Texas Roadhouse Italian Dressing Recipe

Texas Roadhouse Italian dressing is a zesty, flavorful condiment that’s easy to recreate at home.

You’ll love how this tangy dressing enhances your salads with its perfect blend of herbs and spices.

I’ve found that using high-quality olive oil makes a noticeable difference in the taste and texture of this dressing.

Adding grated Romano cheese adds a delicious savory depth that sets this dressing apart from store-bought varieties.

You can also use this versatile dressing as a marinade for chicken or vegetables to infuse them with Italian-inspired flavors.

How to Make Texas Roadhouse Italian Dressing Recipe

Ingredients

• 1 cup Olive oil
• 1/4 cup Red wine vinegar
• 2 tbsp Water
• 1 tsp Sugar
• 1 tsp Salt
• 1/2 tsp Black pepper
• 1/2 tsp Garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp Onion powder
• 1 tsp Dried oregano
• 1 tsp Dried basil
• 1/4 tsp Red pepper flakes

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1:

In a mixing bowl, combine the olive oil and red wine vinegar.

Step 2:

Add the water, sugar, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder to the bowl.

Step 3:

Sprinkle in the dried oregano, dried basil, and red pepper flakes.

Step 4:

Whisk all the ingredients together until they’re well combined and the sugar has dissolved.

Step 5:

Taste the dressing and adjust the seasonings if needed.

Step 6:

Transfer the dressing to a glass jar or bottle with a tight-fitting lid.

Step 7:

Shake the jar vigorously to emulsify the dressing before each use.

Serving size: This recipe yields about 1 1/2 cups of dressing, enough for 8-10 salads.

Total preparation time: 10 minutes

Total cooking time: No cooking required

Tips and Tricks for Making This Recipe

Use Fresh Herbs

If you have fresh herbs on hand, I recommend using them instead of dried ones for a brighter flavor.

Adjust the Consistency

You can add a bit more olive oil if you prefer a thinner dressing or reduce it slightly for a thicker consistency.

Make It Spicier

For those who like extra heat, increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add a dash of hot sauce.

Experiment with Vinegars

Try substituting balsamic or white wine vinegar for the red wine vinegar to create different flavor variations.

Let It Marinate

I find that letting the dressing sit in the refrigerator for a few hours before use allows the flavors to meld beautifully.

What to Serve with Texas Roadhouse Italian Dressing

Classic Garden Salad

A crisp garden salad is the perfect canvas for showcasing the tangy flavors of Texas Roadhouse Italian dressing.

You can toss together a mix of fresh romaine lettuce, juicy tomatoes, crunchy cucumbers, and sliced red onions for a refreshing combination.

Add some croutons for extra crunch and sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese to complement the Italian flavors of the dressing.

Grilled Chicken Breast

Texas Roadhouse Italian dressing makes an excellent marinade for grilled chicken breast, infusing it with zesty flavors.

You can marinate the chicken for a few hours before grilling, then serve it sliced over a bed of greens or alongside your favorite vegetables.

The dressing can also be drizzled over the cooked chicken as a flavorful sauce, adding moisture and extra zing to your meal.

Roasted Vegetable Medley

A colorful mix of roasted vegetables pairs wonderfully with the tangy notes of Texas Roadhouse Italian dressing.

You can roast a combination of bell peppers, zucchini, eggplant, and cherry tomatoes, then drizzle them with the dressing for a burst of flavor.

This side dish offers a healthy and delicious option that complements the dressing’s herbal and tangy profile.

Grilled Portobello Mushrooms

For a unique twist, try serving grilled portobello mushrooms alongside your Texas Roadhouse Italian dressing.

You can marinate the mushrooms in the dressing before grilling, allowing them to absorb the savory flavors.

These meaty mushrooms make a great vegetarian option and pair beautifully with the zesty notes of the dressing.

Variations and Substitutions

You can easily customize this Texas Roadhouse Italian dressing recipe to suit your taste preferences!

For a tangier flavor, try increasing the amount of white vinegar or adding a splash of balsamic vinegar.

Herb Options

Fresh herbs like basil and oregano can replace dried ones for a more vibrant taste.

You might experiment with adding a pinch of thyme or rosemary for a unique twist.

Oil Alternatives

While soybean oil is traditional, extra virgin olive oil can give the dressing a richer Mediterranean flavor.

Avocado oil is another great option for a heart-healthy twist on this classic dressing.

Sweetener Swaps

If you’re watching your sugar intake, you can substitute honey or maple syrup for the granulated sugar.

For a low-calorie version, try using a sugar substitute like stevia or monk fruit sweetener.

How to Store Leftover Texas Roadhouse Italian Dressing

Refrigeration

Transfer your leftover Texas Roadhouse Italian dressing to an airtight container.

Place the container in the refrigerator to keep it fresh and flavorful.

Your homemade dressing will stay good for up to 5-7 days when stored properly in the fridge.

Labeling

Don’t forget to label your container with the date you made the dressing.

This will help you keep track of how long it’s been stored and when it’s time to use it up.

Shaking Before Use

Give the container a good shake before using your stored dressing.

This will help recombine any ingredients that may have separated during storage.

You’ll get that perfect Texas Roadhouse Italian dressing consistency every time!

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Overdressing the Salad

You might be tempted to pour on extra dressing, but less is more!

Too much dressing can overpower the other flavors and make your salad soggy.

Start with a small amount and add more if needed – you can always drizzle on extra later.

Skipping the Emulsification Step

Don’t rush through whisking the oil and vinegar together – it’s crucial for a smooth texture!

I’ve found that slowly drizzling in the oil while whisking vigorously helps blend everything perfectly.

This step prevents your dressing from separating later, giving you that creamy Texas Roadhouse consistency.

Using the Wrong Oil

Soybean oil gives this dressing its signature flavor, so swapping it out changes the whole taste.

If you absolutely can’t find soybean oil, try using a neutral vegetable oil instead.

Avoid strongly flavored oils like extra virgin olive oil, which will overpower the other ingredients.