Tag: copycat

Spicy Firecracker Coleslaw

I am a huge fish-and-chips fan. So when we recently ate at the Aquarium Restaurant in the Opry Mills shopping center in Nashville, Tennessee, that’s what I ordered. And of course I had it with slaw on the side. But not any ordinary slaw. This one had some kick. A spicy kick. And the dressing was different. Deeper. Tastier. After a few tastes it occurred to me that it was a balsamic vinaigrette. “Perfect!” I thought. And as soon as we got home, I made an almost-copycat just-as-great spicy firecracker slaw! Same great kick, same great vinaigrette!

Spicy Firecracker Coleslaw

A Slaw With A Spicy Kick

My version of spicy firecracker slaw is very close to the one we had at the Aquarium Restaurant. I think theirs was made with a white balsamic vinegar, which I didn’t have. I had to substitute dark, which of course made my slaw darker. I also added a spicy mustard, which I’m not sure the original contained. I think so, so I added it. Either way, theirs is great. And mine is great. So no one is wrong!

Geedel Rotary Cheese Grater, Kitchen Mandoline Vegetable Slicer with 3 Interchangeable Blades, Easy to Clean Rotary Grater Slicer for Fruit, Vegetables, Nuts
Geedel Rotary Cheese Grater, Kitchen Mandoline Vegetable Slicer with 3 Interchangeable Blades, Easy to Clean Rotary Grater Slicer for Fruit, Vegetables, Nuts

Also try my tangy coleslaw.

Spicy Firecracker Coleslaw

Spicy Firecracker Coleslaw

Yeah, it's spicy!
5 from 1 vote
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Course Coleslaw
Cuisine American
Servings 6
Calories 207 kcal

Equipment

Ingredients
  

Instructions
 

  • Place everything except for the coleslaw mix into a medium saucepan over medium heat.
  • Stir until the sugar has dissolved completely.
  • Remove the pan from the heat and let cool completely.
  • Add the slaw mix to a medium bowl.
  • Drizzle with the sauce and toss or stir to coat.
  • Cover and refrigerate for at least one hour.

Notes

Stir again before serving.

Nutrition

Calories: 207kcalCarbohydrates: 40gProtein: 1gFat: 5gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 4gSodium: 324mgPotassium: 168mgFiber: 2gSugar: 37gVitamin A: 85IUVitamin C: 29mgCalcium: 41mgIron: 1mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Keyword coleslaw, spicy
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Fullstar Vegetable Chopper – Spiralizer Vegetable Slicer – Onion Chopper with Container – Pro Food Chopper – Slicer Dicer Cutter – (4 in 1, White)

Copycat Classic Diner Chef Salad

I wanted a salad that would harken back to earlier times. When I could walk into a diner, order a burger, some fries, and a salad. This copycat classic diner chef salad reminds me of the salads the waitress would grab out of the little fridge on the counter by the pass to the kitchen. They were usually behind glass doors that slid open. Covered in plastic wrap, they were made fresh every morning. And they always hit the spot. Just like this one. And I always got it with Ranch dressing. Even though they had French. Maybe there were other dressing choices but my brain always stopped once it heard ‘Ranch’.

Copycat Classic Diner Chef Salad

Diners And Salad Bars

Whenever I get lucky enough to find a decent salad bar at a restaurant, which is kinda rare these days, I end up making a copycat classic diner chef salad. Not just because it’s easy. It has all of my favorite things on it. From fresh mushrooms to ham to bacon to green onions. For me, it’s the perfect combination.

(24 Pack, 2 Sizes) Small Sauce Cups, Stainless Steel Ramekin Dipping Sauce Cup, Commercial Grade Individual Round Condiment Cups (12 of - 1.5oz: 12 of - 2.5oz)
(24 Pack, 2 Sizes) Small Sauce Cups, Stainless Steel Ramekin Dipping Sauce Cup, Commercial Grade Individual Round Condiment Cups (12 of – 1.5oz: 12 of – 2.5oz)

There used to be a Ruby Tuesday restaurant by our house that always had the ultimate salad bar. And some of the best Ranch dressing around. I sure miss it. But to make up for it being gone, and there being no good diners near me, I made these at home.

