The Best Copycat Garden Salad Dressings and Toppings

Welcome to my ever-growing list of what I consider to be the best copycat the garden salad dressings and toppings that you can get at your favorite restaurants or in stores.

1
Copycat Applebee's Honey Mustard Salad Dressing
Copycat Applebee’s Honey Mustard Salad Dressing
I recommend doubling the recipe.
Check out this recipe
2
Copycat Olive Garden Salad Dressing
Copycat Olive Garden Salad Dressing
This copycat Olive Garden salad dressing has a nice rich cheese flavor. There’s a little sweetness and just a hint of citrus. It’s a well-balanced dressing.
Check out this recipe
3
Copycat Outback Steakhouse Blue Cheese Vinaigrette
Copycat Outback Steakhouse Blue Cheese Vinaigrette
A totally different take on a blue cheese dressing.
Check out this recipe
4
Copycat Outback Steakhouse Croutons
Copycat Outback Steakhouse Croutons
Fantastically-flavored croutons!
Check out this recipe
5
Copycat Outback Steakhouse Ranch Salad Dressing
Copycat Outback Steakhouse Ranch Salad Dressing
Give the dressing a good stir before serving.
Check out this recipe
6
Copycat Ruby Tuesday Pumpernickel Croutons
Copycat Ruby Tuesday Pumpernickel Croutons
Crispy on the outside, soft on the inside and oh so good.
Check out this recipe
7
Copycat Texas Roadhouse French Salad Dressing
Copycat Texas Roadhouse French Salad Dressing
An absolutely delicious dressing!
Check out this recipe
8
Copycat Texas Roadhouse Honey Mustard Salad Dressing
Copycat Texas Roadhouse Honey Mustard Salad Dressing
Give the dressing one good shake or stir before serving.
Check out this recipe
9
Copycat Texas Roadhouse Ranch Salad Dressing
Copycat Texas Roadhouse Ranch Salad Dressing
I would definitely double the ingredients.
Check out this recipe
10
Copycat Kraft Catalina Salad Dressing
Copycat Kraft Catalina Salad Dressing
Fantastic flavor in a nice thick dressing that does not disappoint!
Check out this recipe

The Best Homemade Garden Salad Dressings and Toppings

Welcome to my ever-growing list of what I consider to be the best homemade garden salad dressings and toppings.

1
Catalina Salad Dressing
Catalina Salad Dressing
A truly delicious dressing.
Check out this recipe
2
Creamy Blue Cheese Salad Dressing
Creamy Blue Cheese Salad Dressing
My favorite blue cheese dressing, by far.
Check out this recipe
3
Creamy Carolina Vinaigrette
Creamy Carolina Vinaigrette
A deliciously different vinaigrette!
Check out this recipe
4
Creamy Italian Salad Dressing
Creamy Italian Salad Dressing
A delicious blend of Italian seasoning and nutty Parmesan cheese.
Check out this recipe
5
Everything Bagel Salad Dressing
Everything Bagel Salad Dressing
Crazy addictive dressing packed with bagel seasoning flavor.
Check out this recipe
6
Honey-Mustard Ranch Salad Dressing
Honey-Mustard Ranch Salad Dressing
Not too mustardy… just right!
Check out this recipe
7
Roasted Garlic Dijon Salad Dressing
Roasted Garlic Dijon Salad Dressing
Nice and garlicky with a slight hint of mustard!
Check out this recipe
8
Russian Salad Dressing
Russian Salad Dressing
Like Thousand Island salad with the addition of chili sauce and some spices (and a bit of heat).
Check out this recipe
9
Smoky French Salad Dressing
Smoky French Salad Dressing
A lightly smoky twist on the classic.
Check out this recipe
10
Smoky Spicy Ranch Salad Dressing
Smoky Spicy Ranch Salad Dressing
We both declared this smoky spicy Ranch salad dressing to be our absolute favorite.
Check out this recipe
11
Homemade Thousand Island Salad Dressing
Homemade Thousand Island Salad Dressing
Perfect on a salad, and even better on a Reuben sandwich.
Check out this recipe
12
Honky Tonk Sweet and Spicy Salad Dressing
Honky Tonk Sweet and Spicy Salad Dressing
Sweet and spicy is right.
Check out this recipe
13
Rich and Creamy Blue Cheese Dressing
Rich and Creamy Blue Cheese Dressing
A great, thick, delicious blue dressing!
Check out this recipe
14
Thai Sweet Chili Salad Dressing
Thai Sweet Chili Salad Dressing
Your salad doesn’t have to be Asian in nature to enjoy this Thai sweet chili dressing.
Check out this recipe

Creamy Italian Salad Dressing

This creamy Italian salad dressing really hit the spot for me. It has a good dose of garlic. There’s a bit of the nuttiness from Parmesan. And just the right amount of Italian seasoning. I’m a big fan of creamy dressings. They are my weakness, for sure. I put a lot more on my salad than I should, I’m sure.

