Name: Copycat Olive Garden Salad: A Fresh and Flavorful Favorite Right at Home
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: PT-484240H33M15S
Total time: 10 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: Iceberg lettuce – 4 cups (chopped); Romaine lettuce – 2 cups (chopped); Red onions – 1/4 cup (thinly sliced); Tomatoes (cherry or grape) – 1 cup (halved); Black olives – 1/4 cup (sliced); Pepperoncini peppers – 2 to 3 peppers (sliced, or whole if preferred); Parmesan cheese – 1/4 cup (freshly grated); Croutons – 1/2 cup (store-bought or homemade); Italian dressing – 1/4 cup (store-bought or homemade)

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You know those days when you crave the delicious salad from Olive Garden, but you don’t feel like going out? Well, I’ve got you covered! This Copycat Olive Garden Salad is the perfect way to enjoy that crispy, fresh salad with all the flavors you love, from the tangy dressing to the crunchy croutons, all in the comfort of your home. Trust me, once you try this, you’ll never want to get takeout again.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe?

This Copycat Olive Garden Salad is light, refreshing, and just the right mix of flavors and textures. The crispy iceberg lettuce, paired with the tangy Italian dressing and topped with black olives, tomatoes, and pepperoncini, makes for a salad that’s not only flavorful but also completely satisfying. And the best part? You can make it in under 15 minutes! It’s perfect for pairing with pasta, pizza, or even as a meal on its own if you’re in the mood for something light yet filling.

Ingredients

I won’t keep you waiting! Here’s a sneak peek at the ingredients that bring this salad to life. You can find the full list below!

Iceberg lettuce (for that perfect crunch)
Romaine lettuce (for a little extra texture)
Red onions (thinly sliced)
Tomatoes (cherry or grape tomatoes work best)
Black olives
Pepperoncini peppers
Parmesan cheese
Croutons
Italian dressing (store-bought or homemade)

These simple ingredients come together to create the salad you know and love!

Directions

Step 1: Prepare the Lettuce

Start by washing and drying the iceberg and romaine lettuce thoroughly. You want them to be nice and crisp, so make sure to dry them well after washing. Once dry, chop them into bite-sized pieces and place them in a large salad bowl.

Step 2: Slice the Veggies

Now, slice the red onion thinly and cut the tomatoes in half or quarters, depending on your preference. Add them to the salad bowl with the lettuce.

Step 3: Add the Extras

Toss in the black olives, pepperoncini peppers, and a generous amount of freshly grated Parmesan cheese. The cheese really adds that Olive Garden touch, giving the salad a nice, rich flavor.

Step 4: Croutons and Dressing

Right before serving, sprinkle a handful of croutons over the salad and drizzle with your Italian dressing. Toss everything gently to combine, and make sure every bite is coated in that tangy, flavorful dressing. Serve immediately!

Expert Tips and Tricks

Use Fresh Lettuce: The freshness of the lettuce makes all the difference, so try to use the freshest greens you can find. If you have a choice, grab some heartier romaine lettuce to complement the crispy iceberg.
Customize the Dressing: If you’re making your own dressing, you can adjust the tanginess to your liking by adding more vinegar or a little more sugar. Olive Garden’s dressing has that perfect balance!
Chill the Salad: For an even more refreshing salad, chill the salad ingredients before serving. Just keep them in the fridge for about 15 minutes before serving, and you’ll notice a huge difference in taste.

Recipe Variations and Possible Substitutions

Add More Veggies: Feel free to throw in other veggies like cucumbers or bell peppers if you like. The beauty of this salad is that it’s easy to customize.
Dairy-Free Option: Skip the Parmesan and opt for a dairy-free alternative to make this salad dairy-free.
Homemade Croutons: If you’re looking for something a little more special, make your own croutons with some day-old bread, olive oil, and your favorite herbs. It’s super easy and adds an extra layer of flavor.

Serving and Pairing Suggestions

This salad is fantastic on its own as a light meal, but it really shines when paired with Italian dishes. Serve it alongside your favorite pasta (think spaghetti, lasagna, or fettuccine alfredo) or as a side dish with some garlic bread. It’s also perfect with pizza or grilled chicken.

Storage and Reheating Tips

If you have leftovers (although I doubt you will!), you can store the salad ingredients separately in an airtight container. Keep the lettuce, veggies, and dressing separate, and the croutons on the side. When you’re ready to eat, just toss everything together. Unfortunately, salads don’t store well once the dressing is mixed in, so it’s best enjoyed fresh!

FAQs

Can I use other types of lettuce? You can definitely swap out the iceberg or romaine for other greens like spinach, arugula, or even mixed greens if you prefer something different.
What kind of croutons should I use? I recommend using classic store-bought croutons, but if you want something more homemade, you can make your own with any bread you like.
Can I make the dressing ahead of time? Yes, you can! In fact, the dressing tends to taste even better the next day after all the flavors have had time to meld. Just keep it in an airtight container in the fridge.
Can I add protein to this salad? Absolutely! This salad pairs perfectly with grilled chicken, shrimp, or even a scoop of tuna if you want to turn it into a more substantial meal.

Conclusion

This Copycat Olive Garden Salad is such an easy, refreshing, and flavorful dish that will remind you of those cozy restaurant dinners—but without having to leave your home. The combination of crunchy lettuce, tangy dressing, and that famous mix of toppings makes this salad perfect for almost any occasion. Serve it as a side, or pile it high and make it the star of the show. Either way, it’s sure to be a hit!

Copycat Olive Garden Salad: A Fresh and Flavorful Favorite Right at Home

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Author: Emily
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: None
Total Time: 10 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Category: Salad, Side Dish
Method: No-cook
Cuisine: Italian, American
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

A homemade version of the beloved Olive Garden Salad, featuring crunchy iceberg lettuce, tangy Italian dressing, black olives, pepperoncini, and Parmesan cheese, all topped with croutons for a perfect balance of flavors and textures.

Instructions

Prepare the Lettuce: Wash and dry iceberg and romaine lettuce thoroughly. Chop into bite-sized pieces and place in a large bowl.
Slice the Veggies: Slice the red onion thinly and halve or quarter the tomatoes. Add these to the salad bowl.
Add the Extras: Toss in black olives, pepperoncini, and freshly grated Parmesan cheese.
Croutons and Dressing: Right before serving, sprinkle croutons over the salad and drizzle with Italian dressing. Toss gently to combine. Serve immediately.

Notes

For extra freshness, chill the salad ingredients in the fridge for 15 minutes before serving.
Feel free to customize the dressing to your liking by adding more vinegar for tang or sugar for sweetness.