Olive Garden Salad: Easy Copycat Recipe for the Perfect Side Dish

Posted by Posted: Silvy 18 October 2024
Olive Garden Salad

Olive Garden Salad: Easy Copycat Recipe for the Perfect Side Dish

Olive Garden Salad is a delightful and refreshing dish that brings the flavor of the restaurant right into your home.

This easy-to-make salad features crisp lettuce, juicy tomatoes, olives, pepperoncini, and a zesty copycat Italian dressing that will transport your taste buds straight to Olive Garden.

This recipe provides a fantastic side dish that complements various main courses, including my delicious Olive Garden Fettuccine Alfredo and Minestrone Soup.

Why You’ll Love Olive Garden Salad

If you adore Olive Garden’s salad, you’ll be thrilled to recreate this restaurant favorite in your own kitchen.

This Olive Garden Salad recipe allows you to enjoy the freshest ingredients and customize it to your taste. The zesty Italian dressing adds a burst of flavor that enhances the crisp vegetables and savory toppings.

Trust us, once you try making it at home, you won’t want to go back!

Ingredients for Olive Garden Salad

To make the perfect Olive Garden Salad, you’ll need the following ingredients:

  • For the Salad:
    • 8 cups chopped lettuce (a mix of iceberg and romaine works best)
    • ¼ cup shredded red cabbage
    • ¼ cup julienne carrots
    • ¼ cup red onion, thinly sliced
    • ½ cup black olives, pitted
    • 2 Roma tomatoes, sliced
    • ⅓ cup pepperoncini peppers, sliced
    • 1 cup croutons
    • ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • For the Dressing:
    • ¾ cup extra virgin olive oil (smooth variety preferred)
    • 1 (.7 oz.) packet Zesty Italian Dressing Mix
    • ⅓ cup white vinegar
    • ¼ cup water
    • 1 tablespoon grated Romano cheese (or substitute Parmesan)
    • 3 teaspoons sugar
    • 1½ teaspoons mayonnaise (not Miracle Whip)
    • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
    • ½ teaspoon each of Italian seasoning and salt
    • ¼ teaspoon each of pepper and garlic powder

How to Make Olive Garden Salad

Creating your own Olive Garden Salad at home is simple and takes only about 25 minutes. Here’s how to prepare it:

Step 1: Prepare the Dressing

  1. Combine the dressing ingredients in a mini food processor or a jar with a lid. Blend or shake well to emulsify.
  2. Cover and refrigerate the dressing while you prepare the salad ingredients.

Step 2: Prepare the Salad

  1. Prep the salad ingredients: Use a paper towel to absorb any excess moisture from the sliced tomatoes, keeping the salad fresh and crisp.
  2. In a large bowl, combine the chopped lettuce, red cabbage, carrots, red onion, black olives, Roma tomatoes, and pepperoncini. Toss them together.
  3. Drizzle with the Italian dressing and toss to combine, using only as much dressing as you like.
  4. Top with croutons and grated Parmesan cheese before serving.

Step 3: Serve Immediately

  • It’s essential to mix the salad just before serving to maintain its crispness. Serve your Olive Garden Salad as a refreshing side dish alongside your favorite Italian meals.

Pro Tips for Making the Best Olive Garden Salad

To ensure your Olive Garden Salad tastes as authentic as possible, here are some pro tips:

Choose Fresh Ingredients

  • Lettuce: For the best texture, use a combination of iceberg and romaine lettuce.
  • Tomatoes: Roma tomatoes are ideal for this recipe. You can also use cocktail tomatoes for added flavor.
  • Pepperoncini Peppers: These jarred peppers can be found in the pickles and olives section of your grocery store.

Grate Your Cheese Fresh

  • Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan enhances the flavor of your salad. For the dressing, use freshly grated Romano cheese for a richer taste.

Storage Tips

  • Leftover Dressing: This recipe makes about 1½ cups of dressing. Store leftover dressing in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. It also works wonderfully as a marinade for chicken.
  • Avoid Moisture: If you have leftover dressing that solidifies, let it sit at room temperature until it liquefies, then shake before serving.

Keep It Crisp

  • Mix Just Before Serving: Combine your salad ingredients and dressing immediately before serving to ensure everything remains fresh and crisp.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Olive Garden Salad special?

Olive Garden Salad is special due to its combination of fresh ingredients and a zesty Italian dressing that brings out the flavors of each component.

Can I customize the ingredients in Olive Garden Salad?

Absolutely! Feel free to add your favorite vegetables or proteins, such as grilled chicken, for a more substantial meal.

How can I make the dressing healthier?

To make a healthier version of the dressing, consider reducing the amount of oil or using Greek yogurt in place of mayonnaise.

Is Olive Garden Salad suitable for meal prep?

Yes, you can prepare the salad ingredients in advance. Just keep the dressing separate until you’re ready to serve.

How long does Olive Garden Salad last in the fridge?

If stored properly, Olive Garden Salad can last up to a day in the fridge. However, the texture of the salad may change, so it’s best enjoyed fresh.

Final Thoughts on Olive Garden Salad

Recreating Olive Garden Salad at home is not only easy but also incredibly satisfying. With fresh ingredients and a delicious homemade dressing, you can enjoy this restaurant favorite anytime.

Pair it with your favorite Italian dishes, and you have a complete meal that your family and friends will love.

Enjoy making your own Olive Garden Salad! Share your thoughts and any variations you tried in the comments below. Don’t forget to follow for more delicious recipes!

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