Dinner

Copycat Olive Garden Salad Dressing Recipe

ByIsabella Vance October 28, 2025October 28, 2025

Introduction

This copycat Olive Garden salad dressing is tangy, creamy, and packed with herbs, perfectly capturing the flavors you love from the restaurant. It’s quick to make and brings a fresh, zesty taste to any salad.

A clear glass pitcher filled with creamy white ranch dressing speckled with small dark herbs sits centered on a white marbled surface. In the background, a soft focus glass bowl holds a colorful salad with layers of bright green lettuce, yellow corn, red tomato slices, purple onion rings, and white cheese bits. To the left, a stack of golden brown breadsticks rests partially visible with a textured cloth nearby. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

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)

Instructions

Step 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, until smooth and well combined.
Step 2: Pour the dressing into a salad dressing container or jar. Seal tightly and store in the refrigerator for up to 4 weeks.
Step 3: Serve over a bed of Romaine lettuce topped with red onion, tomato, whole pepperoncinis, kalamata olives, croutons, grated Parmesan cheese, and freshly cracked black pepper for an authentic Olive Garden salad experience.

Tips & Variations

For a lighter version, substitute half the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt.
Add a pinch of sugar or honey if you prefer a slightly sweeter dressing.
Fresh herbs like parsley and basil can replace dried for a brighter flavor.
Adjust garlic powder to taste or use fresh minced garlic for more pungency.

Storage

Store the dressing in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 weeks. Before each use, shake or stir well as ingredients may settle. The dressing may thicken when chilled; let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes before serving or thin with a splash of water if needed.

How to Serve

A close-up shot of a fresh salad showing layered ingredients in a clear glass bowl. The bottom layer is green leafy lettuce with a soft texture, topped with bright red tomato slices with a juicy texture. There are thin rings of purple-red onion placed around and on top of the tomatoes. A few dark purple olives and light green pepperoncini peppers are scattered across the salad. White, creamy dressing with black specks is being poured from a small clear glass pitcher held by a woman's hand, coating the top layer of tomatoes and olives. The background is a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this dressing ahead of time?

Yes, this dressing actually tastes better after resting a day or two, allowing the flavors to meld. Just keep it refrigerated and shake before use.

Is this dressing suitable for gluten-free diets?

Yes, all ingredients in this recipe are naturally gluten-free. However, always check your mayonnaise and other packaged ingredients to confirm they are labeled gluten-free.