Olive Garden Italian Dressing (Copycat Salad Recipe) Recipe

Craving that fresh, zesty salad you always dive into at your favorite Italian restaurant? This Olive Garden Italian Dressing (Copycat Salad Recipe) captures everything you love about the original—tangy, creamy dressing with a medley of crunchy, colorful vegetables. With just a handful of pantry staples and a few minutes, you’ll have a vibrant salad that hits all the right notes, whether you’re hosting a dinner party or simply treating yourself to a restaurant-style meal at home.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this Olive Garden Italian Dressing (Copycat Salad Recipe) is how effortlessly each ingredient plays its part. Every component, from the olive oil to the croutons, adds something special to the overall balance of flavors, textures, and colors that make this salad unforgettable.

• Mayonnaise: Rich and creamy, mayonnaise forms the luxurious base for the dressing’s signature texture.
• Water: A splash of water lightens up the dressing without sacrificing flavor.
• White vinegar: Provides a bright, tangy note that wakes up all the other tastes.
• Extra light tasting olive oil (or neutral oil): Adds smoothness and rounds out the flavors—avoid heavily flavored oils to keep the dressing delicate.
• Fresh grated Romano cheese: Delivers a sharp, salty edge, perfectly mimicking the original restaurant flavor.
• Fresh lemon juice: Just a hint brings freshness and balances out the creamy elements.
• Italian seasoning: This essential blend of herbs gives the dressing its unmistakable Italian flair.
• Garlic powder: For subtle, aromatic warmth without overpowering the other flavors.
• Kosher salt: Enhances and ties together all the flavors in the dressing.
• Sugar: Just a pinch rounds out tartness and lets every ingredient shine.
• Romaine lettuce hearts: Crisp and refreshing, they’re the perfect foundation for all those robust toppings.
• Red onion: Thin slices add a bit of bite and a lovely pop of purple.
• Roma tomatoes: Juicy and sweet, these gems give the salad its color and freshness.
• Pickled pepperoncini: Mildly spicy with a briny kick, they bring out the classic Olive Garden experience.
• Pitted black olives: Briny, buttery notes that provide contrast and depth.
• Seasoned croutons: Crunchy and fragrant, they soak up the dressing in the most delicious way.
• Freshly shredded Parmesan cheese: A final dusting of salty, nutty flavor makes every bite memorable.

How to Make Olive Garden Italian Dressing (Copycat Salad Recipe)

Step 1: Blend the Dressing

Gather all the dressing ingredients—mayonnaise, water, white vinegar, olive oil, Romano cheese, lemon juice, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, kosher salt, and sugar—in the bowl of a blender. Blend everything together until smooth and creamy. You’ll notice the dressing coming together quickly, and it should have a perfectly pourable consistency that’s rich but not too thick. Don’t skip blending, as it really helps emulsify and combine all the flavors.

Step 2: Chill the Dressing

Pour the finished dressing into a jar or container and pop it into the refrigerator while you prep the salad. This quick chill gives the ingredients time to mingle and lets the flavors deepen, ensuring you get that signature Olive Garden zing.

Step 3: Layer the Salad

In a large salad bowl, start building your masterpiece with the chopped romaine lettuce hearts as a fresh, crunchy bed. Next, add the red onion slices, Roma tomato wedges, pickled pepperoncini, black olives, seasoned croutons, and a generous handful of freshly shredded Parmesan. Layering the ingredients helps every bite deliver a little bit of everything.

Step 4: Dress and Toss

Right before serving, pour the chilled Olive Garden Italian Dressing (Copycat Salad Recipe) evenly over the salad. Toss gently but thoroughly to coat every leaf and topping—no one wants a dry bite or a crouton left thirsty! Serve immediately and enjoy that crave-worthy blend of flavor and crunch.

How to Serve Olive Garden Italian Dressing (Copycat Salad Recipe)

Garnishes

For an extra-special touch, sprinkle a little extra Parmesan or Romano cheese over the top, and add a few more pepperoncini or olives. A light grind of black pepper can also add just the right finishing flourish, making your copycat salad look as stunning as it tastes.

Side Dishes

This salad is a superstar on its own, but it truly shines when paired with classic Italian dishes. Serve alongside spaghetti and meatballs, a cheesy lasagna, or even a simple herb-roasted chicken. The crisp and zippy Olive Garden Italian Dressing (Copycat Salad Recipe) cuts through rich main courses, making every meal a harmonious feast.

Creative Ways to Present

Turn this salad into a dinner party showstopper by serving it in clear glass bowls to showcase the colorful layers. For a fun twist, assemble individual salads in large mason jars or on appetizer skewers—everyone will love the playful presentation, and it’s an easy way to make weeknight dinners feel festive.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with extra salad or dressing, store them separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. The dressing stays fresh for up to a week, while undressed salad components will keep crisp for about two days. Be sure to keep croutons out of the salad until right before serving to maintain their crunch.

Freezing

Freezing is not recommended for this Olive Garden Italian Dressing (Copycat Salad Recipe), since both the mayonnaise and cheese can separate or develop a grainy texture after thawing. For best flavor and texture, whip up smaller batches as you need them, and enjoy every drop fresh.

Reheating

There’s no need to reheat anything in this salad recipe! If your dressing thickens in the fridge, simply let it stand at room temperature for a few minutes or whisk in a tiny splash of water to loosen it up before tossing with fresh greens.

FAQs

Can I use bottled lemon juice instead of fresh?

Fresh lemon juice is best for brightness and flavor, but if bottled is all you have on hand, you can use it—the dressing will still turn out delicious. Just taste and adjust if needed, since bottled juice can be slightly more tart.

What’s a good substitute for Romano cheese?

Parmesan is an excellent alternative if you don’t have Romano. It’s a bit milder, but it brings in that same salty, tangy kick. You could also try Asiago for a more robust, nutty profile.

How can I make this dressing more yellow, like at the restaurant?

A little pinch of ground turmeric can give your Olive Garden Italian Dressing (Copycat Salad Recipe) that iconic yellow hue. Start with a tiny amount and blend in more as needed until it matches your memory of the original!

Is there a way to make it lighter or vegan?

Absolutely! For a lighter version, use reduced-fat mayonnaise and skip the cheese, or opt for a dairy-free substitute. For vegan, reach for your favorite plant-based mayo and vegan Parmesan or nutritional yeast for that signature savory depth.

Can I make the dressing without a blender?

Yes, you can whisk everything together by hand or shake it up in a mason jar—it just won’t be quite as silky smooth. If you go this route, make sure the cheese is very finely grated so it incorporates well.

Final Thoughts

If you’ve ever wished you could bring the magic of those endless bowls of salad into your own kitchen, it’s your lucky day. This Olive Garden Italian Dressing (Copycat Salad Recipe) is bursting with fresh flavor and nostalgia in every forkful, and it’s so easy to make any night of the week. Give it a try—you might just wonder why you ever waited for a table!

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