It might seem a bit odd, but I think freshly-shredded cheese is a must on a salad. You want fresh vegetables, why not fresh cheese? That pre-shredded stuff isn’t as creamy. And it’s not as tasty. So I always take the few extra minutes to shred my own.

Also try my copycat McDonald’s chef salad.

Copycat Classic Diner Chef Salad

Copycat Classic Diner Chef Salad

Inspired by a recipe from Berly’s Kitchen
The perfect classic salad.
5 from 1 vote
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Course Salad
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 251 kcal

Equipment

Ingredients
  

  • 1/2 head iceberg lettuce cleaned, cored, sliced or shredded as desired
  • 1 ounce cheddar cheese shredded
  • 12 cherry tomatoes rinsed, halved
  • 1/2 small onion white, red, or sweet, sliced into rings
  • 1/2 cup mushrooms rinsed, sliced
  • 1 medium carrot peeled, sliced or shredded
  • 1/2 medium cucumber peeled, sliced
  • 4 large eggs hard-boiled, peeled, halved
  • 4 slices bacon cooked, chopped
  • 4 green onions rinsed, sliced thin
  • 1/4 cup ham diced
  • Kosher salt to taste
  • freshly ground black pepper to taste

Instructions
 

  • Assemble your salad by dividing the lettuce between four plates.
  • Add remaining ingredients and season well.
  • Serve with your favorite dressing.

Nutrition

Calories: 251kcalCarbohydrates: 9gProtein: 15gFat: 18gSaturated Fat: 6gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 7gTrans Fat: 0.1gCholesterol: 213mgSodium: 393mgPotassium: 516mgFiber: 2gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 3622IUVitamin C: 18mgCalcium: 117mgIron: 2mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Keyword classic, salad
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
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Fullstar Vegetable Chopper – Spiralizer Vegetable Slicer – Onion Chopper with Container – Pro Food Chopper – Slicer Dicer Cutter – (4 in 1, White)

Copycat Hard Rock Cafe Coleslaw

The last Hard Rock Cafe we visited, in the Mall of America, is long gone. That is too bad since we loved the cool music-themed items. And the food. But hey, at least we can make a copycat Hard Rock Cafe coleslaw at home now. This is a big favorite in our house. It’s easy to make. Like crazy easy. And delicious. Creamy. A little sweet. Crunchy. It’s my kind of coleslaw.

Copycat Hard Rock Cafe Coleslaw

Good Things Take Time

As easy as this copycat Hard Rock Cafe coleslaw is to make, it cannot be rushed. It needs some quality time in the fridge for the flavors to get perfect. And they will. Sure, you can give it a taste or two moments after making it, and you’ll like it. But to love it, give it that overnight ‘soak’. Or more. Up to two days for maximum coleslaw love. It’s worth it.

Geedel Rotary Cheese Grater, Kitchen Mandoline Vegetable Slicer with 3 Interchangeable Blades, Easy to Clean Rotary Grater Slicer for Fruit, Vegetables, Nuts
Geedel Rotary Cheese Grater, Kitchen Mandoline Vegetable Slicer with 3 Interchangeable Blades, Easy to Clean Rotary Grater Slicer for Fruit, Vegetables, Nuts

Also try my fantastic copycat of Marzetti’s Classic Original Slaw dressing!

Copycat Hard Rock Cafe Coleslaw

Copycat Hard Rock Cafe Coleslaw

A deliciously creamy, slightly sweet slaw that is one of my favorites!
5 from 1 vote
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 1 day
Course Coleslaw
Cuisine American
Servings 8
Calories 290 kcal

Equipment

Ingredients
  

Instructions
 

  • Whisk together all of the ingredients except for the coleslaw mix in a large bowl until smooth.
  • Add the coleslaw mix and stir to coat.
  • Cover and refrigerate for 24-48 hours.

