Copycat Olive Garden Salad Recipe (With Homemade Italian Dressing)
This Copycat Olive Garden Salad Recipe tastes just like the restaurant favorite only better! Made with fresh veggies, parmesan, croutons, and homemade Italian dressing.
If you've ever been to Olive Garden, you know their famous house salad is just as iconic as the breadsticks. Crisp lettuce, juicy tomatoes, salty olives, tangy pepperoncini, crunchy croutons, and plenty of parmesan are tossed in a zesty Italian dressing that keeps everyone coming back for seconds.
The good news? You don't have to go to the restaurant to enjoy it. This Copycat Olive Garden Salad Recipe recreates the classic flavors at home with simple, fresh ingredients and a delicious homemade Italian dressing. I guarantee this salad will become a staple at your dinner table.
One of the main reasons I decided to share this recipe is because my daughter has always loved the famous Olive Garden salad. One night she made a version at home to serve with chicken Alfredo, and it reminded me how simple it can be to recreate those classic restaurant flavors.
What stood out to me the most was how fresh everything tasted. While Olive Garden definitely makes a great salad, there's nothing quite like using fresh ingredients at home to make a salad that's just as delicious.
Simple Ingredients You Need
- Fresh lettuce- We use a combination of iceberg and romaine for the best crunch and texture.
- Cherry tomatoes offer a sweet, juicy taste.
- Shredded carrots for color and crunch.
- Pepperoncini peppers are a classic olive garden salad ingredient. We use the pre sliced so each bite has a tangy taste.
- Red onion or green onion if you want a milder onion taste.
- Black olives are a must!
- Parmesan cheese- Fresh is best and truly is not a olive garden salad without it.
- Croutons for that classic flavor and crunch. We love trader Joe's croutons or use a gluten-free brand.
- Italian dressing- Homemade Italian dressing adds amazing flavor but you can certainly use your favorite bottle from the grocery store.
Easy To Make Olive Garden Salad
- Start by making the Homemade Italian Dressing. You can find the recipe Here. Or use your favorite brand from the grocery store.
- Next, toss the iceberg and romaine lettuce in a serving bowl, then top with salad ingredients.
- Just before serving, add enough dressing to taste and toss everything together. Add more parmesan on top if desired and enjoy right away.
Ang's Helpful Tips
- Use Cold, Crisp Lettuce- This is key for a fresh, crunchy texture.
- Toss Just Before Serving- Adding dressing too early can make the salad soggy. Toss it right before serving.
- Fresh Parmesan Makes a Difference- Grating fresh parmesan adds a rich cheesy flavor that you can't get with pre-shredded parm.
- Don't Skip the Pepperoncini- Even if you don't eat them, they add that signature tangy flavor to the salad.
Try These Variations
Add Grilled Chicken: Turn this salad into a full meal by adding sliced grilled chicken.
Make It Low Carb: Skip the croutons for a keto-friendly version.
Extra Veggies: Add cucumbers, broccoli florets, or bell peppers for extra crunch.
What To Serve With Olive Garden Salad
This salad will compliment just about any meal. Here are some delicious mains to enjoy with Olive Garden salad.
- Italian Meatball Casserole
- Quick Chicken Parmesan
- Easy Meat Sauce with Mushrooms
- Cabbage Roll Soup
- Skillet Beef and Cheese Lasagna
- Italian Ground Turkey and Sweet Potato Skillet
- Lasagna Soup Recipe
- Skillet Ravioli With Meat Sauce
Copycat Olive Garden Salad
Equipment
- small mixing bowl
- large serving bowl
Ingredients
Salad ingredients
- 6 cups chopped lettuce such as iceberg and romaine
- ½ cup shredded carrots
- ¼ cup sliced red onion
- ½ cup halved or sliced black olives
- ⅓ cup freshly grated parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- ½ cup sliced pepperoncini peppers
- 1 cup croutons
Recipe for homemade Italian dressing
- ½ cup extra virgin olive oil
- 4 tablespoon red wine or white wine vinegar
- 2 small lemons, juiced, and zest from one lemon about 4 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 2 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 2 tablespoon pepperoncini's finely chopped
- 2 teaspoon honey
- 2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 2 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped fine
- 3 tablespoon freshly grated parmesan cheese
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- If using homemade dressing, prepare and keep refrigerated while you prepare and assemble the salad.
- Add iceberg and romaine to a large serving bowl and combine together. Top with the rest of the salad ingredients, and just before serving, pour in dressing to taste and lightly toss. Top with more fresh parmesan cheese and serve right away.
Notes
- Keep the salad and dressing separate
- Store in airtight containers
- Refrigerate for up to 2 days
Nutrition
Love Italian Flavors? Check These Out!
- Bruschetta Pasta Salad with Sweet Balsamic Dressing
- Crunchy Lemon Parmesan Salad
- Green Goddess Chicken Pasta Salad
- Creamy Pesto Pasta Salad
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