Texas Roadhouse Italian Dressing (Sweet, Zesty, and Homemade)

Texas Roadhouse Italian dressing has that perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and herby flavors, elevating even the most basic salads. This copycat recipe nails that same delicious flavor profile, complete with the Parmesan undertone that makes it taste fresh from the restaurant—but it’s made with pantry staples in minutes! Whip up this dressing and a quick salad to go with this Texas Roadhouse herb crusted chicken or Texas Roadhouse grilled shrimp, and you'll have a meal straight from the restaurant in your kitchen!

Why I Love This Homemade Italian Dressing

I’ve been eating at Texas Roadhouse consistently for as long as I can remember. Since I'm a busy dad with two kids, I don't make it to the restaurant as often as I'd like, so I've recreated several Texas Roadhouse recipes at home. I made a salad the other day and was craving that iconic sweet Italian dressing, and realized I haven't come up with a recipe for it yet. 

I went straight to the fridge, started messing around with different combinations, and created a perfect copycat Texas Roadhouse Italian dressing. I've always been a fan of making my own dressings because I can control the flavor and skip the preservatives, and this one tastes exactly like the real thing. It’s now a go-to for me when I want something bolder than a plain vinaigrette but lighter than a creamy dressing. It also doubles as a quick marinade for chicken (amazing used for this Texas Roadhouse smothered chicken) or veggies, which means I can mix up one jar and use it all week!

Ingredients You’ll Need

• ½ cup white vinegar
• ½ cup olive oil
• ¼ cup water
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 2 tablespoon grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 1 tablespoon garlic powder
• 1 tablespoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• ½ teaspoon dried basil
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

How To Make Texas Roadhouse Italian Dressing

Step 1 – Combine the Liquids

Add the vinegar, olive oil, and water to a medium mixing bowl and stir to combine.

Step 2 – Add the Flavor

Squeeze in the lemon juice, then stir in the Parmesan cheese, sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper.

Step 3 – Whisk Until Smooth

Whisk the mixture until everything is well blended and the cheese is evenly distributed.

Step 4 – Transfer and Chill

Pour the dressing into a jar with a tight-fitting lid. Shake for about 10 seconds, then refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld.

Step 5 – Shake and Serve

Before using, give the jar another good shake to recombine the oil and vinegar, then drizzle over salads or use as a marinade.

My Expert Tips Section

• Shake Before Every Pour – Oil and vinegar naturally separate over time, and the Parmesan can settle to the bottom. A quick shake before serving ensures the flavor is balanced in every bite.
• Use Fresh Parmesan if Possible – Pre-grated works, but freshly grated Parmesan dissolves more evenly into the dressing, giving a smoother texture and a fresher, cheesier flavor.
• Balance the Tang – Texas Roadhouse dressing has a bright tang from the vinegar and lemon. If you prefer it a little sweeter, add up to 1 extra teaspoon of sugar; for more acidity, add an extra splash of lemon juice.
• Let It Rest – Chilling for at least 30 minutes allows the herbs to rehydrate and the flavors to meld. I find it tastes even better after a few hours or overnight.
• Use as a Marinade – This isn’t just for salad. I love using it as a marinade for grilled chicken, pork, or roasted vegetables—the vinegar tenderizes while the herbs infuse flavor. A 30-minute marinade is all you need, then get cooking!
• Adjust the Salt – The Parmesan adds natural saltiness, so taste the dressing after it chills before adding more salt.

Copycat Texas Roadhouse Italian Dressing FAQs

How long does homemade Italian dressing keep?

Stored in a sealed jar or airtight container in the refrigerator, this dressing will stay fresh for up to 1 week. The flavor may intensify slightly over time, so give it a quick shake or stir before each use.

Can I use another vinegar?

Yes—white wine vinegar or red wine vinegar can be used in place of the standard vinegar in this recipe. White wine vinegar will keep the flavor lighter, while red wine vinegar adds a slightly bolder, tangier finish.

Is this dressing gluten-free?

Yes, as long as your Parmesan cheese is certified gluten-free. Always check your labels, especially if serving someone with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity.

Can I make this Italian dressing dairy-free?

Absolutely. Simply swap the Parmesan cheese with a vegan Parmesan cheese or replace it with nutritional yeast for a cheesy, savory flavor without any dairy.

Does this dressing need to be refrigerated?

Yes, since it contains Parmesan cheese and fresh lemon juice, it should always be stored in the refrigerator to maintain freshness and food safety.

My Final Thoughts

This copycat Texas Roadhouse Italian dressing tastes just like the one at the restaurant—bright, herby, tangy, and a little cheesy. Once you see how easy it is to make, you’ll skip the bottled version and keep a jar of this in your fridge for salads, marinades, and even dipping bread. If you make it, leave a comment and review below and let me know what you think about the recipe!