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Zoe's Copycat Salad Dressing - if you've never been to Zoe's Kitchen, you'll flip over this delicious dressing. If you've been there, I know you'll be quite thrilled to have this recipe!
Zoe's Copycat Salad Dressing... this one's been on my bucket list for a while now. Oh, I don't mean my BUCKET list, as in: sky diving on a clear blue Carolina day, floating high above green forests in a brilliantly striped hot air balloon, snorkeling through azure, crystal Caribbean waters, bicycling (motor-assisted) through majestic Swiss mountains... No not like that.
I'm talking about my "culinary" bucket list. Yup, I have one of those too. I almost always have at least two or three recipes I'm dying to figure out - what the ingredients are, the right proportions, or perhaps it's just the method of preparation that has me stumped. Usually it's something delicious that I've had when dining out, and I'm quite certain that I'm not the best out-to-dinner date, as I'm often distractedly analyzing and taking apart the food (I try to mind my manners, so I do this in my mind.)
Zoe's fit great for a quick, healthy meal on the run.
That's been the case ever since my first visit to Zoe's Kitchen. Zoes's is a chain restaurant specializing in fresh, delicious Mediterranean fare. The restaurants are scattered throughout the eastern United States from Florida all the way up to Pennsylvania. They can also be found in Texas, Missouri, Oklahoma, Louisiana and Arizona. They have great salads, pitas, hummus, soups and lots of wonderful entrees. Scott and I love stopping a Zoe's when we're in a hurry, but want something healthy and tasty. All the food is made to order and the servings are hearty - we order one salad to share and we're happily content.
One of the things I noticed right away about Zoe's was the bottle of house dressing that's always available on every table. Although their salads come dressed, you have the option of adding extra, if desired. The first time I tried the dressing, I was sold. It's super flavorful without being too strong or heavy. Scott doesn't care for most Greek dressings, as they are often too "vinegary" or "strong", but he loves Zoe's dressing.
After that first visit, I was determined to figure out the delicious dressing as I knew it would be perfect with a wide variety of greens and veggies. I tried googling it and immediately found a recipe for Zoe's Copycat Salad Dressing. Excited, I followed the recipe carefully, anxious to see if it was as authentic as it claimed.
No go. It was NOTHING like the real deal. I tried a few ideas of my own, but they weren't quite right either.
A secret revealed...
Then, one day (one happy day) a few months ago, Scott and I stopped by Zoe's while running errands. As we were enjoying our lunch, I happened to notice one of the staff members refilling the salad dressing bottles at the counter right near our table. Well, actually she wasn't re-filling them, she was actually making the dressing as she replenished each bottle.
You can imagine I was like a hunting dog (squirrel!) on a scent. I watched her intently - and discovered what the problem was with the "copycat" version as well as my own renditions. It was the ratio of oil to vinegar that was way off. The copycat version is a 1:1 ration and I was doing a 2:1 or a 3:1 ratio. After watching her, I realized Zoe's dressing actually closer to a 4:1 ratio. I was also able to observe the type of oil that was used - it was a canola/olive oil blend. The label on the bottle read "75% canola oil, 25% extra virgin olive oil". The only other ingredient was a spice/herb blend. Are you proud of me for being such a super sleuth?
When I got back home that day I wasted no time, going right to the kitchen, working to recreate what I observed. I did a bit of tinkering and measured everything as I went. It took a few more trials, but I think I'm quite close and you probably can't guess that I'm super thrilled, right? I'm calling it Zoe's Copycat Salad Dressing.
Everyone loves this Zoe's Copycat Salad Dressing.
Every time I serve a salad with this dressing, there are lots of compliments and statements like, "This is the best salad" or "I love this salad". You'll be sure to see it again in the near future, as I'm working on a fresh new summer salad.
I like having a stash of this Zoe's Copycat Salad Dressing in the fridge, so I can whip up a healthy lunch in a hurry. Don't get me wrong, we still love to stop at Zoe's Kitchen for fresh, delicious meals on the run, but I love that we can enjoy this wonderful dressing without even leaving home.
P.S. If you're in the mood for an Asian salad dressing this Asian Honey Sesame Dressing is crazy delicious too!
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder available at just about any grocery store in the spice section
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon dried basil
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt more, to taste
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- ¾ cup mild flavored oil grapeseed, sunflower, avocado, canola, etc.
- ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
- 5 tablespoons red wine vinegar
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Combine powdered garlic, oregano, basil, salt and pepper in a small bowl. Rub mixture with your fingers for a minute or two till herbs are finely crushed. This will help bring out the flavor of the dried herbs.
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Combine oil, vinegar and spice mixture in a medium-size glass jar. Shake well to combine. Taste and add more salt, if desired. Shake again, just before serving.
