Texas Roadhouse Italian Salad Dressing Recipe

Texas Roadhouse Italian Salad Dressing always takes me back to the summers I spent at my grandmother’s kitchen table. The air would hum with the scent of fresh herbs she’d picked from her garden—basil, oregano, parsley—laid out like a painter’s palette. She’d whisk together oil, vinegar, and spices in her old glass jar, humming a tune as sunlight streamed through the window.

We’d drizzle it over crisp garden greens, laughing about nothing and everything. Now, every time I make it, I’m right back there—home, loved, and happy. If you’re craving that same comfort, why not try something equally nostalgic? You might enjoy making my Midwest Cornbread Dressing—a dish that’s just as heartwarming and full of memories. It’s the perfect addition to any meal, especially when you want a little taste of home.

What Makes Texas Roadhouse Italian Salad Dressing So Special?

There’s something about this Texas Roadhouse Italian Salad Dressing that feels like sunshine in a jar. The first spoonful greets you with a bright, tangy salad dressing kick, followed by the warmth of fresh herbs for salad dressing—basil, parsley, and oregano. It’s not just zesty; it has that smooth, almost creamy Italian salad dressing texture that clings perfectly to each leaf.

Unlike heavy store-bought versions, it feels fresh, homemade, and alive with flavor. Every batch is a reminder that the best Italian dressing doesn’t just coat your salad—it transforms it into something memorable. Looking for another tasty addition to your meal? Try my Texas Roadhouse Broccoli for a perfect pairing that complements your salad and adds an extra burst of flavor!

Ingredients for Texas Roadhouse Italian Salad Dressing Recipe

The beauty of this Texas Roadhouse Italian Salad Dressing is how simple and fresh it feels. You don’t need fancy ingredients—just a few pantry staples and garden herbs to bring it to life.

• Olive oil – smooth and rich, the base of every good dressing.
• Red wine vinegar – adds that perfect tang.
• Fresh herbs for salad dressing – parsley, oregano, and basil for garden-fresh flavor.
• Garlic – minced for a warm, savory kick.
• Sugar or honey – a touch of sweetness to balance the vinegar.
• Salt and black pepper – to taste.

This mix creates the balance that makes the best Italian dressing—zesty, tangy, and irresistible.

Equipment and Tools

To make this easy Italian salad dressing recipe, you’ll only need a few kitchen basics:

• Mixing bowl
• Whisk
• Measuring spoons and cups
• Glass jar or airtight container

Cooking Time and Servings

• Prep time: 10 minutes
• Cooking time: None (it’s a no-cook recipe)
• Total time: 10 minutes
• Servings: 6 People

How to Make Copycat Texas Roadhouse Italian Salad Dressing Recipe

This easy Copycat Texas Roadhouse Italian Salad Dressing recipe is quick enough for a busy weeknight, but it still feels special—like something you’d proudly serve to friends or family. Here’s how to make it in five simple, stress-free steps.

Step 1: Mix the base: Pour ¾ cup olive oil and ¼ cup red wine vinegar into a mixing bowl or Mason jar. This is where your dressing starts to come alive. The olive oil brings a smooth, velvety mouthfeel, while the vinegar adds that bright, tangy salad dressing bite Texas Roadhouse fans adore.

Step 2: Add the flavor boosters: Stir in 2 minced garlic cloves, 1 teaspoon of sugar (or honey for a softer sweetness), and your fresh herbs for salad dressing—parsley, oregano, and basil. Fresh herbs give a burst of garden-fresh flavor, but dried herbs work too if that’s what you have on hand.

Step 3: Season well: Sprinkle in ½ teaspoon salt and ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper. This step might seem simple, but seasoning is what makes all the other flavors sing. Don’t be afraid to taste as you go.

Step 4: Blend until smooth: Whisk the mixture for about 30 seconds until the oil and vinegar form a light emulsion. If you love a creamy Italian salad dressing texture, pop everything into a blender for 20 seconds, or give it a good shake in a sealed jar.