Notes

Stir before serving.

Nutrition

Calories: 290kcalCarbohydrates: 8gProtein: 1gFat: 28gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 17gMonounsaturated Fat: 6gTrans Fat: 0.1gCholesterol: 16mgSodium: 256mgPotassium: 132mgFiber: 2gSugar: 7gVitamin A: 99IUVitamin C: 26mgCalcium: 36mgIron: 0.4mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Keyword coleslaw, creamy
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
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Fullstar Vegetable Chopper – Spiralizer Vegetable Slicer – Onion Chopper with Container – Pro Food Chopper – Slicer Dicer Cutter – (4 in 1, White)

Hard Eight BBQ Coleslaw

There are a lot of Texas BBQ joints on my bucket list. Hard Eight BBQ is one of them. I’d get there the minute they opened and stay until they closed that day. And it’d be one of the best days of my life. And guess what? I’d even eat their coleslaw while I’m there. Besides, man doesn’t live on brisket and smoked sauce alone, does he?

Hard Eight Coleslaw

Oh, The Dressing!

This Hard Eight coleslaw is vinegar-based. Not that creamy stuff you might be used to. And it’s a bit sweet, too. And as much as it’s great on the side, let me tell you, it’s amazing on anything grilled. I grilled up some chicken thighs, slapped them on some buns, and pilled on the slaw. And nothing else. The slaw was fantastic. I didn’t need anything else. The crunchy, the heat… just perfect. Next time you’re making a sandwich, burger or whatever, and you’re thinking you need maybe a little lettuce on it, stop. Make this slaw and use it instead. You’ll be more than happy you did. It’s about flavor and this coleslaw brings it.

Geedel Rotary Cheese Grater, Kitchen Mandoline Vegetable Slicer with 3 Interchangeable Blades, Easy to Clean Rotary Grater Slicer for Fruit, Vegetables, Nuts
Geedel Rotary Cheese Grater, Kitchen Mandoline Vegetable Slicer with 3 Interchangeable Blades, Easy to Clean Rotary Grater Slicer for Fruit, Vegetables, Nuts

Also try my Carolina coleslaw.

Hard Eight Coleslaw

Hard Eight BBQ Coleslaw

It's about flavor and this coleslaw brings it.
5 from 1 vote
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Course Coleslaw
Cuisine American
Servings 14
Calories 117 kcal

Equipment

Ingredients
  

For the coleslaw

  • 2 pounds cabbage shredded or sliced thin, or substitute 2 bags slaw mix
  • 8 ounces pimentos drained, chopped
  • 2 cups green bell pepper seeded, chopped
  • 1 jalapeno seeded, minced (optional)

For the dressing

Instructions
 

  • Combine all of the coleslaw ingredients in a large bowl.
  • In a small bowl, whisk the dressing ingredients until the sugar has dissolved. Pour over the slaw and stir to coat well.
  • Let set at least 15 minutes before serving.

Notes

Stir again before serving.

Nutrition

Calories: 117kcalCarbohydrates: 20gProtein: 1gFat: 4gSaturated Fat: 0.3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gTrans Fat: 0.02gSodium: 514mgPotassium: 184mgFiber: 2gSugar: 17gVitamin A: 584IUVitamin C: 59mgCalcium: 30mgIron: 1mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Keyword coleslaw, spicy
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
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Fullstar Vegetable Chopper – Spiralizer Vegetable Slicer – Onion Chopper with Container – Pro Food Chopper – Slicer Dicer Cutter – (4 in 1, White)

Copycat Texas Roadhouse Italian Salad Dressing

Could this be it? Could I have found the perfect Italian dressing? For years I’ve searched. Only to find dressings that were too vinegary. Or too thin. Or too herby. Always ‘too’ something. Well, this copycat Texas Roadhouse Italian salad dressing was perfect for me. Nothing too strong. The perfect consistency. This is the first Italian salad dressing I could actually just drink. This was a real winner for me!

