Copycat Olive Garden Salad Dressing

Copycat Olive Garden Salad Dressing

6 servings
This Copycat Olive Garden Salad Dressing brings that smooth and zesty flavor home to toss into your favorite green salad. It’s simple and quick to make with nearly universal appeal!

Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 1/3 cup red wine vinegar
  • 1/3 cup lemon juice)

    (about 1 lemon

  • 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon dried parsley
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 2 tablespoons grated parmesan cheese)

    (optional

Directions

  1. 1

    In a small bowl whisk together mayonnaise, red wine vinegar, lemon juice, olive oil, parsley, basil, oregano, garlic powder, salt, and parmesan cheese (if using).

  2. 2

    Pour into a salad dressing container. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 weeks.

  3. 3

    An Olive Garden Salad is generally served as a bed of Romaine lettuce topped with red onion,  tomato, whole pepperoncinis, kalamata olives, croutons, grated Parmesan cheese, and freshly cracked black pepper.

Copycat Olive Garden Salad Dressing

Copycat Olive Garden Salad Dressing

5 min6 servings

Similar Recipes

Ratings & Reviews

Be the First to Rate

Your rating helps others discover amazing recipes. Share your experience and let others know what you think!

About this Recipe

Craving that signature smooth and zesty flavor of Olive Garden's famous salad dressing, but prefer to make it fresh at home? This Copycat Olive Garden Salad Dressing recipe brings those beloved tastes right to your kitchen in just minutes. You'll love how simple and quick it is to prepare, perfect for elevating any meal.

What sets this dressing apart is its perfect balance of tangy red wine vinegar and bright lemon juice, creating a vibrant base that's beautifully mellowed by creamy mayonnaise and a touch of extra-virgin olive oil. The thoughtful blend of dried herbs like parsley, basil, and oregano, along with savory garlic powder, expertly captures that familiar, irresistible profile with universal appeal. This combination makes it truly special.

You'll create a dressing that's wonderfully smooth in texture, with a bright, zesty kick that wakes up any green salad. Each spoonful delivers a harmonious blend of herbaceous notes and a pleasant tang, making your everyday salads feel like a special treat. The optional grated Parmesan cheese adds a salty, umami depth, elevating the overall experience and providing that authentic touch you expect.

Feel free to adjust the dried herbs to your preference—a little extra basil or oregano can personalize the flavor. If you're out of fresh lemon, bottled lemon juice works well as a convenient substitute. For a slightly different tang, you could experiment with a different vinegar, though red wine vinegar is key to the classic flavor. The Parmesan cheese is already optional, so you can easily omit it for a simpler or dairy-free dressing.

This versatile dressing is designed to be tossed with your favorite crisp green salads, turning simple greens into a satisfying dish. It's perfect for a quick weeknight meal or to impress guests at a casual gathering.

Frequently Asked Questions