Italian Restaurant-Style House Dressing

Created on November 22nd, 2025 at 08:40 am

Creamy, herb-infused Italian dressing

This creamy, herb-infused Italian dressing brings restaurant-style flavor to your own kitchen without any special equipment or hard-to-find ingredients. The texture is luxuriously smooth, with a gentle tang that brightens every bite, and the herbs add a savory depth that makes simple greens taste like something you’d order at a favorite Italian eatery. Whisked together in minutes, it strikes a balanced profile of creamy, zesty, and lightly garlicky, with a faint sweetness to round things out. The aroma alone is inviting, thanks to a mix of dried and fresh herbs that bloom as they’re folded into the base.

Use it to dress a classic garden salad with romaine, tomatoes, cucumbers, and red onions, or toss it with crisp lettuce, shaved Parmesan, and crunchy croutons for a quick side. It also works beautifully as a dip for raw vegetables, a spread for chicken sandwiches, or a drizzle over roasted vegetables and grain bowls. Make the dressing a few hours ahead and refrigerate to let the flavors meld; it thickens slightly as it chills and becomes even more cohesive by the next day. For a lighter version, whisk in a splash of water or milk until it reaches your preferred consistency. Whether you’re prepping a weeknight dinner or setting out a weekend spread, this versatile dressing adds a familiar, comforting note to the table while keeping the focus squarely on homemade goodness.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This dressing is a perfect blend of convenience and flavor. With just a few simple ingredients, you’ll create a creamy concoction that complements a variety of salads and dishes. The rich herbaceous notes combined with a hint of garlic and tangy vinegar create a depth of flavor that lingers pleasantly on the palate. Its balanced taste makes it versatile enough to pair with everything from mixed greens to grilled vegetables. Best of all, the dressing improves over time, allowing the flavors to meld, making it even more delightful the next day.

Time Breakdown

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 0 hours
Total Time: 10 minutes
Servings: 10

Ingredients List

• 1 cup mayonnaise
• 1/4 cup white vinegar
• 1/2 cup olive oil
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp onion powder
• 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1/2 tsp sugar
• Salt & pepper, to taste
• Optional: fresh parsley, minced, for garnish

Kitchen Tools

Creating this dressing is straightforward, requiring minimal tools to keep things simple. With the right equipment, you can prepare the dressing quickly and fuss-free.

• Mixing bowl
• Whisk or fork
• Measuring cups
• Measuring spoons
• Airtight container for storage

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. In a mixing bowl, combine the mayonnaise and white vinegar. Use a whisk or fork to blend them until smooth. The texture should be creamy, with no lumps remaining.
2. Gradually drizzle in the olive oil while whisking continuously. This helps to emulsify the dressing, giving it a rich consistency.
3. Add the garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, and sugar. Whisk again until the ingredients are thoroughly mixed and the dressing is smooth.
4. Season the mixture with salt and pepper to taste. Start with a small amount and adjust according to your preference.
5. Pour the dressing into an airtight container for easy storage. If desired, garnish with minced fresh parsley to add a pop of color and flavor.
6. Refrigerate the dressing for at least 30 minutes before serving. This resting time allows the flavors to meld beautifully, enhancing the overall taste.

Pro Tips

• Always taste and adjust the seasoning based on your preference before serving.
• For a zesty kick, consider adding a dash of lemon juice.
• Use high-quality olive oil for a richer flavor profile.
• Store the dressing in the refrigerator for up to a week, and shake well before each use.
• This dressing can also be used as a dipping sauce for vegetables or wings.

Creamy Flavor, Made Simple

This Olive Garden dressing copycat recipe effortlessly brings restaurant-quality flavor to your home meals. Its creamy texture and robust herbal notes ensure that every bite is satisfying. Whether drizzled over vibrant salads or enjoyed as a dipping sauce, the dressing offers a delightful experience. This dish proves that gourmet comfort can be simple and satisfying.

Nutrition Table

Nutrient	Amount (per serving)
Calories	140 kcal
Protein	1 g
Fat	15 g
Carbohydrates	1 g
Fiber	0 g
Sugar	1 g
Sodium	230 mg

Disclaimer: Nutrition facts are estimated using online tools and may vary based on your ingredients and preparation. Please consult a nutritionist for precise dietary advice.