Which salad dressing does Olive Garden use? The Truth Behind the Signature Italian and Healthier Diet Options

October 19, 2025 •

4 min read

For nearly 30 years, Olive Garden's Signature Italian Dressing has been a key reason for the restaurant's famous salad popularity. So, which salad dressing does Olive Garden use? It's a zesty, creamy vinaigrette available both in-house and in stores, but understanding its nutritional profile is essential for a balanced diet.

Quick Summary

Olive Garden uses a bottled Signature Italian Dressing, a creamy, tangy Italian blend with herbs and cheese, that can also be purchased in stores. The dressing's nutritional profile, including high sodium and less healthy oils, contrasts with fresher homemade alternatives, which offer greater ingredient control.

Key Points

Signature Italian Dressing: Olive Garden uses a creamy, tangy Signature Italian Dressing, which is also sold in bottles in grocery stores.
High Sodium Content: The store-bought dressing is high in sodium and contains processed ingredients like soybean oil and high fructose corn syrup.
Homemade Offers Control: Making a copycat version at home provides complete control over ingredients, allowing for reduced sodium and sugar.
Healthier Alternatives: Options like balsamic vinaigrettes, yogurt-based dressings, and tahini dressings are more nutritious and can be made easily at home.
Check Labels: When buying any store-bought dressing, check labels for lower sodium, saturated fat, and added sugar to make a healthier choice.
Restaurant vs. Store-Bought: While the recipe is supposedly the same, some customers report slight taste differences between the restaurant and store-bought versions.
T. Marzetti Company: The bottled Olive Garden dressing is produced by T. Marzetti Company, not directly by Olive Garden itself.

The Famous Signature Italian Dressing

Olive Garden is famous for its never-ending salad bowl, and a huge part of its appeal is the distinctive dressing. The restaurant serves its “Signature Italian Dressing,” a light, creamy, and crisp-tasting vinaigrette crafted with classic Italian spices, oil, and vinegar. The secret to its signature flavor and texture comes from a blend of Romano cheese, egg, and a mix of herbs like parsley, basil, and oregano, giving it a sweet and tangy profile.

For those who crave the taste at home, the good news is you don't need to steal a chef's secret. The restaurant chain sells its branded dressing in grocery stores across the country, as confirmed by its website and retailers. This bottled version is made by the T. Marzetti Company, a specialty foods manufacturer that has produced the dressing for the restaurant for decades. However, loyal fans and food critics sometimes debate whether the store-bought version tastes exactly the same as the freshly-tossed restaurant salad, with some suggesting minor differences in thickness or flavor.

A Look at the Nutritional Profile

From a nutritional diet perspective, the enjoyment of Olive Garden's dressing comes with a trade-off. While delicious, the store-bought Signature Italian Dressing has certain ingredients and nutritional information to be aware of. According to product labels, a standard 2-tablespoon serving contains:

Calories: 80
Total Fat: 8g (10% Daily Value)
Saturated Fat: 1.5g (7% Daily Value)
Sodium: 540mg (23% Daily Value)
Added Sugars: 2g (4% Daily Value)

Key ingredients listed include water, soybean oil, distilled vinegar, and high fructose corn syrup. The primary oil used is soybean oil, which is a low-cost, processed oil common in many store-bought dressings. The sodium content is particularly high, clocking in at nearly a quarter of the daily recommended limit in just one small serving. For those watching their intake for heart health or other dietary reasons, this is an important factor to consider.

Homemade vs. Store-Bought: A Nutritional Comparison

Choosing between a store-bought and a homemade dressing is a central tenet of a proactive nutrition diet plan. Making your own version puts you in complete control of the ingredients, allowing you to tailor it to your health goals.


Feature	Store-Bought Olive Garden Dressing	Homemade Copycat Dressing	Healthier Homemade Alternative
Primary Oil	Soybean Oil	User's choice (e.g., Extra Virgin Olive Oil)	User's choice (e.g., Avocado Oil)
Sweeteners	High Fructose Corn Syrup, Sugar	User's choice (e.g., Honey, Maple Syrup, or omitted)	None or natural sweeteners
Sodium Control	High (540mg per 2 tbsp)	Full control over added salt	Full control over added salt
Preservatives	Contains preservatives for shelf life	None, uses fresh ingredients	None, uses fresh ingredients
Freshness	Processed for long shelf life	Made fresh for immediate use	Made fresh for immediate use

Craft Your Own Healthier Copycat Dressing

Making a copycat version of the famous dressing is simpler than you might think and offers significant nutritional advantages. By starting with fresh ingredients, you can avoid processed oils, high fructose corn syrup, and excess sodium.

