I have no idea why it's taken me so long to post this, but I will delay no longer! Multiple people agree it tastes nearly identical to Olive Garden's dressing, which means it is DELICIOUS! The secret (perhaps surprising) ingredient is the mayo.
Food Network magazine published a take on Olive Garden's Salad a year or two ago*, and I tweaked it to come up with this version.
I like to serve it with an Olive Garden-inspired salad of romaine lettuce, sliced tomatoes, black olives, sliced red onion, and a bit more mozzarella cheese.
Amazing "Olive Garden" Creamy Italian Salad Dressing
Makes about 3/4 cup
1/4 c. olive oil
1 T. red wine vinegar
1 T. regular (white) vinegar
3 T. lite mayonnaise (regular is fine too)
2 T. water
1 T. lemon juice
1/2 t. garlic salt
1.2 t. pepper
3/4 t. dried Italian seasoning
1 T. finely shredded mozzarella cheese
Combine all dressing ingredients except cheese in a measuring cup or small bowl. Whisk until well combined. Add cheese and stir until combined.
Keeps for about 1 week in the refrigerator, so can be made 1-2 days in advance.
* http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/almost-famous-garden-salad-recipe/index.html
