Try this Copycat Olive Garden Salad for a Taste of Italy at Home

Olive Garden’s legendary salad is a sensation among fans of Italian-American dishes.

People who dine out and those who cook at home have long been drawn to the fresh, zesty flavors of this famous side dish.

This well-known green salad is more than just a starter; it offers a perfect mix of crisp vegetables and tangy dressing.

Its fame comes from the way these ingredients come together for a refreshing and unforgettable taste experience.

Many cooking enthusiasts have tried to recreate this restaurant favorite with their own unique twists and methods.

The copycat version aims to bring the same tasty flavor and texture that has made Olive Garden’s salad a cherished classic.

What Makes Copycat Olive Garden Salad Great

• Quick and Easy Meal Prep: Whip up this restaurant-inspired salad in just 15 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute lunch cravings.
• Crowd-Pleasing Flavor Explosion: The homemade dressing delivers a tangy, creamy punch that elevates simple ingredients into a restaurant-quality experience everyone will love.
• Budget-Friendly Copycat Creation: Save money by recreating a popular restaurant dish at home with everyday ingredients, cutting down on dining out expenses while enjoying gourmet flavors.
• Versatile Customization Option: Easily swap ingredients or add protein like grilled chicken to transform this salad into a complete meal that suits individual tastes and dietary preferences.

Copycat Olive Garden Salad Grocery List

• Olive Oil: Smooth base for the creamy dressing with rich flavor.
• Mayonnaise: Provides creamy texture and depth to the dressing.
• Red Wine Vinegar: Adds tangy brightness and balances the richness.
• Lemon Juice: Brings fresh citrus notes and helps cut through the creaminess.
• Sugar: Balances the acidity and adds subtle sweetness.
• Parmesan Cheese: Offers salty, nutty undertones to the dressing.
• Garlic: Provides a sharp, aromatic flavor boost.
• Italian Seasoning: Blends herbs for classic Mediterranean taste.
• Salt: Enhances overall flavor profile.
• Black Pepper: Adds mild heat and complexity.

• Mixed Greens: Fresh foundation for the salad, crisp and light.
• Red Onion: Sharp, pungent flavor with a crisp texture.
• Tomatoes: Adds fresh, juicy element to the salad.

• Black Olives: Brings briny, salty Mediterranean character.
• Pepperoncini: Adds tangy, mild heat and zesty crunch.
• Croutons: Provides satisfying crunch and textural contrast.
• Shaved Parmesan: Elegant finishing touch with salty, nutty flavor.

Steps To Make Copycat Olive Garden Salad

Step 1: Whip Up Magical Dressing

Grab blender or food processor

• Olive oil
• Mayonnaise
• Red wine vinegar
• Lemon juice
• Sugar
• Parmesan cheese
• Garlic
• Italian seasoning

Blend until super smooth

Sprinkle salt and black pepper

Chill in refrigerator for flavor explosion (minimum 1 hour)

Step 2: Create Vibrant Salad Base

Select large mixing bowl

• Mixed salad greens
• Kalamata olives
• Tangy pepperoncini
• Sliced red onion
• Fresh tomatoes
• Crispy croutons

Drizzle chilled dressing

Gently mix to coat every ingredient

Shower with shaved Parmesan cheese

Serve immediately for maximum deliciousness

Smart Ideas For Copycat Olive Garden Salad

• Customize Dressing Consistency: Adjust the mayo and olive oil ratio to create a thicker or thinner dressing based on personal preference.
• Boost Herb Flavor: Crush dried Italian seasoning between your palms before adding to release more intense aromatics into the dressing.
• Make Ahead Advantage: Prepare the dressing up to 3 days in advance and store in an airtight container for deeper, more developed flavors.
• Lighten the Recipe: Swap full-fat mayo with Greek yogurt or light mayo to reduce calories without sacrificing creamy texture.
• Dial Up Freshness: Add crisp cucumber slices or swap red onion for quick-pickled red onions to enhance the salad's crunch and tang.

How To Keep And Freshen Up Copycat Olive Garden Salad

• Refrigerate: Store leftover salad and dressing separately in airtight containers to maintain freshness. Keep greens crisp by placing a paper towel inside to absorb moisture.
• Dressing Storage: Seal the salad dressing in a jar with a tight lid and refrigerate for up to 5 days. Shake well before each use to recombine ingredients.
• Greens Preservation: Consume mixed greens within 2-3 days for best quality. Avoid adding croutons and dressing until ready to serve to prevent sogginess.
• Reheating Caution: Skip reheating this salad, as fresh ingredients like lettuce and tomatoes will wilt and lose their crisp texture. Enjoy cold or at room temperature.

