Olive Garden Salad (Copycat Recipe)

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Want to make Olive Garden’s famous salad at home? You’re in luck! This copycat recipe lets you whip up the restaurant favorite in just 15 minutes. You can easily recreate the crisp lettuce, tangy dressing, and zesty toppings that make this salad so popular.

The secret is in the dressing. Mix Italian seasoning, olive oil, vinegar, and a few other ingredients for that signature taste. Toss it with fresh veggies, croutons, and cheese. You’ll have a tasty salad that rivals the original in no time!

Exact Ingredients List

Here’s what you’ll need to make a perfect copycat Olive Garden salad at home. The ingredients are divided into two parts – the dressing and the salad itself.

For The Dressing

You’ll need several items to create the signature Olive Garden dressing:

• 1 packet Italian dressing mix
• 3/4 cup olive oil
• 1/3 cup white wine vinegar
• 1/4 cup water
• 1/2 teaspoon granulated sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 tablespoon mayonnaise

Mix these ingredients well to get that perfect Olive Garden taste.

For The Salad

For the salad part, gather these fresh ingredients:

• 1 (12-ounce) bag of iceberg garden salad mix
• 1/4 small red onion, sliced thinly
• 6-12 pitted black olives
• 6 mild pepperoncini peppers, sliced
• 1-2 small Roma tomatoes, sliced
• 1/2 cup croutons
• 1/3 cup of your homemade dressing
• Freshly grated parmesan cheese, to taste
• Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

With these items, you’re all set to make a tasty Olive Garden-style salad at home!

Instructions

Making this Olive Garden copycat salad is quick and easy. You’ll start by preparing the dressing, then assemble the salad ingredients.

For The Dressing

Mix the Italian dressing packet with olive oil and white wine vinegar in a bowl. Add water, sugar, and seasonings. Whisk in mayonnaise until smooth.

Pour the mixture into a jar or bottle. Shake well to combine all ingredients. Put the dressing in the fridge to chill before using.

This dressing can be made ahead of time. It will keep in the refrigerator for up to a week.

For The Salad

Get a large salad bowl. Add the iceberg garden salad mix. Slice the red onion thinly and toss it in.

Add the black olives and sliced pepperoncini peppers. Cut Roma tomatoes into slices and mix them in.

Sprinkle croutons over the top. Pour about 1/3 cup of the chilled dressing over everything.

Toss the salad gently to coat all ingredients with dressing. Add freshly grated parmesan cheese and black pepper to taste.

Serve right away while the salad is crisp and the croutons are crunchy. Enjoy your homemade Olive Garden salad!

Possible Substitutes List & Recipe Variations

You can easily customize this Olive Garden copycat salad to suit your tastes. Try swapping iceberg lettuce for romaine or mixed greens for added nutrition.

Short on time? Use store-bought Italian dressing instead of making your own. For a tangier flavor, replace the white wine vinegar with balsamic or red wine vinegar.

Vegetable variations:

• Cucumber slices
• Shredded carrots
• Bell pepper strips
• Artichoke hearts

Want some protein? Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas. For a Mediterranean twist, toss in some feta cheese and replace the croutons with pita chips.

Make it vegan by skipping the cheese and using vegan mayonnaise in the dressing. For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free croutons or omit them entirely.

Spice it up with banana peppers instead of pepperoncini, or add a dash of red pepper flakes to the dressing. You can also experiment with different types of olives for unique flavors.

Remember, the key is to have fun and make the salad your own. Don’t be afraid to mix things up and create your perfect Olive Garden-inspired dish!

Tips, Tricks & Storing

Make the dressing ahead of time to save prep work later. It keeps well in the fridge for up to 4 weeks in an airtight container or mason jar.

If you refrigerate the dressing, take it out about 45 minutes before using. The olive oil may solidify when chilled.

For the freshest taste, add the croutons and dressing just before serving. This keeps the salad crisp and prevents sogginess.

You can prep most ingredients earlier in the day. Wash and chop veggies, then store them covered in the fridge until mealtime.

Leftover undressed salad will stay fresh for 2-3 days in an airtight container in the fridge. Keep dressing separate.

Try swapping in different veggies or cheeses to mix things up. Cucumber slices or feta cheese make tasty additions.

To make it a meal, add grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas for extra protein.

For best flavor, use high-quality olive oil and freshly grated Parmesan cheese. The difference is noticeable!

Don’t overdress the salad. Start with less dressing than you think you need – you can always add more.