Tuesday, September 20, 2011

Homemade Olive Garden Dinner

After trying my Alfredo sauce, my wife wanted me to make a salad dressing that tasted like Olive Garden's.  I did some searching and found a pretty easy looking recipe.  I went for it.  I also made homemade fettuccine noodles and the Alfredo sauce again.  I didn't make bread sticks but, I did make my garlic bread.  We set up some candles and had a glass of wine to make an enjoyable, romantic dinner.  Here is what went down:


Homemade Olive Garden Dinner

Salad Dressing
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1/3 cup white vinegar
1 teaspoon vegetable oil
2 tablespoon corn syrup
2 tablespoon Parmesan cheese
2 tablespoon Romano cheese
1 clove garlic, minced
1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1/2 teaspoon parsley flakes
1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • Put everything in a blender and blend until well mixed.  This tastes much better after sitting in the fridge overnight.  Don't be disappointed with the white color of the dressing.
  • Serve with lettuce and your favorite veggies.  I had onions, tomatoes, and banana peppers.  And croutons and Parmesan.
Homemade Fettuccine Noodles
1 1/2 cups Semolina Flour
1/2 tsp. Salt
2 Eggs, beaten
2 Tbsp water
2 Tbsp Olive Oil

  • Combine flour and salt.  Add beaten egg, water, and oil.  Mix to make a stiff dough.  Knead for 10 minutes or until dough is elastic.  Wrap dough in towel and let rest 20 minutes. 
  • On lightly floured surface, roll out to desired thickness and cut or use a pasta roller.
  • Add to large pot of boiling water and cook until tender, just a few mintues.
  • Drain and mix with Alfredo Sauce.  Top with grilled chicken.  Serve with Garlic Bread.

Yummy yummy in my tummy!  This was a lot cheaper and fresher than going out. 

8 comments:

  1. I love the Olive Garden Salad, can't wait to try your recipe!!! And now you have motivated me to get out my pasta maker for my KitchenAid!! YUM
    We are having an Olive Garden tomorrow night, at home. thanks to you

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  2. I'm glad I could be someone's inspiration :-)

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  3. Sounds wonderful! I'm going to have to try that salad dressing. I've wanted to make my own pasta but thought it was a lot more difficult. You made it sound rather simple. I'm going to give it a try this weekend. Thanks for sharing!

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  4. I like Olive Garden. Your salad looks great.

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  5. I love their salad! Can I come to your house for dinner? Props to you for making your own pasta!

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  6. Fantastic Jim, you have started making you own salad dressings now!

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  7. I hope to be making some pasta soon..I have my grandmother's recipe for cappelletti so you are inspiring me to take out my pasta maker as well..

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  8. Oh thats so cool,now u gotta do the breadsticks

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