If you love the fresh, zesty flavors of Olive Garden’s famous salad, you’re in for a treat! This Copycat Olive Garden Salad brings all the crisp lettuce, juicy tomatoes, tangy pepperoncini, and that signature creamy Italian dressing right to your kitchen. It’s the perfect side dish for pasta, grilled meats, or even a light lunch on its own.
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Best of all? You don’t need a reservation to enjoy it! Let’s dive into making this irresistibly fresh and flavorful salad at home.
Why You’ll Love This Salad
Fresh & Crunchy: A refreshing mix of lettuce, veggies, and croutons.
That Iconic Dressing: Creamy, zesty, and full of Italian flavors.
Quick & Easy: Ready in just minutes with simple ingredients.
Perfect Side Dish: Pairs well with pasta, chicken, or seafood.
Ingredients in Copycat Olive Garden Salad
Here’s what makes this salad so crave-worthy:
Romaine & Iceberg Lettuce: The perfect crisp, refreshing base.
Cherry Tomatoes: Juicy bursts of sweetness in every bite.
Red Onion: Adds a sharp, tangy contrast to the creamy dressing.
Black Olives: A briny, salty pop of flavor.
Pepperoncini Peppers: Mildly spicy and tangy—Olive Garden’s signature touch!
Croutons: Buttery, crunchy, and perfect for soaking up the dressing.
Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated for a nutty, salty finish.
Ingredients for Copycat Olive Garden Dressing
The secret to this salad’s flavor is the dressing! Here’s what you need:
Mayonnaise & Olive Oil: The creamy, silky base.
White Vinegar & Lemon Juice: Adds brightness and tang.
Parmesan Cheese: A must for that signature flavor.
Italian Seasoning & Garlic Powder: Classic herbs that bring everything together.
Sugar & Salt: Balances and enhances the flavors.
Instructions
Prepare the Dressing: In a bowl or blender, whisk together mayonnaise, olive oil, vinegar, lemon juice, Parmesan, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, sugar, and salt until smooth. Refrigerate for 15 minutes to let the flavors blend.
Assemble the Salad: In a large bowl, combine the lettuce, tomatoes, red onion, olives, and pepperoncini. Toss gently.
Add the Croutons & Cheese: Sprinkle with croutons and freshly grated Parmesan.
Dress & Serve: Drizzle the creamy dressing over the salad and toss just before serving. Enjoy immediately!
How to Serve Copycat Olive Garden Salad
As a Side Dish: Perfect with pasta, steak, or grilled chicken.
With Breadsticks: Just like at the restaurant!
As a Main Dish: Add grilled chicken or shrimp for a hearty salad.
Additional Tips
Make It Ahead: Chop the veggies in advance and store separately.
Adjust the Spice: Add more or fewer pepperoncini to control the heat.
Dressing Storage: Store in the fridge for up to a week.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I use store-bought dressing?
A1: Yes! A creamy Italian or Caesar dressing works well.
Q2: How do I keep the lettuce crisp?
A2: Dry it well after washing and store it with a paper towel in the fridge.
Q3: Can I make this salad dairy-free?
A3: Use dairy-free Parmesan or skip the cheese.
Q4: What’s the best way to store leftovers?
A4: Keep the dressing separate and toss when ready to serve.
Q5: Can I add protein?
A5: Absolutely! Grilled chicken, shrimp, or even tofu work great.
Q6: What can I use instead of croutons?
A6: Try toasted nuts, roasted chickpeas, or crushed pita chips for a crunchy alternative.
Q7: How can I make this salad more filling?
A7: Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or even avocado for extra protein and heartiness.
Q8: Can I use different greens instead of romaine and iceberg lettuce?
A8: Yes! Try mixed greens, arugula, or spinach for a different twist on the classic.
Q9: How spicy are the pepperoncini peppers?
A9: They have a mild, tangy heat, but you can add more or less based on your preference.
Q10: Can I serve this salad as a main dish?
A10: Absolutely! Just add a protein like grilled chicken, shrimp, or steak, and it becomes a satisfying meal on its own.
Final Thoughts
This Copycat Olive Garden Salad is everything you love about the restaurant version—fresh, zesty, and completely addictive. Whether you’re serving it with a cozy pasta dinner or enjoying it as a light meal, it’s sure to be a hit. Try it out and bring that Olive Garden magic to your home!
Print
Copycat Olive Garden Salad
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
Enjoy the fresh, tangy flavors of Olive Garden’s signature salad at home! This easy-to-make recipe features crisp greens, juicy tomatoes, zesty pepperoncini, and a creamy Parmesan dressing. Perfect as a light meal or side dish! #
Ingredients
For the Dressing:
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 3 tablespoons mayo
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 1/2 lemon, juiced
- 1 1/2 teaspoons sugar
- 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, finely grated
- 1 garlic clove
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Kosher salt and black pepper, to taste
For the Salad:
- 5 oz mixed greens
- 3/4 cup black olives, pitted and halved
- 3/4 cup pepperoncini peppers, sliced
- 1/2 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 2 Roma tomatoes, cut into wedges
- 1 1/2 cups seasoned croutons
- 1/3 cup shaved Parmesan cheese
Instructions
-
Prepare the Dressing:
- In a blender or food processor, combine olive oil, mayo, red wine vinegar, lemon juice, sugar, Parmesan, garlic, and Italian seasoning. Blend until smooth.
- Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Refrigerate for at least 1 hour for flavors to meld.
-
Assemble the Salad:
- In a large bowl, toss the mixed greens, olives, pepperoncini, red onion, tomatoes, and croutons.
- Drizzle with the prepared dressing and toss to coat.
- Garnish with shaved Parmesan and serve immediately.
Notes
- For a heartier salad, add grilled chicken or shrimp.
- Adjust the dressing’s consistency by adding more olive oil if needed.
- Store leftover dressing in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 220 kcal
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 17g
- Saturated Fat: 3.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 8mg