup of white vinegar
- 4 tablespoons of water
- 2 tablespoons of grated parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons of mayonnaise
- 2 teaspoons of lemon juice
Step-by-Step Directions
Step 1: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a small mixing bowl, combine the granulated sugar, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, kosher salt, fresh cracked black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Stir the ingredients together until they are well combined. This simple dry mix forms the base of your copycat Olive Garden dressing, and it’s what gives the dressing its signature flavor.
Step 2: Store the Dry Mix
Once the dry ingredients are thoroughly mixed, transfer them to an airtight container, such as a small glass jar or a resealable plastic bag. This dry mix will stay fresh for several months if kept in a cool, dry place. For an extra touch, consider labeling the container with the name and date. You’ll now have a ready-to-use seasoning blend for whenever you want to whip up a fresh batch of salad dressing.
Step 3: Mix the Salad Dressing
When you’re ready to make the salad dressing, gather the remaining ingredients: extra virgin olive oil, white vinegar, water, Parmesan cheese, mayonnaise, and lemon juice. In a medium mixing bowl or jar, add 2 tablespoons of your prepared dry mix, along with the olive oil, vinegar, water, mayonnaise, and lemon juice. Whisk the ingredients together until they are fully combined and emulsified. If using a jar with a lid, you can also shake the dressing to combine the ingredients.
Step 4: Adjust to Taste
Taste your dressing and adjust the seasoning as needed. If you prefer a creamier consistency, you can add an extra tablespoon of mayonnaise. For a zestier flavor, add a little more lemon juice. This recipe is a great starting point, but it’s also flexible enough to accommodate your preferences.
Step 5: Serve or Store the Dressing
Once your dressing is mixed, it’s ready to be drizzled over a fresh salad. This recipe yields about 10 ounces of dressing, which is enough for a large salad or several smaller ones. If you have leftovers, store the dressing in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to a week. Be sure to give it a good shake before using, as the ingredients may separate over time.
Creative Ways to Use the Dry Mix
While this dry mix is perfect for making salad dressing, there are many other ways to use it in your cooking. Here are a few ideas:
- Marinade for Chicken or Steak: Combine a few tablespoons of the dry mix with olive oil and lemon juice to create a flavorful marinade for grilled chicken or steak.
- Seasoned Roasted Vegetables: Toss your favorite vegetables with olive oil and a sprinkle of the dry mix, then roast them in the oven for a delicious side dish.
- Sprinkle on Popcorn: Add a pinch of the dry mix to freshly popped popcorn for a savory, herby snack.
- Use in Pasta Salad: Stir the dry mix into mayonnaise or Greek yogurt to create a quick dressing for pasta salad. Add your favorite veggies and a sprinkle of parmesan for a satisfying dish.
Why This Recipe Works
This recipe captures the essence of Olive Garden’s signature dressing by balancing sweetness, tanginess, and savory flavors. The combination of Italian herbs, garlic, and red pepper flakes brings depth to the dressing, while the mayonnaise and olive oil give it that creamy texture we all love. Plus, the dry mix is easy to make in bulk, making it convenient to prepare fresh dressing whenever you need it.
Pro Tip: If you’re gifting the dry mix, layer the ingredients in a small glass jar for a beautiful presentation. Tie a ribbon around the jar and include a little tag with instructions for mixing the dressing. It’s a simple yet thoughtful gift that’s perfect for housewarmings, birthdays, or the holiday season.
Try this Homemade Copycat Olive Garden Dressing Dry Mix Recipe today and bring the taste of the restaurant right to your table!
Copycat Olive Garden Italian Dressing Dry Mix
Homemade Copycat Olive Garden Dressing Dry Mix Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- 1½ teaspoons Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon fresh cracked black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
Instructions
- In a small mixing bowl, combine the granulated sugar, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, kosher salt, fresh cracked black pepper, and red pepper flakes.
- Stir the ingredients together until they are well combined.