Norma says
Our Zoe’s is gone (😩). But I’m so glad I found this dressing recipe. We love it! I’m adding this dressing to my rotation. Thanks, Chris!
Chris Scheuer says
I'm so glad you enjoyed this recipe, Norma! Thanks for letting us know!
Judy A. says
Zoe's employees told me they marinate their chicken in it for Chicken Kabobs. Sooo good! It also adds some 'zing' to their rice dishes. Now that Zoe's is gone (wahhh!) I'm thankful you have the recipe.
Chris Scheuer says
That's a great idea about the chicken! Thanks, Judy 🙂
Linda T says
Made this today and it was delicious. I have never been to a Zoe's so can't say how it compares to the original but this is easy, delicious and most people would have the ingredients on hand which is always a bonus. I used champagne vinegar since I had it and have never used it. It worked great.
Wonder if you have labels for this recipe and if available could you send them to me. Am passing your website on to my guests...Thank you!
Chris Scheuer says
I'm so glad you enjoyed this, Linda! We do not have labels for this recipe at this time.
Priscilla Gonzales says
Can I use fresh basil instead of dried? I’ve got so much in my garden I want to use it up. I wonder if it will affect the taste. Hmmm 🤔
Chris Scheuer says
You could do that, Priscilla. You should check out this recipe if you want to use a bunch of basil, though!- https://thecafesucrefarine.com/sweet-basil-vinaigrette/
Shannon says
I found your fabulous creation after my first visit to Zoe’s and I can’t tell you the joy it’s brought our family over the years and now that the one by us closed🤭😭… but thanks to your sleuth self, or squirrel self, I can make this at home every week for us! And my family is so happy about it! Thank you so much for this!
Chris Scheuer says
I'm so glad, Shannon! It's one of our favorites too 🙂
Fran says
Can the be used to create the Marinated Slaw Sauce (plus feta and green onions)?
Chris Scheuer says
Yes, I think that would work well, Fran.
Debsnyderii says
I miss our Zoey’s - it closed during the pandemic. This dressing is an awesome recipe, my go-to for all kinds of salads. Thanks!!
Chris Scheuer says
Thanks so much for letting us know, Debsyderii!
sofia s says
i used to work at zoes kitchen and have made their dressing hundreds of times and this one is pretty accurate
Chris Scheuer says
Thanks, Sofia!
Nora says
I’ve made this before, and it’s delicious. But not sure how long it lasts/remains good once made. Do you know?
Chris Scheuer says
Hi Nora, it keeps well for at least 10 days to a week since there are no fresh herbs.
Sue Greenwood says
I love Zoe's Greek Dressing and I was excited when I found this recipe. I eat salad for lunch most every day and have taken to make my own dressings so that I can control what goes into them. This so so simple and so delicious. I use a little bit more vinegar than the recipe calls for- and I am generous with my seasoning measures! But that is the joy of making your own - you can make it to your own taste once you have a good base to start.
Chris Scheuer says
Thanks so much for sharing your results, Sue!
Candice says
Could I use avocado oil instead of canola? Thank you.
Chris Scheuer says
Absolutely!
Steph says
All I want to know is what kind of red wine vinegar they use, everytime I try to add more to my bottles - it's way too acidic
Chris Scheuer says
Hi Steph, I'm not sure what kind they use but I like Pompeian Gourmet Red Wine Vinegar. It's also rated high by Cook's Illustrated.
Jennifer Richard says
How long would this keep in the fridge?
Chris Scheuer says
It keeps well for at least 10 days to a week since there are no fresh herbs.
Nicole says
When I used to purchase the dressing from Zoe’s (before they closed 💔) they said not to refrigerate it. I have the end of my last bottle and it’s been months! Do you think there is some type of preservative in theirs? Have you tried keeping yours out or longer than 10 days?
Chris Scheuer says
Hi Nicole, I haven't kept my dressing out longer than 10 days. I'm not sure if they use a preservative or not.
Leann says
Super-sleuth Chris ~ thank you the dressing is spot on! Made a Greek lunch when our kids came to visit with Grilled Greek Chicken kebabs, Lebanese Tabbouleh, Layered Hummus/Red Pepper Dip, and a beautiful Greek Salad with your cc version of Zoe's dressing. Everyone loved the meal and I noted extra pours of the dressing over the kebabs as well ~ Ευχαριστώ πολύ!!
Chris Scheuer says
Είστε ευπρόσδεκτοι, Leann! Sounds like a delicious meal. I'm so happy you enjoyed the dressing!
Susanne Skinner says
I make this dressing all the time and keep forgetting to say how much we love it! I also use it as a marinade for pork and chicken. We recently moved to Florida and discovered we have a restaurant near us and you are right - such delicious food!!!
Chris Scheuer says
Thanks for sharing your results, Susanne!