Olive Garden’s signature salad is a fan favorite known for its fresh ingredients, tangy dressing, and generous topping of creamy dressing. This simple yet delicious salad is a perfect combination of lettuce, tomatoes, olives, and pepperoncini, topped with shredded mozzarella and Parmesan cheese, and served with their famous Italian dressing. Lina Vexley, a fan of restaurant-inspired meals, says, “I love making Olive Garden’s salad at home because it’s so easy to prepare and always tastes just like the one at the restaurant! It’s fresh, flavorful, and the dressing is everything.” Here’s a copycat recipe that will let you enjoy this classic at home!
Recipe: Olive Garden Salad
Olive Garden Salad
Equipment
- Mixing Bowl
- Knife
Ingredients
- 4 cups Romaine Lettuce chopped
- 2 medium Tomatoes diced
- 1/2 medium Cucumber sliced
- 1/4 small Red Onion thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup Kalamata Olives pitted
- 1/4 cup Pepperoncini sliced
- 1/4 cup Shredded Mozzarella Cheese
- 1/4 cup Shredded Parmesan Cheese
- 1/4 cup Olive Garden Italian Dressing
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine the chopped romaine lettuce, diced tomatoes, sliced cucumber, and thinly sliced red onion.
- Add the pitted Kalamata olives, sliced pepperoncini, shredded mozzarella, and shredded Parmesan cheese to the salad.
- Drizzle the Olive Garden Italian dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine.
- Serve immediately, or refrigerate for a few minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
Notes
Nutrition
How to Make Olive Garden Salad
- Prepare the Vegetables: Start by chopping the romaine lettuce and slicing the tomatoes, cucumber, and red onion. Add them to a large mixing bowl.
- Add the Olives and Pepperoncini: Slice the Kalamata olives and pepperoncini, and add them to the salad for that signature Mediterranean flavor.
- Add the Cheese: Sprinkle shredded mozzarella and Parmesan cheese over the salad to add creaminess and richness.
- Dress the Salad: Pour the Olive Garden Italian dressing over the ingredients, then toss everything gently to coat the salad evenly with the dressing.
- Serve and Enjoy: This salad is ready to serve immediately, or you can refrigerate it for 10-15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together before serving.
Conclusion
Olive Garden’s salad is a classic favorite, and now you can make it at home with this easy recipe! Packed with fresh veggies, olives, pepperoncini, and a tangy Italian dressing, this salad is perfect as a side dish or light meal. You can even customize it with croutons or additional toppings like grilled chicken for extra protein. Enjoy the delicious flavors of this homemade version of Olive Garden’s famous salad anytime!