33 Reviews of Copycat of Olive Garden Italian Salad Dressing

From: Roxygirl in Colorado

On Jun 4, 2005

I have made this dressing for several years and LOVE it! It has a unique tangy flavor and with the pectin makes for a creamy texture. I have made it without the pectin in a pinch, but it is far better with it. I also have made it with white sugar and honey, but the corn syrup is much better (I was surprised how much!). I do add more oregano and red pepper flakes, and a little extra cheese doesn't hurt. I've also made it with red wine vinegar, but didn't like it as much. Usually, I'm all for making substitutions in a pinch, but following the directions closely really results in a better dressing. I've also used this on a variety of lettuces, but prefer romaine the most. This would taste great on a chopped salad, too. I'm going to make it tomorrow for some dinner guests. I know they will love it. Roxygirl in Colo.

From: Chef #826442

On Apr 26, 2008

I have to say this is the closest you will ever get to the Olive Garden Italian Dressing. For the people that didnt like it, well thats what you get for substuting stuff. Yes it will be a little tangy if you put too much in one bowl for one serving, I recomend putting in a big bowl and tossing the salad with the dressing over it. This is by far the closest thing you will get to their dressing. A+++++

From: talktojvc

On Nov 20, 2008

I just wanted to pass along--You can buy bottled dressing from Olive Garden for 4.95 and get the real thing. Sometimes it is just easier. This dressing is close - a little tangy, but not the real thing. Still a very good italian dressing recipe.

From: Cassandra Avery

On Jun 13, 2004

Great dressing! Close in taste to Olive Garden-same general idea anyway...I'll be making it again!

From: WJKing

On Dec 31, 2003

Well - it WASN'T Olive Garden - but it is FABULOUS! THIS is a keeper! I mixed up a bunch of greens, added freshly-grated Romano & freshly-grated Parmesan cheese, and a can of big black olives (whole) - tossed w/ the greens just before serving - and WOW! Took the salad to Thanksgiving dinner (added olives, cheeses & dressing once there), and got 4 requests for the recipe! Thank you SO much for sharing! A hit - and will be made time & time again!

From: um-um-good

On Oct 23, 2004

I found this far too sweet and didn't think it tasted anything like the olive gardens dressing. My husband didn't mind the flavour, but we definately did not think it tasted anything like olive gardens. Sorry-I really wanted it to taste like Olive Gardens.

From: ms_bold

On Jan 25, 2004

Maybe not quite the Olive Garden, but so good that you don't care. I was craving this dressing, but not a visit to the restraunt. Even my hubby (who always orders soup, not salad) likes the crispness of this dressing. Now, all I need are some great breadsticks to go with my salad...lol

From: wildeyeris

On Apr 5, 2005

I halved the entire recipe to serve two people. It turned out wonderful. I didn't have any pectin, but it still turned out great. Thanks for a great recipe.

From: alba liliana

On Jul 24, 2005

This is the best salad dressing I ever made following a recipe. I highly recomended. It easy!

From: internetnut

On Feb 14, 2007

This got one star from my family. I got this recipe from another site. It did not taste anything like Olive Gardens dressing. It was horrible and sweet. All you could taste was corn syrup and vinegar. My family has asked to never have me make again. Sorry but it's gross. Christine (internetnut)