Copycat Texas Roadhouse Italian Salad Dressing

Give It A Rest

The recipe for this copycat Texas Roadhouse Italian salad dressing calls for you to let it sit for 10 minutes before serving. The dressing needs that time to ‘get happy’. The dry seasonings need to rehydrate. Flavor things. If you rush it you won’t get dressing happiness.

If you have the time, I’d like it rest overnight before serving. Always give it a stir or shake before serving. And if you’ve refrigerated the dressing, set it out on the countertop at least 30 minutes before using. Cold dressings don’t mix as well, specially if they contain oils that solidify in the fridge.

WERTIOO Olive Oil Sprayer for Cooking 4 Pack, 7.4oz/210ml Glass Olive Oil Spray Bottle Refillable Kitchen Accessories Oil Mister for Air Fryer, Salad, Baking, BBQ
WERTIOO Olive Oil Sprayer for Cooking 4 Pack, 7.4oz/210ml Glass Olive Oil Spray Bottle Refillable Kitchen Accessories Oil Mister for Air Fryer, Salad, Baking, BBQ

Also try a copycat of the Texas Roadhouse honey French dressing.

Copycat Texas Roadhouse Italian Salad Dressing

Copycat Texas Roadhouse Italian Salad Dressing

Inspired by a recipe from Full Form Today
Incredibly delicious and smooth.
5 from 2 votes
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Course Salad Dressing
Cuisine American
Servings 4 cups
Calories 1201 kcal

Equipment

Ingredients
  

First Step Ingredients

Second Step Ingredients

Third Step Ingredients

Final Step Ingredients

Instructions
 

First Step

  • Add the apple cider vinegar, sugar, granulated garlic, white and black peppers, onion powder and salt and kosher salt to a medium bowl. Whisk to combine.

Second Step

  • Add the dried oregano, basil, and minced garlic. Whisk to combine. Let mixture rest for 10 minutes.

Third Step

  • Add the mustard and honey. Whisk thoroughly.

Final Step

  • While whisking, slowly drizzle in the oil. Continue whisking until the dressing shows no signs of separating.
  • Taste and add more salt if desired then whisk some more.
  • Serve immediately.
  • Refrigerate any leftovers. Let come to room temperature before serving, shaking or stirring first.

Notes

This recipe makes a HUGE batch of dressing. Feel free to cut it in half. Or, use any leftover dressing as a great marinade for chicken or steak!
Need ideas for putting together the ultimate salad? Check out my salad inspirations!

Nutrition

Calories: 1201kcalCarbohydrates: 58gProtein: 2gFat: 110gSaturated Fat: 17gPolyunsaturated Fat: 63gMonounsaturated Fat: 25gTrans Fat: 1gSodium: 1181mgPotassium: 172mgFiber: 2gSugar: 52gVitamin A: 38IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 60mgIron: 2mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Keyword copycat, Italian
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
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Fullstar Vegetable Chopper – Spiralizer Vegetable Slicer – Onion Chopper with Container – Pro Food Chopper – Slicer Dicer Cutter – (4 in 1, White)

Copycat Pizza Hut Creamy Italian Salad Dressing

Boy oh boy did this copycat Pizza Hut creamy Italian salad dressing ever bring back memories. I was addicted to this dressing, especially in my college years when you could pick up a personal pan pizza or a hot sub and a side salad for cheap. I’d always ask for extra dressing. I could drink this stuff. I was so happy that this recipe came as close to the original as I’ve found. The right flavor. And the right consistency.

Copycat Pizza Hut Creamy Italian Salad Dressing

Ranch and Xanthan Gum for the Win

There are two keys to making this copycat Pizza Hut cream Italian dressing as close to the original as possible. The first is to use a quality Ranch dressing. One that’s full of flavor. For me, that means Hidden Valley Ranch original. The second is xanthan gum. Found in just about every store-bought food item you can find, it’s a thickener. It’s what gives this dressing that great thickness. A little goes a long ways, so just add the little amount the recipe calls for and let it do its thing.

This dressing is great on a sub sandwich too. Like really great!

