Copycat Olive Garden Salad Dressing (Homemade Version)

Created on November 8th, 2025 at 09:20 am

A creamy and tangy favorite

…..that’s easy to make at home

Creating a beloved restaurant dish in your own kitchen is a delightful endeavor. This Copycat Olive Garden Salad Dressing captures the creamy texture and rich flavor profile that fans adore. The perfect balance of tanginess from the vinegar, combined with the sweetness of sugar and the depth of spices, creates a dressing that is both refreshing and comforting. Its light, pale color invites you in, hinting at the richness that awaits with every drizzle. Whether you’re dressing a simple salad or marinating grilled vegetables, this recipe will make even the most ordinary meal feel special.

The beauty of this dressing lies in its versatility. It’s a wonderful companion to crisp romaine lettuce, chopped tomatoes, and shredded carrots for a complete salad. You can also use it as a dipping sauce for fresh breadsticks, enhancing your dining experience. With its taste improving as it sits, this dressing will become a go-to in your refrigerator, ready to elevate your meals at a moment’s notice.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Copycat Olive Garden Salad Dressing brings the flavors of the restaurant to your table with effortless ease. The creamy consistency makes it incredibly satisfying, coating each salad leaf perfectly and providing an enjoyable bite every time. You’ll appreciate how simple it is to whip up this dressing with everyday ingredients that you likely have at hand. It boasts a delightful blend of tangy and sweet notes, and the subtle herbal undertones add complexity to your salads.

As a bonus, this dressing holds up beautifully in the fridge. The flavors deepen over time, making it an ideal candidate for meal prep. Drizzle it over your salads at the beginning of the week, and enjoy a taste of Olive Garden each day without stepping out of your home.

Time Breakdown

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 0 hours
Total Time: 10 minutes
Servings: 10

Ingredients List

• 1 cup mayonnaise
• ¼ cup white vinegar
• 2 tablespoons corn syrup
• 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon sugar
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• Optional: fresh herbs for garnish

Kitchen Tools

Making this dressing is straightforward, requiring minimal tools that you likely have on hand. The process is quick and hassle-free, ensuring a smooth cooking experience.

• Mixing bowl
• Whisk or fork
• Measuring cups
• Measuring spoons
• Airtight container for storage

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. In a mixing bowl, combine the mayonnaise and white vinegar. Whisk together until smooth and free of lumps. The dressing should begin to take on a creamy, light consistency.
2. Add in the corn syrup and grated Parmesan cheese. Continue to whisk until everything is thoroughly blended, infusing a rich and tangy flavor.
3. Sprinkle in the Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, sugar, salt, and black pepper. Whisk again to ensure that the spices are evenly distributed throughout the dressing.
4. Once everything is combined, taste the dressing and adjust the seasoning if necessary. You may want to add a pinch more sugar if you prefer a sweeter flavor.
5. Transfer the dressing to an airtight container. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. The waiting time enhances the overall aromatic quality.
6. Before serving, give the dressing a good stir to ensure it’s well mixed. Drizzle it over a fresh salad, or serve it as a dip alongside your favorite appetizers.

Pro Tips

• For a lighter version, substitute half of the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt.
• Adjust the sweetness by adding more or less corn syrup according to your preference.
• Use a high-quality mayonnaise for a creamier texture.
• Serve it chilled for the best flavor experience.
• Pair it with freshly baked breadsticks for a deliciously comforting meal.

A Taste of Nostalgia, Made Easy

This Copycat Olive Garden Salad Dressing captures the essence of a beloved classic with simplicity and grace. The creamy texture and perfectly balanced flavors bring warmth to your meals. With just a few ingredients and simple steps, you can recreate that cherished dining experience at home. This dressing proves that easy comfort food can also be gourmet.

Nutrition Table

Nutrient	Amount (per serving)
Calories	80 kcal
Protein	1 g
Fat	8 g
Carbohydrates	2 g
Fiber	0 g
Sugar	1 g
Sodium	120 mg

Disclaimer: Nutrition facts are estimated using online tools and may vary based on your ingredients and preparation. Please consult a nutritionist for precise dietary advice.

“OLIVE GARDEN® is a registered trademark of Darden Concepts, Inc. This recipe is an independent imitation for descriptive purposes only and is not endorsed by or affiliated with the trademark owner.”