Creamy Italian Salad Dressing

Thin or Thick, It’s Your Call

The original recipe for this creamy Italian salad dressing stated to just up and add 2 tablespoons of water to the mix before you blend it. I found that the dressing was too thin when I did this. I recommend that you blend the dressing without any water first. If you find it to be too thick, add a bit of water (maybe half a tablespoon at a time) and blend again. The dressing will get a bit thicker as it rests in the fridge, but not a lot thicker. You can’t take the water back out, so I would be light with it.

On the off-chance that you do make the dressing too thin by adding too much water, you can add a bit more mayonnaise and blend again. This will help thicken it up some.

Also try my roasted garlic Dijon salad dressing.

Creamy Italian Salad Dressing

Creamy Italian Salad Dressing

A delicious blend of Italian seasoning and nutty Parmesan cheese.
5 from 1 vote
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
refrigerator time 12 hours
Course Salad Dressing
Cuisine American
Servings 6
Calories 231 kcal

Equipment

Ingredients
  

Instructions
 

  • Place all ingredients EXCEPT the water in a small food processor or blender and process until blended.
  • Check the dressing for consistency. If you like it thicker you're probably done, but if you like it thinner, add a bit of water and process again. Repeat until you get it just like you like it. The dressing will get a little thicker as it sets.
  • Refrigerate until ready to serve, at least 12 hours.
  • Stir before serving.

Notes

Use freshly-grated Parmesan cheese for the best results.
Need ideas for putting together the ultimate salad? Check out my salad inspirations!

Nutrition

Calories: 231kcalCarbohydrates: 2gProtein: 2gFat: 24gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 9gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gTrans Fat: 0.03gCholesterol: 11mgSodium: 186mgPotassium: 17mgFiber: 0.1gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 48IUVitamin C: 0.2mgCalcium: 55mgIron: 0.2mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Keyword creamy, Italian
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

Creamy Blue Cheese Salad Dressing

This creamy blue cheese salad dressing is easily my favorite blue cheese dressing. It’s so nice and creamy. And although it’s definitely ‘blue cheesy’ it’s not so overwhelming. Ya know, I love that blue cheese funk but I kinda have a limit to it. This dressing doesn’t cross that line, it sneaks up on it and gives it a big ole hug!

Creamy Blue Cheese Salad Dressing

My Favorite Wing Dipping Sauce

This creamy blue cheese salad dressing is, of course, great on a garden salad. And I assure you, it’s fantastic as a wing dip. It’s my go-to for wings. And chicken fingers. Oh and nuggets. That’s why I make a big ole batch of it and keep it in the fridge. And it’s great for dipping vegetables, too. Like I said, this is my favorite.

Want a great sub sandwich? Use this dressing in place of mayonnaise or a vinegar dressing.

Also try my homemade spicy Ranch salad dressing.

This dressing is great for dipping wings. Check out For The Wing for great wing ideas!

Creamy Blue Cheese Salad Dressing

Creamy Blue Cheese Salad Dressing

My favorite blue cheese dressing, by far.
5 from 1 vote
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Course Salad Dressing
Cuisine American
Servings 6
Calories 264 kcal

Ingredients
  

Instructions
 

  • Place all ingredients in a medium bowl.
  • Whisk or stir until combined.
  • Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before using. Stir before serving.

Notes

Substitute gorgonzola for a creamier, milder dressing.
Need ideas for putting together the ultimate salad? Check out my salad inspirations!

Nutrition

Calories: 264kcalCarbohydrates: 1gProtein: 1gFat: 28gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 17gMonounsaturated Fat: 6gTrans Fat: 0.1gCholesterol: 17mgSodium: 321mgPotassium: 25mgSugar: 1gVitamin A: 46IUCalcium: 18mgIron: 0.1mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Keyword blue cheese, creamy
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

Copycat Outback Steakhouse Blue Cheese Vinaigrette

You know the old saying, “Don’t judge a book by its cover”? Well, that’s what I first thought after making this copycat Outback Steakhouse blue cheese vinaigrette. I mean, heck, it isn’t the most attractive dressing ever. But then I poured it over my fresh homemade garden salad and thought “Yee haw! Now THAT’S good!”. Two great flavors (a classic vinaigrette and blue cheese) come together to make me one happy guy. Give me extra, because I really love this dressing!

