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Craving the classic flavors of Olive Garden’s famous salad at home? This Copycat Olive Garden Salad brings all the freshness and taste you love, with crisp lettuce, juicy tomatoes, tangy pepperoncini, and a zesty Italian dressing.
It’s easy to make and pairs perfectly with just about any meal. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or just want a simple, flavorful side dish, this salad will surely hit the spot.
More salad recipes
- Apple Walnut Salad
- German Potato Salad
- The Perfect Tuna Salad Recipe
- Brussel Sprout Salad
- Snickers Apple Salad
Let’s begin with how you can recreate this restaurant favorite in your own kitchen!
Copycat Olive Garden Salad
This Copycat Olive Garden Salad is a fresh and flavorful recreation of the classic restaurant favorite. It's a perfect side dish for any meal with crisp lettuce, tomatoes, tangy pepperoncini, and a zesty Italian dressing.
Ingredients
- 1 head of Romaine lettuce, chopped
- 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup black olives, sliced
- 1/2 cup tomatoes, sliced or halved
- 1/4 cup pepperoncini peppers
- 1/2 cup croutons
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup Italian dressing (store-bought or homemade, see notes for recipe)
For the Homemade Dressing:
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons white wine vinegar
- 1 tablespoon mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the salad ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the chopped Romaine lettuce, sliced red onion, black olives, tomatoes, and pepperoncini peppers.
- Make the dressing (if making homemade): In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, white wine vinegar, mayonnaise, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until smooth and well combined.
- Toss the salad: Drizzle the Italian dressing (either store-bought or homemade) over the salad. Add the croutons and grated Parmesan cheese. Gently toss everything together until evenly coated with the dressing.
- Serve: Serve immediately as a side salad or pair with your favorite Italian dish. Enjoy!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use iceberg lettuce instead of Romaine?
Yes, you can substitute iceberg lettuce for a lighter, crunchier texture. It’s a great option if you prefer a milder flavor.
Can I make the salad dressing in advance?
Absolutely! You can make the homemade dressing up to 3 days in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge and shake well before using.
What can I serve this salad with?
This salad pairs perfectly with Italian dishes like pasta, pizza, or lasagna, but it’s also great on its own as a light lunch.
Wrapping it up
This Copycat Olive Garden Salad is an easy and delicious way to enjoy the restaurant’s famous flavors at home. Whether you’re making it for a family dinner or a special gathering, this salad is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
Its crisp veggies, tangy dressing, and crunchy croutons make it a versatile side dish that complements any meal.
Give it a try and bring the taste of Olive Garden to your table!
