This Olive Garden Salad is a refreshing and flavorful side dish made with crisp vegetables, zesty pepperoncinis, and a delicious copycat Italian dressing. Perfect for recreating the restaurant experience at home, this salad pairs beautifully with pasta dishes or stands alone as a light meal.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Restaurant-Quality: Enjoy the iconic Olive Garden salad without leaving home.
- Quick and Easy: Ready in just 25 minutes with simple ingredients.
- Customizable: Adjust the ingredients or dressing to suit your taste.
- Perfect Pairing: Complements any Italian-inspired meal beautifully.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the Salad:
- 8 cups chopped lettuce (mix of iceberg and romaine recommended)
- 1/4 cup red cabbage, shredded
- 1/4 cup carrots, julienned
- 1/4 cup red onion, sliced
- 1/2 cup black olives
- 2 Roma tomatoes, sliced
- 1/3 cup pepperoncinis
- 1 cup croutons
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
For the Dressing:
- 3/4 cup extra virgin olive oil (smooth variety preferred)
- 1 (.7 oz) packet Zesty Italian Dressing Mix
- 1/3 cup white vinegar
- 1/4 cup water
- 1 tbsp grated Romano cheese (or Parmesan)
- 3 tsp sugar
- 1 1/2 tsp mayo (not Miracle Whip)
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp pepper
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder
Directions
- Make the Dressing:
- Combine all dressing ingredients in a mini food processor or a jar with a lid. Blend or shake well to emulsify. Cover and refrigerate until ready to use.
- Prepare the Salad Ingredients:
- Chop and combine the lettuce, red cabbage, carrots, red onion, black olives, tomatoes, and pepperoncinis in a large salad bowl.
- Assemble the Salad:
- Before serving, add croutons and sprinkle Parmesan cheese on top. Drizzle with desired amount of dressing and toss to combine.
- Serve:
- Serve immediately for the freshest taste and texture.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 6
- Preparation Time: 25 minutes
Variations
- Protein Addition: Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu for a heartier salad.
- Cheese Options: Swap Parmesan for Asiago or Pecorino Romano for a different flavor profile.
- Dressing Twist: Add a splash of lemon juice or red wine vinegar for extra zing.
- Low-Carb Option: Skip the croutons and add crunchy vegetables like cucumbers or bell peppers.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store undressed salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep the dressing in a separate container for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: This salad is best served fresh and cold; no reheating is needed.
FAQs
1. Can I make the salad ahead of time?
Yes, prepare the salad and dressing separately. Combine them just before serving to maintain crispness.
2. Is there a substitute for the Zesty Italian Dressing Mix?
You can make your own by combining dried herbs like basil, oregano, parsley, garlic powder, onion powder, and red pepper flakes.
3. What lettuce works best for this salad?
A mix of iceberg and romaine offers the best combination of crispness and flavor.
4. Can I make the dressing dairy-free?
Yes, omit the Romano cheese or use a dairy-free Parmesan substitute.
5. How do I keep the salad fresh for longer?
Store the components separately, and only dress the salad right before serving.
6. What other toppings can I add?
Try adding sliced cucumbers, shredded mozzarella, or sunflower seeds for extra flavor and texture.
7. Is this salad gluten-free?
To make it gluten-free, use gluten-free croutons or omit them entirely.
8. Can I use pre-shredded cabbage and carrots?
Yes, pre-shredded vegetables save time and work perfectly in this recipe.
9. What’s the best way to slice tomatoes for salads?
Roma tomatoes should be sliced thinly to avoid overpowering the salad with excess juice.
10. Can I use regular olive oil instead of extra virgin?
Yes, regular olive oil works, but the flavor may be milder.
Conclusion
This Olive Garden Salad is a refreshing and easy-to-make dish that’s perfect for any occasion. With its crisp vegetables, tangy dressing, and savory toppings, it’s sure to be a hit at your dinner table. Try it today and enjoy a restaurant-quality salad from the comfort of your home!
Print
Olive Garden Salad
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Tossed
- Cuisine: American, Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Recreate the classic Olive Garden Salad at home! Featuring crisp lettuce, fresh vegetables, pepperoncinis, and crunchy croutons tossed in a zesty Italian dressing, this copycat recipe is the perfect side dish for any meal.
Ingredients
For the Salad
- 8 cups chopped lettuce (mix of iceberg and romaine recommended)
- 1/4 cup shredded red cabbage
- 1/4 cup julienned carrots
- 1/4 cup thinly sliced red onion
- 1/2 cup black olives
- 2 Roma tomatoes, sliced
- 1/3 cup pepperoncinis, jarred and drained
- 1 cup croutons
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
For the Dressing
- 3/4 cup extra virgin olive oil (smooth variety preferred)
- 1 (.7 oz) packet Zesty Italian Dressing Mix
- 1/3 cup white vinegar
- 1/4 cup water
- 1 tbsp grated Romano cheese (or substitute Parmesan)
- 3 tsp sugar
- 1 1/2 tsp mayonnaise (not Miracle Whip)
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder
Instructions
- Prepare the Dressing:
- Combine all dressing ingredients in a mini food processor or a jar with a lid. Blend or shake well to emulsify. Cover and refrigerate until ready to use.
- Prepare the Salad:
- Arrange lettuce, red cabbage, carrots, red onion, black olives, Roma tomatoes, and pepperoncinis in a large salad bowl.
- Use a paper towel to pat dry the tomatoes to prevent excess moisture.
- Assemble the Salad:
- Just before serving, drizzle the desired amount of dressing over the salad. Toss gently to combine.
- Top with croutons and sprinkle Parmesan cheese over the salad.
- Serve and Enjoy:
- Serve immediately with your favorite main dish, such as pasta or grilled chicken.
Notes
- Storage: Store leftover dressing in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Shake well before using.
- Optional Add-Ins: Add shredded mozzarella or sliced cucumbers for extra variety.
- Pro Tip: Use freshly grated Parmesan and Romano cheese for the best flavor.
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