Nice Add-Ons For Copycat Olive Garden Salad

• Pair with crisp pinot grigio to complement the tangy dressing and refresh the palate with its light, citrusy notes.
• Match with classic bruschetta or garlic breadsticks to provide a crunchy contrast and soak up the delicious dressing.
• Create a complete Italian-inspired meal by serving alongside creamy chicken Alfredo pasta, which balances the salad's bright, zesty profile.
• Enhance dining experience with a chilled sparkling water with lemon, cutting through the richness of the Parmesan and adding a clean, crisp finish.

Ways To Change Copycat Olive Garden Salad

• Vegan Garden Salad: Replace mayo with cashew cream, use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan, and swap olive oil for avocado oil for a plant-based version.
• Gluten-Free Crunch Salad: Use gluten-free croutons or toasted nuts like almonds, and ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free.
• Low-Carb Mediterranean Salad: Eliminate croutons, add grilled chicken or shrimp, and increase vegetable quantities for a protein-packed, low-carbohydrate option.
• Herb-Infused Zesty Salad: Customize dressing by adding fresh herbs like basil or cilantro, and include roasted red peppers for extra flavor complexity.

FAQs For Copycat Olive Garden Salad

• Can I make the dressing ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dressing up to 3-4 days in advance and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This allows the flavors to develop even more intensely.

• Is there a way to make this salad healthier?

Absolutely! You can reduce calories by using Greek yogurt instead of mayo, using less oil, and adding more fresh vegetables like cucumber or bell peppers for extra nutrition.

• What if I don't have a blender or food processor?

No problem! You can whisk the dressing ingredients together in a bowl using a fork or a small whisk. Just make sure to mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well combined.

• Can I substitute any ingredients in the salad?

Definitely! Feel free to swap mixed greens with romaine, use different types of olives, or add grilled chicken to make it a complete meal. The recipe is quite flexible and adaptable to your preferences.

Delectable Copycat Olive Garden Salad Recipe

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4.8 from 33 reviews

• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Homemade Copycat Olive Garden Salad brings Italian restaurant magic straight to kitchen tables with crisp romaine, zesty pepperoncini, and signature creamy dressing. Generous servings promise restaurant-quality flavor without leaving home, delighting diners with each refreshing bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 5 ounces (142 grams) mixed greens
• 1 ½ cups (36 grams) seasoned croutons
• ¾ cup (120 grams) black olives, pitted and halved
• ¾ cup (90 grams) pepperoncini peppers, sliced

Vegetables and Garnishes:

• 2 Roma tomatoes, cut into wedges
• ½ cup (80 grams) red onion, thinly sliced
• ⅓ cup shaved Parmesan cheese

Dressing Ingredients:

• ¼ cup (60 milliliters) olive oil
• 3 tablespoons (45 grams) mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) red wine vinegar
• ½ lemon, juiced
• ¼ cup (25 grams) Parmesan cheese, finely grated
• 1 garlic clove
• 1 ½ teaspoons (7.5 grams) sugar
• ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Kosher salt and black pepper, to taste

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Instructions

1. Craft the zesty vinaigrette by pulverizing olive oil, mayonnaise, red wine vinegar, lemon juice, sugar, grated Parmesan, minced garlic, and Italian seasoning in a blender until silky smooth.
2. Calibrate the dressing’s flavor profile by introducing a delicate sprinkle of salt and freshly ground black pepper.
3. Allow the vinaigrette to rest and harmonize its flavors in the refrigerator for a minimum of 60 minutes.
4. Select a spacious mixing vessel and combine crisp mixed greens with briny Kalamata olives, tangy pepperoncini peppers, thinly sliced red onion, vibrant cherry tomatoes, and crunchy croutons.
5. Liberate the chilled dressing from the refrigerator and generously cascade it over the verdant salad components.
6. Tenderly toss the ingredients, ensuring each leaf and morsel becomes elegantly coated with the robust dressing.
7. Elevate the presentation by cascading delicate Parmesan cheese shavings across the salad’s surface.
8. Serve the salad immediately to preserve its textural integrity and maximize flavor enjoyment.

Notes

• Customize the dressing’s tanginess by adjusting red wine vinegar and lemon juice quantities to suit personal taste preferences.
• Prepare the dressing ahead of time and store in an airtight container for up to 5 days, allowing flavors to develop more intensely.
• Use fresh, crisp lettuce varieties like romaine and iceberg for the best texture and crunch in the salad.
• Swap mayo with Greek yogurt for

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Blending
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 320
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 28 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 18 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 8 g
• Cholesterol: 10 mg