Name: Copycat Olive Garden Salad: A Fresh and Flavorful Classic
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: PT-485032H21M58S
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: Romaine lettuce – 1 large head (or about 6 cups chopped); Red onion – 1 small (thinly sliced); Cherry tomatoes – 1 pint (halved); Black olives – 1/4 cup (sliced); Cucumber – 1 medium (sliced); Pepperoncini peppers – 1/4 cup (sliced); Croutons – 1 cup (about 1-2 handfuls); Shredded Parmesan cheese – 1/4 cup; For the Dressing:; Olive oil – 1/4 cup; White vinegar – 2 tablespoons; Lemon juice – 1 tablespoon (freshly squeezed); Dijon mustard – 1 teaspoon; Garlic powder – 1/2 teaspoon; Onion powder – 1/2 teaspoon; Sugar – 1 teaspoon; Dried oregano – 1/2 teaspoon; Salt – to taste; Pepper – to taste

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If you’re a fan of the iconic Olive Garden salad, you’re going to love this homemade version. Crisp greens, crunchy croutons, zesty dressing, and a perfect balance of flavors — it’s the kind of salad that makes you want to keep coming back for more. Whether you’re serving it as a side to a big family dinner or just enjoying it as a meal on its own, this Copycat Olive Garden Salad is sure to satisfy.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

What’s not to love about a salad that’s bursting with fresh, crisp ingredients and a tangy dressing that ties everything together? This version has all the familiar flavors you adore from Olive Garden, but made right in your own kitchen! Plus, the best part is that it comes together in just minutes, so you can enjoy this delicious salad anytime without needing to wait in line.

Ingredients (Full list below)

Romaine lettuce
Red onion
Cherry tomatoes
Black olives
Cucumber
Pepperoncini peppers
Croutons
Shredded Parmesan cheese

Full list of ingredients below

Directions

Step 1: Prepare the Vegetables
Start by washing and drying the romaine lettuce. Chop it into bite-sized pieces and place it in a large salad bowl. Thinly slice the red onion, halve the cherry tomatoes, and slice the cucumber. Add all of these to the bowl with the lettuce.

Step 2: Add the Olives and Peppers
Next, add the black olives and the pepperoncini peppers to the salad. These two ingredients give the salad that tangy kick Olive Garden is known for.

Step 3: Add the Croutons and Cheese
Top the salad with a generous handful of crunchy croutons and a sprinkle of shredded Parmesan cheese. This adds that perfect finishing touch of texture and flavor.

Step 4: Toss the Salad
Give the salad a good toss to mix everything together.

Step 5: Make the Dressing
To make the dressing, whisk together olive oil, white vinegar, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, sugar, and dried oregano. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 6: Dress and Serve
Pour the dressing over the salad just before serving. Toss it again to coat the salad evenly.

Expert Tips and Tricks

Chill your salad bowl: For an extra cool, refreshing salad, pop your salad bowl in the fridge for 10-15 minutes before assembling.
Use fresh, high-quality ingredients: The better the vegetables and dressing ingredients, the better your salad will taste. Fresh romaine and juicy tomatoes make all the difference.
Customize your croutons: If you have leftover bread, make your own croutons by cutting it into cubes, tossing with olive oil and seasonings, and baking them in the oven until golden and crisp.

Recipe Variations and Possible Substitutions

Dressing variations: If you want a richer dressing, you can substitute the white vinegar with red wine vinegar, or even balsamic for a more complex flavor.
Add protein: For a heartier salad, add grilled chicken, shrimp, or even a scoop of tuna salad to turn this into a full meal.
Vegetarian option: Leave out the Parmesan cheese and croutons for a lighter, vegetarian-friendly version.

Serving and Pairing Suggestions

This Copycat Olive Garden Salad is a great side dish to any Italian meal, like pasta dishes, lasagna, or chicken parmigiana. It’s also delicious with a fresh baguette or garlic bread on the side.

Storage and Reheating Tips

This salad is best served fresh, but you can store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 day. Keep the dressing separate and add it just before serving to avoid soggy vegetables.

4 FAQs

Can I use other greens instead of romaine?
Yes! You can use any leafy greens you prefer, like iceberg lettuce or a spring mix. Romaine gives a nice crunch, but it’s all about personal preference.
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
You can prep all the ingredients ahead of time and store them separately, but it’s best to toss the salad with the dressing just before serving to keep everything fresh.
Can I add more veggies?
Absolutely! Feel free to add bell peppers, cucumbers, or even some roasted red peppers for added flavor. The salad is very versatile.
Can I make the dressing ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the dressing in advance and store it in the fridge for up to a week. Just give it a good shake or stir before using.

Conclusion

This Copycat Olive Garden Salad is a delicious, fresh, and tangy salad that’s perfect for any occasion. It’s easy to make, full of flavor, and sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re having it as a side dish or making it a meal on its own, this salad will remind you of those cozy Olive Garden visits — but with the convenience of homemade!

Copycat Olive Garden Salad: A Fresh and Flavorful Classic

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This homemade version of the famous Olive Garden salad features crisp greens, crunchy croutons, zesty dressing, and a perfect balance of flavors. It’s quick to prepare and full of fresh, vibrant ingredients.

Author: Touria Elkoudssi
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: None
Total Time: 15 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Category: Salad
Method: Tossing
Cuisine: Italian
Diet: Vegetarian

Instructions

Prepare the Vegetables: Wash and dry the romaine lettuce, chop it into bite-sized pieces, and place it in a large bowl. Thinly slice the red onion, halve the cherry tomatoes, and slice the cucumber. Add all of these to the bowl with the lettuce.
Add the Olives and Peppers: Add black olives and pepperoncini peppers to the bowl for a tangy flavor.
Add the Croutons and Cheese: Top the salad with croutons and a sprinkle of shredded Parmesan cheese.
Toss the Salad: Mix everything together to combine.
Make the Dressing: In a separate bowl, whisk together olive oil, white vinegar, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, sugar, and dried oregano. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Dress and Serve: Pour the dressing over the salad just before serving and toss again to coat.