Copycat Olive Garden Salad Dressing

I still remember my first visit to Olive Garden. I was in college, perpetually hungry, and the unlimited soup, salad, and breadsticks deal was miraculous for my student budget. While the warm breadsticks were undoubtedly a highlight, the salad truly won me over. That perfect blend of crisp lettuce, zesty dressing, and those little pepperoncini peppers created a combination I couldn’t stop thinking about.

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After countless visits (and countless dollars spent), I became determined to recreate that iconic dressing at home. After much experimentation and fine-tuning, I’m thrilled to share this copycat recipe that captures the magic of Olive Garden’s famous dressing – with the added benefit of being customizable to your preferences.

Why This Homemade Version Outshines the Store-Bought Option

Yes, you can find bottles of Olive Garden dressing in many grocery stores. But here’s why making it yourself is so much better:

• Fresher flavor – No preservatives mean a brighter, more vibrant taste
• Customizable – Adjust the sweetness, tanginess, or herb levels to your preference
• Cost-effective – Pennies per serving compared to buying the bottled version
• Fewer additives – Control precisely what goes into your dressing
• Always available – Never run out as long as you have basic pantry ingredients

Ingredients

• Mayonnaise – Creates a creamy base and helps emulsify the dressing; Hellman’s or Duke’s brands are recommended for best flavor
• White vinegar – Provides the signature tangy flavor and helps preserve the dressing
• Vegetable oil – Creates the proper consistency and mouthfeel; contrary to what you might expect, Olive Garden doesn’t use olive oil in their dressing
• Light corn syrup – Adds the perfect amount of sweetness and creates the signature texture
• Grated Parmesan cheese – Contributes savory depth and authentic Italian flavor
• Grated Romano cheese – Adds a sharper, more complex cheese flavor that balances the dressing
• Garlic powder (or fresh garlic clove) – Provides essential aromatic flavor that makes the dressing distinctively Italian
• Dried Italian seasoning – Contains the perfect blend of herbs to create that signature Olive Garden taste
• Dried parsley flakes – Add color and a fresh herbal note
• Lemon juice – Brightens all the flavors and adds a subtle citrus note

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Combine all ingredients: Blend or process the mayonnaise, white vinegar, vegetable oil, corn syrup, Parmesan cheese, Romano cheese, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, parsley flakes, and lemon juice in a food processor.
2. Blend thoroughly: Process until all ingredients are completely combined and the dressing is smooth, about 30-60 seconds.
3. Taste and adjust: Sample your dressing and adjust to your preference. Add a little more corn syrup or sugar if it’s too tart. If it needs more zip, add more vinegar or lemon juice.
4. Transfer to container: Pour the finished dressing into an airtight container or glass bottle.
5. Refrigerate: For best flavor, refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving to allow the flavors to meld.

How long does homemade Olive Garden dressing last?

If stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, Olive Garden salad dressing can be enjoyed for about ten days.

What do you need to make an Olive Garden Salad? 

To create an authentic Olive Garden salad experience at home, gather these ingredients:

• Iceberg lettuce – Provides the signature crunch
• Romaine lettuce – Adds nutrition and a different texture
• Thinly sliced red onion – Offers a sharp flavor contrast
• Pepperoncini peppers – Gives that distinctive tangy heat
• Black olives – Adds briny, savory notes
• Roma tomatoes – Provides fresh sweetness and color
• Croutons – Delivers the essential crunch
• Freshly grated Parmesan cheese – For sprinkling on top

Toss all ingredients except the Parmesan in a large bowl, add your homemade dressing, and gently mix. Sprinkle with Parmesan just before serving.

Pro tip: If the dressing separates during storage, shake or whisk it before using.

Beyond Salad: Creative Uses for This Dressing

This versatile dressing has many uses beyond your salad bowl:

• Drizzle for roasted vegetables – Add just before serving for a flavor boost
• Marinade for chicken or fish – The acidity tenderizes protein beautifully
• Pasta salad dressing – This creates a fantastic cold pasta dish
• Sandwich spread – Use instead of plain mayonnaise for extra flavor
• Dip for vegetables – Makes raw veggies irresistible

Looking for more Olive Garden copycat recipes? Check these out

• Olive Garden Lasagna Mia
• Olive Garden Creamy Chicken Pasta
• Pasta Rustica
• Olive Garden Breadsticks Copycat Recipe

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