The Best Olive Garden’s Salad Dressing

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I know friends who dine at Olive Garden just for the salad and breadsticks. If you know, you know.

The Olive Garden’s Salad Dressing is a favorite and now you can easily make it at home.

Pin The Olive Garden’s Salad Dressing to make later.

It’s just as easy, and far more economical, to make my own salad dressing. Olive Garden’s salad dressing is probably my husband’s favorite.

I found this recipe in my Mom’s collection, by accident, when I was looking for a new homemade dressing.

Olive Garden’s Salad Dressing is my go-to homemade dressing when taking dinner to friends.

I was recently making dinner for a friend who had moved. Her kids are in school and her husband works long hours.

She did a good part of the packing by herself. I wanted her to try to get some rest so I made dinner for her and her family.

Along with a great garden salad and Olive Garden’s salad dressing, I made my baked ziti and easy triple chocolate cake for dessert.

What Ingredients Do I Need for The Olive Garden’s Salad Dressing Recipe?

• Good Seasons Italian Dressing Mix – There really is no substitute.
• Canola Oil – You need a neutral oil, not olive oil.
• White Vinegar – Also known as distilled white vinegar.
• Water – You don’t need much.
• Salt and Pepper – Seasonings are a must!
• Garlic Powder – Don’t use garlic salt!
• Sugar – Granulated sugar and it doesn’t need much.
• Mayonnaise – Use your favorite brand.

I find the easiest way to combine salad is in a salad shaker. I love the OXO salad dressing shaker because I can easily measure my ingredients, shake up the dressing, and serve and store it, all in the same container.

If you don’t have the salad shaker, use a glass jar with a tight-fitting lid.

How Do You Make Olive Garden’s Salad?

We usually just use this salad dressing recipe on a green salad at home but if you want something close to what the restaurant serves, these are the ingredients you would need.

• Finely chopped Iceberg or Romaine lettuce (Or a combination)
• Tomatoes
• Thinly sliced red onion
• Pepperoncini peppers
• Black olives
• Garlic croutons
• Parmesan cheese
• Olive Garden Salad Dressing Recipe

It’s not necessary to measure ingredients, just use what you think you need for the number of people you are serving. Cut your tomatoes into bite sides pieces.

When I make this salad at home I love to add protein, such as grilled chicken or steak, to make it heartier and more of a main course salad.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• It’s super easy because you start with a salad dressing packet.
• You probably have many, if not all, of the ingredients on hand.
• Add about a 1/4 teaspoon of Italian seasoning for a bigger flavor punch.
• You can use this on a pasta salad as well, such as my linguine salad.
• The dressing can be made in advance and poured over the salad just before serving.

More Recipes for Homemade Salad Dressing

If you enjoy making homemade dressing for salad, Tupelo Honey Key Lime Vinaigrette or a Meyer Lemon Vinaigrette are perfect for a spring salad.

If you prefer a creamy salad dressing try Classic Blue Cheese Dressing or Creamy Bacon Salad Dressing.

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Olive Garden’s Salad Dressing (Copycat Version)

The salad at Olive Garden is a favorite for many. Now you can make the dressing at home and save some money.

5 from 5 votes

Prep Time8 minutes mins

Total Time8 minutes mins

Course: Salads and Soups

Cuisine: Italian

Servings: 1 1/2 cups

Author: Ellen Folkman

Cook ModePrevent your screen from going dark

Ingredients

• 1 packet Good Season’s Italian Dressing Mix
• 3/4 cup canola oil
• 1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons white vinegar
• 1/4 cup water
• 1/2 teaspoon sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon fresh cracked pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 tablespoon real mayonnaise not Miracle Whip

Instructions

• Combine all ingredients in a glass jar with a tight-fitting lid. Shake vigorously, holding lid, until all ingredients are thoroughly combined. Use immediately or store in the refrigerator until ready to serve. Shake before serving.