Step 5: Taste and adjust: Take a small spoonful and see how it feels. Too tangy? Add a touch more oil or honey. Not zesty enough? A splash of vinegar will fix that. Want a little heat? A pinch of red pepper flakes works wonders. In minutes, you’ll have the best Italian dressing—perfect for tossing over crisp greens, drizzling on pasta salad, or using as an Italian dressing marinade for chicken and vegetables.

Serving Ideas for Texas Roadhouse Italian Salad Dressing Recipe

This homemade Texas Roadhouse Italian Salad Dressing is so much more than a salad topper—it’s a flavor booster for almost anything you can dream up. Here are some of my favorite ways to use it:

1. Classic Green Salad: Drizzle over crisp romaine, cherry tomatoes, cucumber slices, and thinly sliced red onions. The zesty Italian dressing brightens every bite, adding tang, freshness, and just enough spice to make simple greens taste restaurant-worthy. It’s the perfect go-to for a quick, healthy lunch or side dish. For another fresh and flavorful option, check out my Calvin’s Bocage Chicken Salad.

2. Pasta Salad: Toss cooked rotini or penne with bell peppers, black olives, cherry tomatoes, and cubes of mozzarella. Add a generous pour of this pasta salad dressing and chill for an hour. The flavors blend beautifully, making it ideal for picnics, potlucks, or make-ahead lunches.

3. Marinade for Proteins: Use this as an Italian dressing marinade for chicken, shrimp, or tofu. The vinegar tenderizes the meat while the herbs infuse flavor. Marinate for at least 30 minutes before grilling or roasting, and you’ll have juicy, flavorful results without any complicated prep work.

4. Roasted Vegetables: Before roasting carrots, zucchini, potatoes, or asparagus, toss them in this tangy salad dressing. The oil helps them crisp up, while the herbs and vinegar give them a bold, savory flavor. It’s an easy way to turn everyday veggies into a dish you’ll crave.

5. Bread Dip: Pour the dressing into a small bowl and serve alongside warm, crusty bread. The creamy Italian salad dressing texture clings to the bread, delivering bursts of herby, tangy goodness in every bite. It’s simple, elegant, and perfect for entertaining guests or a cozy night in. For another delightful treat, try my Amish Banana Nut Bread, the perfect pairing for any occasion.

Tips for Texas Roadhouse Italian Salad Dressing

We’ve learned a lot from our Cookupp community, and I’m excited to share some of their best tips to make this Texas Roadhouse Italian Salad Dressing even better. These tricks come from fellow home cooks who love this recipe and have found ways to make it even more customizable and tasty.

1. Adjust the Tanginess: If you love extra tang, feel free to add more red wine vinegar, or even a splash of lemon juice. Some people even try using balsamic vinegar for a deeper, sweeter taste. The beauty of this recipe is you can tailor it to your exact flavor preferences.

2. Use Fresh Herbs for Extra Flavor: Using fresh herbs, like parsley, oregano, and basil, makes a huge difference. It’s worth the extra step—fresh herbs bring out vibrant, garden-fresh flavors that dried herbs can’t quite match. If you’re short on fresh, try adding them in larger amounts for a punch of flavor.

3. Make It a Low-Calorie Dressing: For a low-calorie salad dressing, you can substitute half of the olive oil with Greek yogurt or use a lighter oil like avocado oil. This helps cut down on calories without sacrificing flavor. A little bit of mustard can also add richness without the extra fat.

4. Sweeten It Just Right: Some prefer a slightly sweeter dressing, especially when pairing it with spicy greens or stronger veggies. If you like it sweeter, try adding a little more honey or sugar. Start with a small amount and adjust until it’s just the right level of sweetness for you.

5. Make a Big Batch and Store It: If you make a large batch of dressing, store it in a mason jar or any airtight container. It’ll last up to a week in the fridge. Some people say it actually tastes even better the next day when the flavors have time to meld together.

