olive garden salad recipe
The Best olive garden salad recipe
What I love most about this salad is how balanced it is. The crisp romaine and iceberg lettuce give it a great crunch, while the olives, red onions, and pepperoncini add just the right amount of tang and bite. The homemade dressingāwith its mix of olive oil, vinegar, and a few simple seasoningsāties everything together without being too heavy. Plus, itās packed with nutrients: vitamin K from the greens, healthy fats from the olive oil, and antioxidants from the tomatoes and olives. Itās one of those dishes that feels indulgent but is actually good for you.
My family requests this salad all the time, whether weāre having it with grilled chicken for a quick dinner or serving it alongside pasta for a weekend meal. Itās versatile, easy to scale up for a crowd, and always disappears fast. If you havenāt tried making it at home, youāre missing outāitās just as good as the restaurant version, and you can customize it however you like. Iāll never get tired of this one.
Olive Garden Copycat Salad
A refreshing and crisp salad inspired by Olive Gardenās famous house salad, featuring a creamy Italian dressing, fresh vegetables, and a blend of cheeses. Perfect as a starter or light meal.
š„Ingredients
- 6 cups romaine lettuce, chopped
- 1 cup iceberg lettuce, chopped
- 1/2 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup black olives, sliced
- 1/2 cup banana peppers, sliced (optional)
- 1/2 cup croutons
- 1/4 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/3 cup white vinegar
- 1 tsp lemon juice
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp dried Italian seasoning
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp sugar
- 1 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese
šØāš³Directions
-
1
In a large salad bowl, combine the romaine lettuce, iceberg lettuce, red onion, black olives, banana peppers (if using), croutons, Parmesan cheese, and mozzarella cheese. -
2
In a separate mixing bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, white vinegar, lemon juice, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper, sugar, and grated Parmesan cheese until smooth and well combined. -
3
Drizzle the dressing over the salad just before serving and toss gently to coat evenly. -
4
Serve immediately and enjoy!
š§Equipment
- Large salad bowl
- Mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Knife and cutting board
šNutrition Facts (per serving)
šNotes
Watch Video Of How Olive Garden Copycat Salad Works
ā Frequently Asked Questions About Olive Garden Copycat Salad
1. What are the exact ingredients in Olive Gardenās famous salad?
Olive Gardenās signature salad includes iceberg and romaine lettuce, black olives, red onion slices, Roma tomatoes, pepperoncini peppers, croutons, and a blend of shredded Parmesan and Romano cheeses. The dressing is a creamy Italian-style vinaigrette made with soybean oil, vinegar, water, eggs, sugar, salt, garlic, and spices.
2. Can I make Olive Gardenās salad dressing at home?
Yes! A close homemade version of Olive Gardenās dressing can be made by blending Ā½ cup mayonnaise, ā cup white vinegar, Ā½ teaspoon garlic powder, Ā½ teaspoon Italian seasoning, Ā¼ teaspoon salt, Ā¼ teaspoon black pepper, Ā¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese, and 1 cup vegetable oil. Adjust sweetness with a pinch of sugar if needed.
3. How do I keep the salad from getting soggy if I make it ahead of time?
To prevent sogginess, store the salad components separately. Keep the lettuce, vegetables, and croutons in airtight containers in the fridge. Assemble the salad just before serving, adding the dressing last. If you must prep ahead, toss the lettuce with a tiny bit of dressing to lightly coat it, then add the rest of the ingredients later.
4. Whatās the best way to store leftover Olive Garden salad?
Leftover salad is best stored without dressing. Place the undressed salad in an airtight container with a paper towel on top to absorb moisture, and refrigerate for up to 2 days. If the salad is already dressed, itās best eaten immediately, as the lettuce will wilt quickly. Croutons may soften, so you can add fresh ones when serving.
5. Can I customize Olive Gardenās salad with additional ingredients?
Absolutely! Many people add grilled chicken, bacon bits, avocado, cucumbers, or artichoke hearts for extra flavor and protein. You can also swap the croutons for gluten-free versions or add nuts like almonds or walnuts for crunch. Just keep the base ingredients intact for that classic Olive Garden taste.
