Indulge in the delicious flavors of Olive Garden’s famous salad with this easy-to-make copycat recipe. Perfect for a quick lunch, a side dish for dinner, or a potluck contribution, this salad is sure to impress.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
- Bursting with fresh and vibrant flavors.
- Quick and simple to prepare, perfect for meal prep.
- Easily customizable to suit your taste preferences.
Ingredient Notes:
- Chopped iceberg lettuce
- Whole pepperoncini peppers
- Medium firm Roma tomatoes, sliced
- Whole pitted black olives, drained
- Thinly sliced red onion
- Seasoned croutons
- ¼ cup fresh grated parmesan cheese
Dressing: - ⅔ cup extra virgin olive oil
- ⅓ cup white wine vinegar
- Water
- Mayonnaise
- Granulated sugar
- Fresh minced garlic
- Lemon juice
- ½ tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp kosher salt
- ½ tsp fresh cracked black pepper
- ¼ tsp red pepper flakes
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- In a large bowl, combine chopped iceberg lettuce, pepperoncini peppers, sliced Roma tomatoes, black olives, red onion, croutons, and parmesan cheese.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together olive oil, white wine vinegar, water, mayonnaise, sugar, garlic, lemon juice, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes to make the dressing.
- Pour the dressing over the salad and toss to combine.
- Serve and enjoy!
Helpful Tips:
- For a creamier dressing, add more mayonnaise.
- To make it a heartier meal, add grilled chicken or shrimp.
- Store the dressing separately if making the salad ahead of time.
Expert Tips for the Best Results:
- Use fresh, high-quality ingredients for the best flavor.
- Allow the salad to sit for a few minutes after tossing to let the flavors meld together.
Serving Suggestions:
Pair this salad with a side of garlic breadsticks and a glass of crisp white wine for a complete Olive Garden experience.
Storage and Reheating Tips:
Store any leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat the salad by letting it come to room temperature before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions:
- Can I use a different type of lettuce?
- Yes, you can use romaine or mixed greens for a different flavor.
- Can I omit the olives?
- Of course, feel free to customize the salad to your liking.
- How long will the dressing last in the fridge?
- The dressing can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week.
- Can I make this salad vegan?
- Yes, simply use a vegan mayonnaise substitute in the dressing.
Conclusion:
Bring the taste of Olive Garden to your own kitchen with this delicious copycat salad recipe. Whether you’re serving it as a side dish or a main meal, this salad is sure to be a hit with your family and friends. Don’t forget to share your feedback and enjoy!
Print
Copycat Recipe for Olive Garden Salad
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 0 mins
- Total Time: 15 mins
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Salads
- Method: No-cook
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Enjoy a delicious and refreshing salad inspired by Olive Garden with crisp lettuce, tangy pepperoncini, juicy tomatoes, savory olives, and crunchy croutons topped with a zesty homemade dressing.
Ingredients
Salad:
- 6 cups chopped iceberg lettuce
- 6 whole pepperoncini peppers
- 4 medium firm Roma tomatoes, sliced
- 1 cup whole pitted black olives, drained
- 1 cup thinly sliced red onion
- 1 cup seasoned croutons
- ¼ cup fresh grated parmesan cheese
Dressing:
- ⅔ cup extra virgin olive oil
- ⅓ cup white wine vinegar
- 3 tbsp water
- 2 tbsp mayonnaise
- 1 tbsp granulated sugar
- 2 tsp fresh minced garlic
- 2 tsp lemon juice
- 1½ tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp kosher salt
- ½ tsp fresh cracked black pepper
- ¼ tsp red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Prepare the Salad: In a large bowl, combine the lettuce, pepperoncini, tomatoes, olives, red onion, croutons, and parmesan cheese.
- Make the Dressing: In a separate bowl, whisk together olive oil, white wine vinegar, water, mayonnaise, sugar, garlic, lemon juice, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes.
- Assemble: Pour the dressing over the salad and toss to coat evenly. Serve and enjoy!
Notes
- You can add grilled chicken or shrimp to make this salad a complete meal.
- For a lighter option, use a mix of romaine and iceberg lettuce.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 480 mg
- Fat: 24 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Fiber: 5 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 5 mg