Copycat Outback Steakhouse Blue Cheese Vinaigrette

Is There A Such Thing as Too Much Blue Cheese?

As much as I am a fan of blue cheese, I actually have a ‘blue cheese limit’. I just cannot do the big chunks. That’s the beauty of making this copycat Outback Steakhouse blue cheese vinaigrette at home. I got the blue cheese crumbles to be just my size. Perfect on a salad.

Also try my homemade creamy blue cheese salad dressing.

Copycat Outback Steakhouse Blue Cheese Vinaigrette

Copycat Outback Steakhouse Blue Cheese Vinaigrette

A totally different take on a blue cheese dressing.
5 from 1 vote
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
Total Time 10 minutes
Course Salad Dressing
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 188 kcal

Equipment

Ingredients
  

Instructions
 

  • Place all but blue cheese into a small blender or a Mason jar. Pulse or shake a few times to combine.
  • Add the cheese crumbles and pulse or shake a few more times.
  • If dressing sits for a while before using, give it a quick stir or shake before serving.

Notes

Substitute gorgonzola for a creamier, milder dressing.
Need ideas for putting together the ultimate salad? Check out my salad inspirations!

Nutrition

Calories: 188kcalCarbohydrates: 2gProtein: 1gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 10gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gTrans Fat: 0.1gCholesterol: 4mgSodium: 89mgPotassium: 25mgSugar: 1gVitamin A: 40IUVitamin C: 0.04mgCalcium: 31mgIron: 0.1mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Keyword blue cheese, vinaigrette
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

Copycat Ruby Tuesday Pumpernickel Croutons

Sadly, the Ruby Tuesday’s that was near our home is long gone. Oh, how I do miss their salad bar. It was always well-stocked and super-cold. It was a happy time when I walked up with my plate and started to craft my salad creation. One of my favorite things on the bar, and the crowning piece for my salads, were the croutons. Perfectly crunchy on the outside, tender on the inside, I would mound them up on my plate. True. Well, now I have to make my copycat Ruby Tuesday pumpernickel croutons instead. In addition, I love them just as much!

Copycat Ruby Tuesday Pumpernickel Croutons

Tasty Memories

I’m pretty sure the croutons at Ruby Tuesday weren’t baked. I think that’s ok. However, and more importantly, these taste like the croutons I remember. And that was my goal of these copycat Ruby Tuesday pumpernickel croutons: to reproduce that memory.

I could only find a lighter pumpernickel the day I made these. The ‘real’ ones used a darker bread. Either way, you’ll love them.

Also try my copycat of the croutons from Outback Steakhouse.

Copycat Ruby Tuesday Pumpernickel Croutons

Copycat Ruby Tuesday Pumpernickel Croutons

Crispy on the outside, soft on the inside and oh so good.
5 from 1 vote
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Course Salad
Cuisine American
Servings 4 cups
Calories 693 kcal

Equipment

Ingredients
  

  • 4 cups pumpernickel bread cut into 1/2″ cubes
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter melted
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt plus a bit more

Instructions
 

  • Preheat oven to 375 F.
  • Place breadcrumbs into a large bowl.
  • Place butter into a small bowl. Stir in the garlic powder and salt.
  • Pour butter mixture over breadcrumbs and toss or stir gently to coat.
  • Pour bread out onto a large baking sheet. Spread out evenly.
  • Bake for 10 minutes and check for crispiness. Bake longer if needed, but check every few minutes or so. The croutons will get crunchier as they cool so take them out before they are totally crunchy.
  • Remove. Sprinkle with salt if desired.
  • Let cool before serving.

Notes

Thick-cut pumpernickel makes for the best croutons.

Nutrition

Calories: 693kcalCarbohydrates: 113gProtein: 21gFat: 19gSaturated Fat: 8gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gTrans Fat: 0.5gCholesterol: 30mgSodium: 1703mgPotassium: 500mgFiber: 15gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 350IUVitamin C: 0.01mgCalcium: 165mgIron: 7mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Keyword copycat, croutons
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

Catalina Salad Dressing

This Catalina salad dressing is one of our all-time favorites. It’s quite easy to make and always delicious. And it uses ingredients that we almost always have on hand. That’s a definite plus too! This recipe makes about 2 cups, which might sound like a good bit of dressing, but trust me, it’s so good you’ll use it up fast.