Healthier Copycat Olive Garden Dressing Recipe

Ingredients:

3/4 cup high-quality extra virgin olive oil
1/3 cup white vinegar
1/4 cup water
1 tbsp mayonnaise (use avocado-oil based for healthier fats)
1 tsp Dijon mustard
1 tsp granulated sugar (or less, to taste)
1 tsp Italian seasoning (or individual herbs)
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/4 cup grated Romano cheese (optional, reduce salt if using)
Salt and freshly cracked black pepper, to taste

Instructions:

In a bowl or blender, combine the vinegar, water, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, sugar, Italian seasoning, and garlic powder. Mix well.
Slowly whisk in the olive oil until the dressing is emulsified and creamy. Alternatively, blend all ingredients for a smoother texture.
Stir in the grated Romano cheese, if using.
Season with salt and pepper to taste, being mindful of the cheese's saltiness.
For best results, refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Shake or whisk again before serving.

Discover Healthier Salad Dressing Alternatives

Beyond a homemade copycat, there are many other nutritious alternatives that can keep your diet exciting without the added sodium and preservatives. Focusing on ingredients like healthy fats (avocado oil), natural sweeteners, and fresh herbs is key.

Simple Balsamic Vinaigrette: Combine extra virgin olive oil and balsamic vinegar in a 3:1 ratio. Add a little Dijon mustard to help it emulsify and season with fresh herbs like basil and oregano.
Creamy Yogurt Dressing: Blend plain Greek yogurt with lemon juice, minced garlic, fresh dill, and a touch of olive oil for a creamy, protein-rich option.
Avocado Ranch Dressing: Blend a ripe avocado with Greek yogurt, lemon juice, milk, and herbs like chives and parsley for a creamy, healthy-fat-rich dressing.
Tahini Dressing: A creamy vegan option made from tahini paste, lemon juice, minced garlic, and water. It is rich in healthy fats and offers a unique, nutty flavor.

Conclusion: Making Informed Dressing Choices

Understanding which salad dressing does Olive Garden use reveals a popular product with a flavorful but nutritionally compromised profile, primarily due to high sodium and the use of cheaper, processed ingredients like soybean oil and high fructose corn syrup. While convenient, the store-bought version can be a roadblock for those on a stricter nutrition diet.

Making informed choices starts with reading product labels for store-bought options or, better yet, opting for homemade versions. By crafting your own dressing, you gain complete control over the quality of ingredients, allowing you to prioritize healthy fats from oils like extra virgin olive oil or avocado oil while managing sodium and added sugar. Embracing homemade or exploring other nutritious alternatives is a flavorful and simple way to enhance your health goals without sacrificing taste. For more healthy eating tips, resources like EatingWell offer a wealth of information and recipes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Olive Garden uses its "Signature Italian Dressing," a creamy, tangy vinaigrette that has been a long-time favorite for guests.

The bottled version sold in stores is claimed to be the same recipe used in restaurants and is produced by the T. Marzetti Company. However, some loyal customers report slight flavor or texture differences, possibly due to freshness or batch variations.

The store-bought version's ingredients include water, soybean oil, distilled vinegar, high fructose corn syrup, salt, egg, Romano cheese, and various spices.

A homemade version is typically healthier because you can use higher-quality oils like extra virgin olive oil, avoid high fructose corn syrup, and significantly reduce the sodium and sugar content to your preference.

Yes, in addition to the Signature Italian, Olive Garden also offers a Light Italian option in the restaurant and a Classic Caesar dressing in stores.

Healthier alternatives include simple balsamic vinaigrettes, yogurt-based dressings, avocado ranch, or a nutty tahini dressing. These options are often lower in saturated fat, sodium, and sugar, especially when made at home.

The Signature Italian Dressing is widely available in grocery stores, large retail chains like Walmart and Costco, or online at retailers like Amazon.