Copycat Olive Garden Salad and Dressing

This Copycat Olive Garden Salad & Dressing uses a delicious blend of herbs and spices that will elevate any salad to the next level. Made with fresh ingredients, this dressing has a tangy and slightly sweet flavor that will complement any mix of greens. Our version of the salad is just as tasty as the original and is super easy to make. Plus, it’s a great way to save money on dining out.

And if you are a big fan of Olive Garden’s recipes, try my Copycat Olive Garden Fettuccine Alfredo! It tastes just like the restaurant’s version but can be made in the comfort of your own kitchen!

Why You’ll Love this Recipe
Salad Ingredients
Olive Garden Salad & Italian Dressing Recipe
Storage Notes
Helpful Tips & Substitutions
Try Some of My Favorite Itailian Recipes to Pair with this Salad!

Why You’ll Love this Recipe

This homemade Italian dressing adds flavor without adding too many calories.
It’s a great option for anyone who loves the flavors of the restaurant but wants to enjoy them at home in a healthier and more affordable way.

Salad Ingredients

¾ cup olive oil
¼ cup avocado oil
½ cup white vinegar
2 tablespoons mayonnaise
1 packet Zesty Italian Dressing
2 teaspoons sugar
½ teaspoon lemon juice
Salt and pepper to taste

Dressing Ingredients

9 oz bag or romaine salad mix
2 roma tomatoes, cut into slices
½ red onion, cut into circular slices
8 oz black olives, drained and patted dry
8 oz, pepperoncinis, drained and patted dry
2 cups croutons
1 cup parmesan, freshly grated

*see recipe card for amounts

Olive Garden Salad & Italian Dressing Recipe

Step 1: In a large mixing bowl add all the ingredients for Italian dressing; olive oil, avocado oil, vinegar, mayo, italian dressing packet, sugar, lemon juice and salt and pepper and whisk together vigorously until all the ingredients are combined.

Step 2: Pour the dressing into a jar or container with a lid and place in the refrigerator while you prepare the salad. Refrigerating for at least 30 minutes to an hour before serving will thicken the dressing and allow time for the flavors blend.

Step 3: Slice the tomatoes into thin round slices, cut the red onion into circular slices and drain and pat dry the olives and peppers.

Step 4: Pour the romaine salad mix into a large serving bowl and add the tomatoes, red onion, black olives, pepperoncinis, croutons and parmesan to the bowl.

Step 5: Drizzle on ½ a cup of the Olive Garden Italian dressing then toss all the ingredients together, coating evenly. Add more or less to your liking.

Storage Notes

This salad is best when enjoyed fresh, I don’t recommend saving leftovers if there are any because the lettuce will wilt over time. But you can absolutely save the salad dressing!

IN THE FRIDGE: This dressing will last up to 2 weeks in the refrigerator if sealed with an airtight lid or for 3 months in the freezer.

Helpful Tips & Substitutions

What is the best way to store the salad dressing?

I recommend transferring the dressing to a container with a lid, like a mason jar, so you can shake the ingredients together before serving it; they tend to separate over time.

I don’t have avocado oil, what should I use instead?

You can replace the avocado oil with water if you prefer, but the avocado gives the dressing a richer flavor.

How much dressing does this recipe make?

The dressing yields 1 ⅓ cups. You can easily double but I recommend only making as much as you need at at time since it doesn’t last as long as store-bought/shelved dressings.

I don’t like some of the spices you used in the dressing, can I leave them out?

Certainly, feel free to adjust the spices accordingly to your taste! The most important thing is that you end up with a recipe similar but even fresher than version of the original! You may prefer less vinegar, more sugar, etc.

Try Some of My Favorite Itailian Recipes to Pair with this Salad!