These tips not only help you create the best Italian dressing but also allow you to make it your own. Whether you’re making a small batch for dinner tonight or preparing enough for a week’s worth of meals, these tweaks will elevate your experience and make the dressing even more enjoyable.

Different Variations of Texas Roadhouse Italian Salad Dressing Recipe

While the classic Texas Roadhouse Italian Salad dressing recipe is already a crowd-pleaser, there are several fun variations you can try to suit your tastes or dietary preferences. Whether you’re looking for a creamier texture, a healthier option, or a zesty twist, these ideas can take your dressing to the next level.

1. Creamy Italian Salad Dressing: If you love the rich, velvety texture of creamy dressings, you can easily make this creamy Homemade Italian Dressing by adding 2 tablespoons of mayonnaise or Greek yogurt to the mix. This gives it a thick, smooth consistency without compromising the bright, tangy flavors that make this dressing so special. It’s a great way to add richness to your salads or even use it as a dip for vegetables.

2. Low-Calorie Italian Dressing: For those watching their calories, it’s easy to make a low-calorie salad dressing without sacrificing taste. Substitute half of the olive oil with a lighter oil like avocado or use 2 tablespoons of Greek yogurt. This swaps out some of the fats while still delivering that delicious Italian flavor. You can also reduce the sugar or use a natural sweetener like stevia or honey for a lighter touch.

3. Extra Herb Version: If you’re a fan of herb-packed dressings, you can increase the amount of fresh herbs for salad dressing like parsley, basil, and oregano. Fresh herbs are aromatic and full of flavor, and adding extra will give your dressing a delightful, garden-fresh punch. You can even try adding other herbs like thyme, rosemary, or tarragon for a more complex, layered flavor profile.

4. Spicy Italian Dressing: For a little heat, consider making a spicy variation of this classic dressing. Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the mix for a subtle yet spicy kick. If you want it even spicier, throw in a chopped jalapeño or two! This fiery version is great for adding extra flavor to your salads or using as a marinade for grilled chicken or shrimp.

5. Vegan Italian Dressing: For a vegan Italian dressing, simply swap the honey with agave syrup and use a plant-based oil, such as olive oil or avocado oil. Skip the dairy-based ingredients and keep the fresh herbs and tangy vinegar for a delicious dressing that’s fully plant-based and perfect for vegan salads or roasted vegetables.

These variations are a fantastic way to customize the dressing to fit different preferences or dietary needs. Whether you’re looking for a creamy, spicy, or lighter version, these easy tweaks will make this Texas Roadhouse Italian Salad Dressing even more versatile for every meal.

How to Store Leftover Texas Roadhouse Italian Salad Dressing Recipe

After making this homemade Italian dressing, store it in a glass mason jar or any airtight container in the fridge. It will stay fresh for up to a week. If the oil solidifies, let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes, then shake or stir before using. Be sure to label the jar with the date, so you know when to make a new batch. This dressing is perfect for salads, marinades, or pasta dishes all week long!

FAQs about Texas Roadhouse Italian Salad Dressing Recipe

Here are answers to the most frequently asked questions about making Texas Roadhouse’s famous Italian salad dressing at home. Whether you’re a fan of its tangy, herbaceous flavor or looking to recreate it for your next meal, we’ve got you covered!

What is Texas Roadhouse Italian Dressing?

Texas Roadhouse Italian Dressing is a tangy, herb-infused salad dressing used in the restaurant’s signature salads. It’s made with a blend of olive oil, vinegar, and a mix of herbs like oregano, basil, and garlic powder. It has a slightly sweet and savory flavor profile, often enhanced by ingredients like Parmesan cheese and a pinch of red pepper flakes for subtle heat.

What is Italian salad dressing made of?

