This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our disclosure policy.
This Homemade Copycat Olive Garden Dressing is creamy, zesty, and full of the classic flavor we all love from the restaurant. I tested and perfected the ratios so you get the most authentic taste, and the best part is that you can make it at home with simple pantry staples. It’s so fresh and flavorful that once you try it, you may never want to go back to the bottled version again.
The Perfect Olive Garden Italian Dressing At Home
When it comes to recreating restaurant favorites at home, I’m all about getting the flavors just right. I tested and tweaked this dressing until the ratios hit that exact Olive Garden taste we all know and love. After all my years of cooking for my family, I’ve learned that the little details, such as the balance of tang, creaminess, and seasoning, make all the difference. This recipe delivers that same zesty, crave-worthy flavor without ever leaving your house.
I also love the peace of mind that comes with making dressings from scratch. I always keep pantry staples like olive oil, vinegar, and spices on hand, so whipping up something fresh is simple and stress-free. Plus, when I make it myself, I know I’m serving my family something tasty with fewer preservatives and more real ingredients. That’s the kind of everyday win I love sharing with you here.
Olive Garden Dressing Recipe Ingredients
- Zesty Italian Dressing Mix (0.7 oz packet): The signature zesty, herb-forward base. It brings the classic Italian seasoning profile and helps the dressing cling to greens.
- Extra-virgin olive oil: Adds body and serves as the backbone of the dressing.
- White vinegar: Provides bright, clean tang to balance the oil and mayonnaise.
- Water: Thins the dressing to a pourable, restaurant-style consistency and helps the seasonings bloom.
- Dijon mustard: A gentle zip that also helps the dressing stay emulsified.
- Mayonnaise: Gives a creamy texture and helps everything stay blended.
- Granulated sugar: Softens the acidity, so the flavors taste balanced.
- Garlic powder: Reliable, mellow garlic flavor throughout.
- Dried oregano: The classic Italian herb note you expect.
- Dried basil: Adds a sweet, fresh herbal layer.
- Salt: Enhances all the flavors; adjust to taste.
- Cracked black pepper: Adds warmth and aroma; grind fresh for best flavor.
I don’t offer substitutions or variations here, as I want you to achieve an authentic Olive Garden Italian Dressing taste. You can, of course, make changes as needed for dietary restrictions; however, please note that it may alter the flavors..
How To Make Homemade Copycat Olive Garden Dressing
✱ Be sure to see the recipe card below for exact ingredients and full recipe instructions!
Step 1 | Combine the ingredients
Add the Zesty Italian Dressing Mix, olive oil, white vinegar, water, Dijon mustard, mayonnaise, sugar, garlic powder, oregano, basil, salt, and black pepper into a jar or bowl.
Step 2 | Mix it up
If using a jar, secure the lid and shake vigorously until everything comes together. If you’re using a bowl, whisk until the dressing is smooth and blended.
Want to Save this Recipe?
Enter your email below & we'll send it straight to your inbox. Plus you’ll get great new recipes from us every week!
By submitting this form, you consent to receive emails from Soulfully Made.
Step 3 | Chill for flavor
Refrigerate the dressing for at least 1 hour, or overnight, if you have the time. This resting period really allows the flavors to meld.
Step 4 | Serve and enjoy
Before serving, give the dressing a good shake or whisk to re-incorporate the ingredients. Drizzle over your favorite salad and enjoy that restaurant-style flavor at home.
Recipe Tips
- Shake or whisk before serving: The oil and vinegar will naturally separate as it sits. Always give it a good shake or whisk before drizzling on your salad.
- Chill time matters: Letting the dressing rest in the refrigerator for at least an hour (or overnight) really brings the flavors together.
- Taste and adjust: Before serving, give it a quick taste. You may want to add a little more salt, pepper, or even a pinch of sugar, depending on your preference.
- Storage container: A mason jar with a tight lid makes mixing and storing easy. Just shake and pour straight from the jar.
- Keep it fresh: Use within about a week for the best flavor and texture.
Recipe FAQs
I tested this recipe with several types of vinegar, and distilled white vinegar gave the most authentic Olive Garden flavor. You could use another vinegar if needed, but for the most accurate copycat taste, stick with white vinegar.
Ways To Use This Copycat Olive Garden Salad Dressing
It makes a wonderful marinade. Pour it over chicken or vegetables and let it soak up all that zesty flavor before grilling, baking, or roasting. It’s an easy way to get more use out of a homemade dressing and add extra flavor to your main dish.
This really has quickly become a family favorite, and it’s not just for salad. I love how versatile it is and how it brings that signature restaurant flavor to so many meals.
Of course, it’s delicious drizzled over a crisp Olive Garden Salad. Pair it with a basket of my Easy Copycat Garlic Breadsticks and you’ve got a restaurant-style start to your meal at home.
If you enjoy the classic soup and salad combination, this dressing is the perfect companion to my Zuppa Toscana or Pasta Fagioli Soup. Both are cozy and hearty, and when served with a fresh salad, they make a complete meal.
For a larger Italian-inspired dinner, pair this dressing with favorites like my Homemade Fettuccine Alfredo, Ultimate Baked Spaghetti, Crock Pot Italian Meatballs, or my Homemade Spaghetti Meat Sauce.
And on pizza night, don’t forget the salad. Toss it with this dressing and serve it alongside my Homemade No-Rise Pizza Dough for a quick and crowd-pleasing dinner the whole family will love.
How To Store Olive Garden Italian Dressing
Storage: Keep the dressing in a mason jar or any container with a tight-fitting lid in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 1 week.
Shake before serving: The oil and vinegar will naturally separate in the fridge. Always give the jar a good shake (or whisk if stored in a bowl) before pouring.
Make ahead:This dressing is a great one to prep in advance because the flavors only get better as they sit. Make it a day ahead if you can for the very best flavor.
Freezing: Freezing is not recommended, as mayonnaise and oil-based dressings don’t hold their creamy consistency once thawed.
Hungry for more easy, home-cooked, delicious recipes?
Sign up for my free recipe club to get family-friendly recipes in your inbox each week! Find me sharing daily meal-time inspiration on Pinterest, Facebook, and Instagram.
Copycat Olive Garden Dressing
Ingredients
- 0.7 ounce Zesty Italian Dressing Mix, I use Good Seasons Brand
- ¾ cup extra virgin olive oil
- ⅓ cup white vinegar, plus 2 tablespoons
- ¼ cup water
- 2 teaspoons dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon mayo
- ½ teaspoon granulated sugar
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¾ teaspoon dried oregano
- ¼ teaspoon dried basil
- ½ teaspoon salt, to taste
- cracked black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Combine all the dressing ingredients in a jar and shake vigorously or whisk to combine.
- Refrigerate if possible for 1 hour to overnight for flavors to meld.
- When ready to serve, remove dressing from the refrigerator and whisk or shake to incorporate.
- Serve with our Copycat Olive Garden Salad!
Want to Save this Recipe?
Enter your email below & we’ll send it straight to your inbox. Plus you’ll get great new recipes from us every week!
By submitting this form, you consent to receive emails from Soulfully Made.
Nutrition Information
Nutritional Disclaimer
Soulfully Made is not a dietician or nutritionist, and any nutritional information shared is only an estimate. We recommend running the ingredients through an online nutritional calculator if you need to verify any information.
©️Soulfully Made
