Olive Garden Salad Recipe

Short Description

The Olive Garden Salad is a fresh and zesty mix of crisp lettuce, juicy tomatoes, black olives, red onions, and crunchy croutons, all tossed in a tangy, creamy Italian dressing. This copycat recipe captures the flavors of the famous restaurant salad, making it easy to enjoy at home. Perfect as a side dish or a light main course, it pairs beautifully with pasta dishes, grilled meats, or a warm bowl of soup.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Restaurant-Quality at Home – Recreate the iconic Olive Garden salad with simple, easy-to-find ingredients.
• Customizable – Easily adjust the ingredients to fit your preferences or dietary needs.
• Perfect for Any Occasion – Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a gathering, this salad is always a hit.
• Quick and Easy – Ready in minutes, making it a go-to dish for busy days.
• Fresh and Healthy – Packed with vegetables, this salad is both nutritious and delicious.

Ingredients

• Iceberg lettuce
• Romaine lettuce
• Red onion
• Roma tomatoes
• Black olives
• Pepperoncini peppers
• Croutons
• Parmesan cheese
• Olive Garden Italian dressing (or homemade version)

Directions

1. Prepare the Lettuce: Chop the iceberg and romaine lettuce into bite-sized pieces. Rinse and pat dry with a paper towel or use a salad spinner.
2. Slice the Vegetables: Thinly slice the red onion and Roma tomatoes. Drain the black olives and pepperoncini peppers.
3. Assemble the Salad: In a large salad bowl, combine the lettuce, sliced onions, tomatoes, olives, and pepperoncini peppers.
4. Add the Extras: Toss in the croutons and sprinkle with freshly grated Parmesan cheese.
5. Dress the Salad: Pour the Olive Garden Italian dressing over the salad and toss everything together until well coated.
6. Serve Immediately: Enjoy fresh as a side dish or main course.

Variations

• Protein Boost – Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu for a heartier meal.
• Cheese Options – Try adding shredded mozzarella or crumbled feta for a different flavor.
• Homemade Dressing – Make your own dressing with olive oil, vinegar, Italian seasoning, and Dijon mustard.
• Extra Crunch – Add sliced cucumbers, bell peppers, or toasted nuts.
• Low-Carb Option – Skip the croutons or use keto-friendly alternatives.

Servings and Timing

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 10 minutes
• Servings: 4-6

Storage/Reheating

• Refrigeration: Store undressed salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep dressing separate to prevent sogginess.
• Reheating: Not applicable, as this salad is best enjoyed fresh.
• Dressing Storage: If making homemade dressing, store it in a sealed jar in the fridge for up to a week.

FAQs

Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Yes! Prepare the ingredients and store them separately. Toss everything together just before serving to keep it fresh.

What can I use instead of Olive Garden dressing?

You can use any Italian dressing or make a homemade version with olive oil, vinegar, lemon juice, and Italian herbs.

Are there any low-calorie alternatives for the dressing?

Opt for a light Italian dressing or use a vinaigrette with lemon juice and olive oil.

Can I make this salad dairy-free?

Yes! Simply omit the Parmesan cheese or replace it with a dairy-free alternative.

How can I make this salad more filling?

Add grilled chicken, shrimp, chickpeas, or avocado for extra protein and texture.

What type of lettuce is best for this salad?

A mix of iceberg and romaine lettuce gives the best texture and crunch.

How do I keep the lettuce crisp?

Store it in the fridge in an airtight container with a paper towel to absorb excess moisture.

Can I use fresh peppers instead of pepperoncini?

Yes, but the tangy flavor of pepperoncini adds a unique taste that fresh peppers lack.

What are the best croutons to use?

Garlic-seasoned croutons work best, but you can use homemade or any store-bought variety.

Is this salad gluten-free?

It can be! Just use gluten-free croutons and make sure the dressing is gluten-free.

Conclusion

The Olive Garden Salad is a refreshing, restaurant-quality dish that’s simple to make at home. Its vibrant mix of flavors and textures makes it a favorite for any meal. Whether you’re serving it as a side or a main course, this copycat recipe will bring the taste of Olive Garden right to your table. Give it a try and enjoy the classic flavors of this beloved salad!

Print