Italian salad dressing is a vinaigrette-style dressing typically made with a base of olive oil and vinegar (often white vinegar or red wine vinegar). It includes garlic, onion powder, and dried herbs like oregano, basil, and parsley. The dressing is also flavored with salt, pepper, and sometimes a touch of sugar for balance. Some variations add Parmesan cheese or mustard for added richness.

How can I adjust the flavor or thickness of the dressing?

To adjust the flavor, you can increase the vinegar for more tang, sugar for sweetness, or red pepper flakes for heat. For thicker dressing, add more Parmesan cheese or a spoonful of Greek yogurt or mayonnaise. You can also reduce the amount of water or oil to create a more concentrated dressing, which will naturally thicken it up.

What does Texas Roadhouse put on their salads?

Texas Roadhouse salads are typically made with iceberg lettuce, cheddar cheese, tomatoes, croutons, eggs, and often bacon (optional). These ingredients are topped with Texas Roadhouse Italian dressing, which gives the salad a tangy and herby flavor. The dressing’s unique combination of oil, vinegar, and seasonings ties the fresh vegetables together, creating a hearty and satisfying starter or side dish.

What are the ingredients in Italian salad dressing?

Italian salad dressing usually contains olive oil, vinegar, garlic powder, onion powder, and herbs like oregano, basil, and parsley. It is also seasoned with salt and black pepper. Some variations add mustard, Parmesan cheese, or sugar to balance the acidity and enhance the flavor. You can also include crushed red pepper flakes for a spicy kick if desired.

What are the ingredients in Texas Roadhouse salad?

The Texas Roadhouse salad typically includes iceberg lettuce, shredded cheddar cheese, diced tomatoes, hard-boiled eggs, croutons, and sometimes bacon. The salad is topped with their signature Texas Roadhouse Italian dressing, which is tangy and rich, perfectly complementing the fresh vegetables. The combination of creamy, tangy dressing and crunchy, fresh ingredients makes this salad a favorite.

How to make Italian dressing mix?

To make an Italian dressing mix, combine garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, dried basil, dried parsley, salt, and sugar in a small bowl or jar. Mix thoroughly. To make the dressing, add this seasoning mix to olive oil and vinegar, then whisk or shake well to combine. This mix can be stored for later use or made fresh whenever you need it.

What makes creamy Italian dressing creamy?

Creamy Italian dressing is made creamy by adding ingredients such as mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, or sour cream. These ingredients act as emulsifiers, combining the oil and vinegar while adding richness and smooth texture. Parmesan cheese is often included to enhance the creamy consistency and add flavor. The creamy version is less tangy than the traditional vinaigrette-style dressing and has a thicker, smoother texture.

Is the dressing spicy?

The typical Texas Roadhouse Italian Salad Dressing is not very spicy but can have a mild heat, especially if crushed red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper are included. The heat level depends on the recipe, and you can adjust it by adding more or less of these ingredients. If you want a spicy kick, feel free to add more red pepper flakes, hot sauce, or even fresh jalapeños to ramp up the heat.

Is Texas Roadhouse Italian dressing gluten-free?

Yes, Texas Roadhouse Italian Salad Dressing is generally gluten-free, as it contains no wheat-based ingredients. However, since recipes can change and cross-contamination is always a risk in restaurant kitchens, it’s always a good idea to ask the restaurant to confirm the dressing’s ingredients. If making at home, you can ensure it’s completely gluten-free by using certified gluten-free ingredients like the seasoning mixes and vinegar.

Conclusion

Making Texas Roadhouse Italian Salad Dressing at home is a simple yet flavorful way to elevate any meal. Whether you’re tossing it on a crisp salad, marinating chicken, or using it as a pasta salad dressing, it’s a versatile recipe that adds a burst of tangy goodness. With a few basic ingredients and easy steps, you can create a dressing that tastes just like the one at Texas Roadhouse—only fresher and made with love. Try it today and bring the restaurant experience right to your kitchen!

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