(24 Pack, 2 Sizes) Small Sauce Cups, Stainless Steel Ramekin Dipping Sauce Cup, Commercial Grade Individual Round Condiment Cups (12 of - 1.5oz: 12 of - 2.5oz)
(24 Pack, 2 Sizes) Small Sauce Cups, Stainless Steel Ramekin Dipping Sauce Cup, Commercial Grade Individual Round Condiment Cups (12 of – 1.5oz: 12 of – 2.5oz)

This dressing is perfect on a classic diner chef salad!

Copycat Pizza Hut Creamy Italian Salad Dressing

Copycat Pizza Hut Creamy Italian Salad Dressing

Deliciously creamy. A truly wonderful dressing!
5 from 1 vote
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Course Salad Dressing
Cuisine American
Servings 12
Calories 252 kcal

Equipment

Ingredients
  

Instructions
 

  • Place all but the xanthan gum into a food processor or blender.
  • Process until smooth and combined.
  • Add the xantham gum and process a little more until thick.

Notes

Stir dressing before serving. Store in the fridge until ready to use.
Need ideas for putting together the ultimate salad? Check out my salad inspirations!

Nutrition

Calories: 252kcalCarbohydrates: 5gProtein: 1gFat: 25gSaturated Fat: 6gPolyunsaturated Fat: 13gMonounsaturated Fat: 6gTrans Fat: 0.1gCholesterol: 25mgSodium: 345mgPotassium: 59mgFiber: 0.2gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 286IUVitamin C: 0.2mgCalcium: 41mgIron: 0.2mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Keyword copycat, dressing, Italian
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
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Fullstar Vegetable Chopper – Spiralizer Vegetable Slicer – Onion Chopper with Container – Pro Food Chopper – Slicer Dicer Cutter – (4 in 1, White)

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.

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WERTIOO Olive Oil Sprayer for Cooking 4 Pack, 7.4oz/210ml Glass Olive Oil Spray Bottle Refillable Kitchen Accessories Oil Mister for Air Fryer, Salad, Baking, BBQ

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
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
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!
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Fullstar Vegetable Chopper – Spiralizer Vegetable Slicer – Onion Chopper with Container – Pro Food Chopper – Slicer Dicer Cutter – (4 in 1, White)

Copycat Red Lobster Creamy Caesar Salad Dressing

This copycat Red Lobster creamy Caesar salad dressing reminded me that there isn’t enough Caesar dressing in my life. I keep forgetting how good it is. Nice and creamy. A little tangy. Kinda garlicky but not too much so. Wait… anchovy paste? Yes. If you fear the anchovy, don’t. Embrace it. It’s not overpowering, not even. But this dressing needs it. And you need it.

Copycat Red Lobster Creamy Caesar Salad Dressing

It Tastes Fancy.

There’s nothing complicated here. You’re not going to make a mess of the kitchen when you make this copycat Red Lobster creamy Caesar salad dressing. Five ingredients and a little time and you’ll be enjoying tastes-fresh-made goodness.

A Little Control.

Need help with self-control around great salad dressings? I do. A lot. So I use these little sauce cups. The idea is that I put all the dressing I need (not necessarily want) into the cup and put that on my plate. I leave the bottle or container of the rest of the dressing in the kitchen. Far away. Out of sight. Not out of mind, but far away that I might resist going and getting more. That’s touch to do around great dressings like this one.

(24 Pack, 2 Sizes) Small Sauce Cups, Stainless Steel Ramekin Dipping Sauce Cup, Commercial Grade Individual Round Condiment Cups (12 of - 1.5oz: 12 of - 2.5oz)
(24 Pack, 2 Sizes) Small Sauce Cups, Stainless Steel Ramekin Dipping Sauce Cup, Commercial Grade Individual Round Condiment Cups (12 of – 1.5oz: 12 of – 2.5oz)

Also try my homemade Everything Bagel salad dressing.

