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This copycat of Olive Garden’s 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!
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.
Table of Contents
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.
Olive Garden Salad Ingredients
- 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.
Steps to Make Olive Garden Salad
Add Ingredients
In a large bowl combine the lettuce, tomatoes, pepperoncini, red onion, black olives, croutons and Parmesan Cheese.
Toss in 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.
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.
What to Enjoy with Your Olive Garden Copycat Salad
Try my other favorite recipes like Zuppa Toscana, Chicken Parmesan, Fettuccine Alfredo, Shrimp Scampi, Chicken Alfredo, Spaghetti and Meatballs, Stuffed Mushrooms, Grilled Salmon, Bruschetta, Caprese Salad, and Antipasto Platter.
Check out these sides:
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DIY Olive Garden Salad
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 head iceberg lettuce, washed, cut, and dried
- 3 roma tomatoes, medium sized, sliced
- 1 cup pepperoncini
- 1 red onion, sliced
- 1 cup black olives
- 1 cup croutons
- ½ cup Parmesan Cheese, shredded
Copycat Olive Garden Salad Dressing
- 1.7 oz Zesty Italian Dressing Mix
- ¾ cup extra virgin olive oil
- ⅓ cup white vinegar
- ¼ cup water
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tbsp mayo
- ½ tsp granulated sugar
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp herbs de Provence
- ½ tsp sea salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper, fresh cracked
Instructions
- In a large bowl combine the lettuce, tomatoes, pepperoncini, red onion, black olives, croutons and Parmesan Cheese.
- Add all the dressing ingredients to a jar and shake till well combined.
- Toss the salad with the dressing.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Olive Garden Salad Recipe FAQs
Yes, you can substitute iceberg lettuce with romaine or a mix of greens for a different texture and flavor.
The salad is best enjoyed fresh, but you can store it in an airtight container for up to 24 hours. The dressing can be refrigerated for up to a week.
Yes, you can omit the mayonnaise or substitute it with Greek yogurt for a lighter, tangier dressing.
You can substitute white vinegar with apple cider vinegar, red wine vinegar, or lemon juice for a slightly different flavor profile.
Ensure the lettuce is completely dry before mixing and add the dressing just before serving to maintain crispness.
Yes, use gluten-free bread to make croutons if you need a gluten-free option.
You can add grilled chicken, shrimp, hard-boiled eggs, or beans to increase the protein content.
You can use Italian seasoning or a mix of dried oregano, basil, and thyme as a substitute for herbs de Provence.
Yes, using bottled Italian dressing is a convenient alternative, but making your own allows for better control over the flavors.
Reduce the amount of vinegar or add a bit more sugar to balance the tanginess of the dressing.
All the taste of Olive Garden in the comfort of your home!