Catalina Salad Dressing

The Onion Is Key

The grated onion is one of the key ingredients in this Catalina salad dressing. Don’t skip it and don’t skimp on it. I used about a tablespoon, but you might want more. Or less. It takes a bit of effort to grate the onion, but the flavor it adds is so worth it.

This dressing gets even better after sitting in the fridge for a few hours. Just make sure to give it a good shake or stir before serving.

Also try my homemade creamy Carolina vinaigrette. It’s delicious!

Catalina Salad Dressing

Catalina Salad Dressing

A truly delicious dressing.
5 from 1 vote
Prep Time 15 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Course Salad Dressing
Cuisine American
Servings 8
Calories 362 kcal

Equipment

Ingredients
  

Instructions
 

  • Place all but the onion in a blender.
  • Pulse a few times.
  • Add white onion to taste and blend until smooth.
  • Store in the fridge until ready to use. Stir before serving.

Notes

Shake or stir before serving.
Need ideas for putting together the ultimate salad? Check out my salad inspirations!

Nutrition

Calories: 362kcalCarbohydrates: 31gProtein: 0.3gFat: 27gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 16gMonounsaturated Fat: 6gTrans Fat: 0.2gSodium: 766mgPotassium: 64mgFiber: 0.2gSugar: 29gVitamin A: 171IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 8mgIron: 0.2mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Keyword homemade dressing
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

Copycat Outback Steakhouse Croutons

Add copycat Outback Steakhouse croutons to my ever-growing list of things I have no self-control around. I love a crouton that is packed with flavor. The bread has to be crunchy, golden brown on the outside. And the inside has to be just a bit soft. Not like mushy soft, but softer than the crust. These croutons hit the spot and tested my ability to control myself like it hadn’t been tested in a long, long time.

Copycat Outback Steakhouse Croutons

Make it Your Way

Don’t over-melt the butter when you make these copycat Outback Steakhouse croutons. You want it a bit thick. Like the consistency of mayonnaise. That’s what you’re looking for. Me, I love Cajun seasoning, so I added extra. I like a little spiciness. Most salads don’t have any heat to them at all. No kick. Well, add a little extra seasoning and yours can.

Croutons and More Croutons

This recipe calls for a whole loaf of Texas toast. That means you’ll get a lot of croutons. I do mean a lot. Enough for a big ole party or family get-together. You can easily cut the recipe in half and get a ‘manageable’ amount of croutons. Or make the entire thing and freeze any excess croutons for later.

Also try my copycat of Ruby Tuesday’s fantastic pumpernickel croutons!

This dressing is great for dipping wings. Check out For The Wing for great wing ideas!

Copycat Outback Steakhouse Croutons

Copycat Outback Steakhouse Croutons

Fantastically-flavored croutons!
5 from 1 vote
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Course Salad
Cuisine American
Servings 10 cups
Calories 170 kcal

Equipment

Ingredients
  

  • 1 loaf Texas toast
  • 2 sticks unsalted butter one-half pound
  • 1 1/2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning more or less, to taste
  • 1/4 cup garlic minced

Instructions
 

  • Preheat oven to 350 F.
  • Cut the bread into bite-sized pieces. I cut mine into 1" cubes. Transfer to two large baking sheets and bake for 8 or so minutes or until golden brown but NOT crunchy. You're more after color than doneness at this point. Remove and let cool.
  • Place butter in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave for 30 seconds or more until the butter is just soft but NOT melted. You want it to be the consistency of mayonnaise.
  • Add the garlic and seasoning to the butter and mix well.
  • Transfer half of the butter mixture to a large bowl and add half of the bread cubes. Stir gently with a spatula or large spoon to coat well. Transfer the coated cubes back to a baking sheet. Repeat with the other half of the butter mixture and bread cubes.
  • Bake cubes another 10-20 minutes or until the croutons have the desired doneness, stirring every few minutes. For me this was about 10 minutes. I like my croutons to be crunchy on the outside and a little soft on the inside.
  • Remove from the oven and cool before serving.

Notes

You can substitute thick white bread or French bread for the Texas toast.

Nutrition

Calories: 170kcalCarbohydrates: 2gProtein: 1gFat: 18gSaturated Fat: 12gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 49mgSodium: 4mgPotassium: 43mgFiber: 0.4gSugar: 0.2gVitamin A: 1082IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 14mgIron: 0.3mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Keyword copycat, croutons
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

Copycat Portillo’s Sweet Italian Salad Dressing

I gotta have a little something, a little sweet, in my vinegar-based dressings. I am a fan of vinegar but sometimes it’s a bit strong for me. That’s where the sweet comes in. It tames that vinegar hit down, but keeps the vinegar flavor. This copycat Portillo’s sweet Italian salad dressing does just that. Super tasty balsamic vinegar meets up with just a bit of sugar, just enough, to make this a wonderfully smooth dressing. With a hint of garlic and oregano, this was the perfect dressing for my side salad tonight.

Copycat Portillo's Sweet Italian Salad Dressing

Shake Before Serving

If you happen to have any leftover of this copycat Portillo’s sweet Italian salad dressing, make sure you give it one heck of a good long shake before serving it. The oil likes to separate from the vinegar. A good shake takes care of that.

I updated the original recipe to specify that you might want to add a bit more sugar and salt than stated. I made the dressing and then gave it a good taste. It needed something, so I added a pinch more of both sugar and salt. I gave it another good shake and tasted it again. Perfect!

Also try my homemade creamy Italian dressing.

Copycat Portillo's Sweet Italian Salad Dressing

Copycat Portillo’s Sweet Italian Salad Dressing

Shake well before serving.
5 from 1 vote
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
Course Salad Dressing
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 260 kcal

Ingredients
  

Instructions
 

  • Place all ingredients into medium bowl and whisk until well-combined.
  • Serve immediately.
  • If you have any leftover dressing, make sure you give it a good stir again before serving.

Notes

You can substitute your favorite sweetener for the sugar.
Need ideas for putting together the ultimate salad? Check out my salad inspirations!

Nutrition

Calories: 260kcalCarbohydrates: 4gProtein: 0.2gFat: 27gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 20gSodium: 150mgPotassium: 27mgFiber: 0.05gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 0.2IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 9mgIron: 0.3mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Keyword balsamic, copycat, sweet
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

Creamy Carolina Vinaigrette

This creamy Carolina vinaigrette kinda surprised me. I wasn’t sure about the combination of a mustard, vinegar and oil vinaigrette with buttermilk and mayonnaise added to make a creamy dressing. I was surprised by how much I loved it. This vinaigrette has a ton of flavor, from the ingredients I already mentioned along with a few spices, onion and a little honey sweetness. There are a few ingredients in this, and they all join together for something decidedly different and tasty!

Creamy Carolina Vinaigrette

A Lot of Ingredients, A Lot of Flavor

I found the recipe for this creamy Carolina vinaigrette in Kardea Brown’s The Way Home cookbook. It’s packed with tons and tons of great recipes (Kardea never disappoints!), but if you know me, I’m always on the lookout for great salad dressing recipes. And I found one!

This vinaigrette is on the thinner side. Even though it says ‘creamy’, don’t let that make you think creamy, like say ranch dressing. It is different (in a good way) than just a straight-up vinaigrette. Don’t use light mayonnaise or light buttermilk and you’ll have the perfect topping for any garden salad. The dressing also gets a bit thicker after it has set in the fridge overnight.

Also try my smoky French salad dressing.

Creamy Carolina Vinaigrette

Creamy Carolina Vinaigrette

Inspired by a recipe from Kardea Brown
A deliciously different vinaigrette!
4 from 1 vote
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
Total Time 10 minutes
Course Salad Dressing
Cuisine American
Servings 8
Calories 156 kcal

Equipment

Ingredients
  

Instructions
 

  • Place all ingredients into a blender. Process until smooth and well combined.
  • Store unused dressing in the fridge. Shake or stir well before serving.

Notes

For the best results, use full-fat buttermilk.
Need ideas for putting together the ultimate salad? Check out my salad inspirations!

Nutrition

Calories: 156kcalCarbohydrates: 3gProtein: 1gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 8gMonounsaturated Fat: 4gTrans Fat: 0.1gCholesterol: 6mgSodium: 382mgPotassium: 69mgFiber: 0.3gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 178IUVitamin C: 0.4mgCalcium: 40mgIron: 0.2mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Keyword creamy, vinaigrette
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!