Olive Garden Salad Recipe: A Taste of Restaurant-Style Freshness at Home

If you’re a fan of Olive Garden’s iconic salad, you’re in for a treat! This recipe brings the fresh, crisp, and flavorful salad that you’ve enjoyed at the restaurant straight to your kitchen. With its tangy dressing, crunchy vegetables, and delicious mix of cheeses, this homemade version will surely satisfy your cravings. Let’s dive into the Olive Garden Salad recipe and learn how to recreate it with simple ingredients!

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make this fresh and zesty salad, gather the following ingredients:

• 1 head of iceberg lettuce, chopped
• 1 head of romaine lettuce, chopped
• 1 cucumber, peeled and sliced
• 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/2 cup black olives, pitted and sliced
• 1/2 cup pepperoncini peppers, sliced
• 1/2 cup croutons
• 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

For the dressing:

• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1/4 cup white vinegar
• 1/2 cup olive oil
• 1 tablespoon grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Vegetables

Start by washing and chopping your lettuce. Both iceberg and romaine provide the perfect texture balance—iceberg is crispy, while romaine adds a slightly sweet flavor.

• Chop the lettuce into bite-sized pieces and toss them into a large bowl.
• Slice the cucumber and red onion thinly, and add them to the bowl with the lettuce.
• Cut the cherry tomatoes in half and toss them in with the other ingredients.

2. Add the Olives, Peppers, and Cheese

• Add the black olives and pepperoncini peppers for a tangy kick that makes this salad so special.
• Sprinkle the Parmesan and mozzarella cheese for that signature creamy, cheesy goodness.

3. Toss in the Croutons

Croutons give the salad a delightful crunch, so don’t skip this step! Add them to the salad just before serving to keep them crisp.

4. Make the Dressing

In a bowl, whisk together all the dressing ingredients:

• Mayonnaise, olive oil, and white vinegar form the creamy and tangy base of the dressing.
• Add garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and Parmesan to give it that familiar Italian flair.
• Finally, stir in sugar, salt, and pepper to balance the flavors.

5. Dress the Salad

Once all your ingredients are prepared, pour the dressing over the salad. Toss gently to coat everything evenly in the creamy dressing.

Pro Tip: To ensure the salad stays fresh, don’t add the croutons and dressing until just before serving. This will keep the croutons from getting soggy!

Serving Suggestions

This Olive Garden-style salad is perfect as a side dish, but it can also serve as a light meal when paired with grilled chicken, shrimp, or your favorite protein.

Serve it alongside garlic bread or pasta for an authentic Italian-inspired meal. It’s a great option for family dinners, BBQ parties, or weeknight meals.

Pro Tips for the Best Olive Garden Salad

• Customizing the Salad: Feel free to adjust the ingredients based on your preferences. Some like to add pepperoni or cucumbers, while others may prefer to skip the onions.
• Make It Ahead: To save time, you can chop the vegetables and make the dressing ahead of time. Keep them in separate airtight containers in the fridge, and toss everything together right before serving.
• Dressing Variations: If you prefer a lighter version, you can substitute Greek yogurt for the mayonnaise or use a vinaigrette dressing instead.

Conclusion

Recreating the beloved Olive Garden Salad at home is easy and rewarding. With fresh ingredients, tangy dressing, and cheese, this salad is a surefire hit for any occasion. Whether you’re making it as a side dish or a main course, this homemade recipe will deliver the restaurant-style experience right to your table. Enjoy!