Go Back
–+ servings
An image of homemade Olive Garden salad dressing being poured over a big bowl of salad with lettuce, tomatoes, red onions, croutons, and pepperoncini peppers.
Print Recipe
4.70 from 10 votes

Copycat Olive Garden Italian Dressing Recipe

This easy, tangy salad dressing takes less than 5 minutes to prepare. Be sure to give it an hour in the fridge to chill. It helps the flavors to blend and the dressing to thicken up slightly since it is more of a creamy vinaigrette.
Prep Time5 minutes
Additional Time1 hour
Total Time1 hour 5 minutes
Course: Salad
Cuisine: Italian
Servings: 6 servings
Author: Amy Nash

Ingredients

  • 1 packet Italian dressing mix
  • 3/4 cup olive oil
  • 1 Tablespoon mayonnaise
  • 1/3 cup white vinegar
  • 1/4 cup water
  • 1/2 teaspoon sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon parsley
  • 1/8 teaspoon oregano
  • 1/8 teaspoon rosemary
  • 1/8 teaspoon basil
  • 2 Tablespoons Parmesan cheese

Salad

  • 1 head romaine lettuce chopped (about 4-6 cups)
  • 2 roma tomatoes sliced
  • 1/2 small red onion sliced
  • 10 pepperoncinis
  • 10 olives optional
  • 1 cup large croutons
  • Additional freshly grated Parmesan cheese for serving

Instructions

  • Whisk or shake all of the dressing ingredients together in a bowl or shaker jar. Chill for 1 hour.
    1 packet Italian dressing mix, 3/4 cup olive oil, 1 Tablespoon mayonnaise, 1/3 cup white vinegar, 1/4 cup water, 1/2 teaspoon sugar, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/4 teaspoon parsley, 1/8 teaspoon oregano, 1/8 teaspoon rosemary, 1/8 teaspoon basil, 2 Tablespoons Parmesan cheese
  • Combine lettuce, tomatoes, onion, pepperoncinis, olives (if using), and croutons in a large salad bowl. Pour 1/3 of the dressing over the top and toss to combine. Taste and add more dressing as desired.
    1 head romaine lettuce, 2 roma tomatoes, 1/2 small red onion, 10 pepperoncinis, 10 olives, 1 cup large croutons
  • Sprinkle with freshly grated Parmesan cheese on top before serving.
    Additional freshly grated Parmesan cheese

Notes

One batch of the dressing makes enough for 2 salads. Leftover dressing stores well in the fridge for up to 4 weeks.

Nutrition

Calories: 309kcal | Carbohydrates: 7g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 31g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 4g | Monounsaturated Fat: 21g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 2mg | Sodium: 397mg | Potassium: 131mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 678IU | Vitamin C: 17mg | Calcium: 38mg | Iron: 1mg

QR code

Scan this QR code with your phone's camera to view this recipe on your mobile device.

qr code