Copycat Red Lobster Creamy Caesar Salad Dressing

Copycat Red Lobster Creamy Caesar Salad Dressing

A delightfully tasty, pourable dressing that is sure to please!
5 from 1 vote
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Get happy time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Course Salad Dressing
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 252 kcal

Equipment

Ingredients
  

Instructions
 

  • Place all ingredients into a bowl and whisk until well incorporated.
  • Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. Even better, refrigerate overnight.
  • Stir or shake before serving.

Notes

You can substitute lite mayonnaise if desired.
Need ideas for putting together the ultimate salad? Check out my salad inspirations!

Nutrition

Calories: 252kcalCarbohydrates: 24gProtein: 1gFat: 14gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 8gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gTrans Fat: 0.04gCholesterol: 10mgSodium: 4841mgPotassium: 13mgSugar: 3gVitamin A: 22IUCalcium: 20mgIron: 0.1mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Keyword Caesar, creamy
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
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Fullstar Vegetable Chopper – Spiralizer Vegetable Slicer – Onion Chopper with Container – Pro Food Chopper – Slicer Dicer Cutter – (4 in 1, White)

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!

WERTIOO Olive Oil Sprayer for Cooking 4 Pack, 7.4oz/210ml Glass Olive Oil Spray Bottle Refillable Kitchen Accessories Oil Mister for Air Fryer, Salad, Baking, BBQ
WERTIOO Olive Oil Sprayer for Cooking 4 Pack, 7.4oz/210ml Glass Olive Oil Spray Bottle Refillable Kitchen Accessories Oil Mister for Air Fryer, Salad, Baking, BBQ

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
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
Course Salad Dressing
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 260 kcal

Equipment

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!
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Fullstar Vegetable Chopper – Spiralizer Vegetable Slicer – Onion Chopper with Container – Pro Food Chopper – Slicer Dicer Cutter – (4 in 1, White)

Copycat Panera Strawberry Poppy Seed Salad Dressing

I’ve been waiting for good, fresh strawberries to show up at our local grocery store so I could make this copycat Panera strawberry poppy seed dressing. My patience was definitely rewarded and then some. This could easily be my favorite salad dressing of all time. Smooth strawberry flavor with just a bit of sweetness. White balsamic vinegar, while not as cheap as the dark version, is more mellow and adds a great tang. This dressing looks as amazing as it tastes, too. It’s a big ‘ooooh’ and ‘ahhhh’ winner on the table.

Copycat Panera Strawberry Poppy Seed Salad Dressing

What Is White Balsamic Vinegar?

I was curious what makes white balsamic vinegar more subtle and rich than the dark version, so I Googled it. Turns out dark balsamic vinegar is aged for at least twelve years in barrels that have been fired and were previously used for other batches of balsamic vinegar. White balsamic vinegar, on the other hand, is aged at least twelve years in new barrels that have not been fired or used before. That explains the cleaner, smoother flavor! It’s perfect in this copycat Panera strawberry poppy seed dressing.

Other Berries Work Too!

You can substitute other berries for the strawberries if you want. Raspberries and black berries are great. Or even try peaches. I think this recipe will work well with any good in-season fruit.

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Also try some Panera Bread Greek vinaigrette.

Copycat Panera Strawberry Poppy Seed Salad Dressing

Copycat Panera Strawberry Poppy Seed Salad Dressing

Smooth strawberry flavor with just a bit of sweetness.
5 from 1 vote
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Course Salad Dressing
Cuisine American
Servings 12
Calories 67 kcal

Equipment

Ingredients
  

Instructions
 

  • Combine all of the dressing ingredients except the poppy seeds together in a high-speed blender or food processor.
  • Mix until smooth.
  • Stir in the poppy seeds and serve.

Notes

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

Nutrition

Calories: 67kcalCarbohydrates: 5gProtein: 0.4gFat: 5gSaturated Fat: 0.4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gTrans Fat: 0.02gSodium: 32mgPotassium: 56mgFiber: 1gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 3IUVitamin C: 14mgCalcium: 18mgIron: 0.3mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Keyword poppy seed, strawberry
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