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Olive Garden Salad Dressing — Recipe & How to Make It

Last Updated: March 1, 2026

The Olive Garden salad dressing is the secret weapon behind their iconic unlimited salad. This tangy, creamy Italian dressing turns a simple garden salad into something memorable — and you can make it at home.

The Famous Olive Garden Salad

Every meal at Olive Garden can start with their unlimited salad, which features a crisp mix of lettuce, tomatoes, black olives, pepperoncini peppers, red onion rings, and house-made croutons. But the real star is the dressing — the creamy Italian vinaigrette that ties everything together.

Simple At-Home Recipe

You don't need fancy ingredients to recreate this classic. Here's what you'll need:

  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 1/3 cup white wine vinegar
  • 1 tsp vegetable oil
  • 2 tbsp corn syrup or honey
  • 2 tbsp grated Parmesan-Romano blend
  • 1/4 tsp each: garlic salt, Italian seasoning, dried parsley
  • 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
  • Pinch of salt and black pepper

Step-by-Step Instructions

Combine all wet ingredients first, then whisk in the dry ingredients. Blend until smooth and uniform. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour — the longer it sits, the better the flavors develop. For the best taste, make it the night before.

Serving Tips

For the full Olive Garden salad experience at home, toss iceberg and romaine lettuce with sliced tomatoes, red onions, black olives, pepperoncini, and croutons. Drizzle generously with the homemade dressing and finish with a sprinkle of Parmesan.

Olive Garden Salad Dressing

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Olive Garden Salad Dressing — FAQ

Olive Garden uses their signature creamy Italian vinaigrette dressing on their garden salad. It's a blend of vinegar, Italian herbs, cheese, and a creamy base.
Mix mayonnaise, white vinegar, vegetable oil, corn syrup, Parmesan and Romano cheese, garlic salt, Italian seasoning, parsley, and lemon juice. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
Yes, the Olive Garden Garden Salad is unlimited for dine-in guests when ordered with an entrée. You can get as many refills as you want.
Olive Garden serves a garden salad with iceberg lettuce, tomatoes, red onion rings, black olives, pepperoncini peppers, and croutons, dressed with their creamy Italian vinaigrette.