This copycat of Olive Garden’s iconic salad is the perfect combination of crispy lettuce, tomatoes, tangy pepperoncini, black olives, crunchy croutons, tossed in a homemade zesty creamy dressing – it’s my favorite easy, simple side!

I know it’s not authentic, and it is a major chain and people love to bash it – but I can’t help but LOVE Olive Garden sometimes! The breadsticks, pasta, and crunchy salad – honestly sometimes it just hits the spot, I don’t care what anyone says.

For years I have been working on reconstructing some of my favorite Olive Garden dishes and this salad is spot on.

I love a fresh salad as a side for dinner or as a lunch with some grilled chicken on top and this dressing makes it all come together!

Don’t want all the extras in a recipe post? We provide a skip to recipe button in the top left corner, as well as a clickable table of contents, just below, to help make this page easier to navigate.

At Sweet C’s, I add lots of tips in all of my recipes – because I am a home cook without any formal training, and I find I am more confident making dishes when I understand why it works, and what each ingredient means to the flavor of a recipe – my goal is for even the most beginner home cook to feel empowered in the kitchen.

I want each reader to walk away with a solid knowledge of each recipe, with all of the tips I’ve gathered from extensive testing of each recipe. I also answer questions my friends and family have asked about my recipes, to help everyone better understand the processes we use – and why!

You’ll love having Olive Garden Salad at home!

The perfect copycat Olive Garden salad has to have all the components of the classic salad – crunchy lettuce, tangy spicy pepperoncini, plump tomatoes, savory onions, and crunchy croutons all topped with a creamy Zesty Italian inspired dressing.

You can add and subtract from this salad as you wish, the things that really brings it together is the dressing. If you want to add protein to the salad you can double the salad dressing and marinate your meat in it overnight ahead of time to enhance its flavor.

What is in Olive Garden Salad

• Iceberg lettuce (1 head) – Iceberg lettuce provides a refreshing, crunchy base for the salad.
• Roma tomatoes (3) – Roma tomatoes add a burst of juicy, tangy flavor.
• Pepperoncini (1 cup) – Pepperoncini peppers bring a mild heat and tangy bite.
• Red onion (1) – Thinly sliced red onions contribute a sharp, zesty taste.
• Black olives (1 cup) – Black olives offer a savory and slightly salty note.
• Croutons (1 cup) – Crispy croutons add a delightful crunch and texture.
• Parmesan Cheese (1/2 cup) – Grated Parmesan cheese enhances the salad with a rich, nutty flavor.

Olive Garden Copycat Salad Dressing Ingredients:

• Zesty Italian Dressing Mix (1.7 oz) – Zesty Italian dressing mix infuses the dressing with a robust, tangy flavor.
• Extra virgin olive oil (3/4 cup) – Extra virgin olive oil adds a smooth, fruity richness.
• White vinegar (1/3 cup) – White vinegar contributes a sharp, acidic tang.
• Water (1/4 cup) – Water helps to balance and thin the dressing for perfect consistency.
• Dijon mustard (1 tsp) – Dijon mustard provides a subtle, spicy undertone.
• Mayo (1 tbsp) – Mayonnaise creates a creamy texture and richness.
• Granulated sugar (1/2 tsp) – Granulated sugar adds a touch of sweetness to balance the acidity.
• Garlic powder (1/2 tsp) – Garlic powder delivers a savory, aromatic kick.
• Herbs de Provence (1/2 tsp) – Herbs de Provence bring a fragrant blend of Mediterranean herbs.
• Sea salt (1/2 tsp) – Sea salt enhances the overall flavors with its pure, clean taste.
• Fresh cracked black pepper (1/4 tsp) – Black pepper adds a mild heat and depth of flavor.

How to Make Olive Garden Salad

1. Add Ingredients. In a large bowl combine the lettuce, tomatoes, pepperoncini, red onion, black olives, croutons and Parmesan Cheese.
2. Mix Dressing. Combine all the dressing ingredients in a jar and shake till well combined. Toss with Olive Garden salad and enjoy!

Tips and Tricks for Perfect Copycat Olive Garden Green Salad

Dry Your Lettuce: Use a salad spinner or pat the lettuce dry with paper towels to prevent the salad from becoming soggy.

Marinate the Onions: Soak the sliced red onions in cold water for 10 minutes to mellow their sharpness.

Use Fresh Parmesan: Grate fresh Parmesan cheese for the best flavor and texture.

Homemade Croutons: Make your own croutons by toasting cubed bread with olive oil and Italian seasoning for added freshness and crunch.

Mix Just Before Serving: Combine the dressing with the salad just before serving to keep the ingredients crisp.

Double the Dressing: Make extra dressing to serve on the side or save for future salads.

Taste and Adjust Seasonings: Taste the salad before serving and adjust the salt and pepper as needed.

Serve Chilled Plates: Serve the salad on chilled plates to keep it cool and crisp longer.

Add Protein: Include grilled chicken, shrimp, or even beans for added protein and to make it a more substantial meal.

Customize Veggies: Feel free to add or substitute vegetables like cucumbers, bell peppers, or carrots for additional color and nutrients.

Toss Gently: Gently toss the salad with the dressing to avoid bruising the lettuce and other vegetables.

Herbs for Garnish: Sprinkle fresh herbs like parsley or basil on top for extra flavor and a fresh, vibrant finish.

Olive Garden Salad Recipe FAQs

What to Eat with Your Olive Garden Copycat Salad

Zuppa Toscana: Creamy soup with Italian sausage, potatoes, and kale.

Chicken Parmesan: Breaded chicken breast topped with marinara sauce and melted mozzarella cheese, served with pasta.

Fettuccine Alfredo: Rich and creamy Alfredo sauce over fettuccine pasta.

Shrimp Scampi: Tender shrimp cooked in a garlic butter and white wine sauce, served over pasta.

Chicken Alfredo: Creamy Alfredo pasta topped with grilled or sautéed chicken.

Spaghetti and Meatballs: Classic spaghetti pasta served with savory meatballs and marinara sauce.

Stuffed Mushrooms: Mushrooms filled with a savory blend of breadcrumbs, cheese, and herbs.

Grilled Salmon: Tender, grilled salmon fillet with a side of lemon and herbs.

Bruschetta: Toasted bread topped with a mix of fresh tomatoes, basil, garlic, and olive oil.

Caprese Salad: Slices of fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil drizzled with balsamic glaze.

Antipasto Platter: A selection of cured meats, cheeses, olives, and marinated vegetables.

Easy Chicken Risotto

Lobster Pasta Busara

Chopped Italian Salad

Italian Chopped Sandwiches

If you love this easy recipe please click the stars below to give it a five star rating and leave a comment! Pease also help me share on Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest!