Lina Vexley, an avid fan of Olive Garden’s famous salad, recalls the first time she tried it during a visit to one of their locations. She was immediately hooked on the crisp vegetables, the tangy dressing, and the delicious combination of ingredients. After countless visits, Lina decided to recreate the beloved salad at home. With a little experimentation, she perfected her version of the Olive Garden salad, bringing the flavors and textures of the classic dish to her own kitchen. This recipe quickly became a family favorite, and she now shares it with others who love this restaurant staple.
Ingredients:
- 1 head of iceberg lettuce (chopped)
- 1 cup Romaine lettuce (chopped)
- 1/4 cup red onion (thinly sliced)
- 1 cup cucumbers (sliced)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes (halved)
- 1/2 cup black olives (sliced)
- 1/4 cup pepperoncini peppers
- 1/4 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup croutons
- 1/2 cup Olive Garden Italian dressing (store-bought or homemade)
WP Recipe Maker .json Format:
Olive Garden Salad
Ingredients
- 1 head iceberg lettuce
- 1 cup romaine lettuce
- 1/4 cup red onion
- 1 cup cucumbers
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes
- 1/2 cup black olives
- 1/4 cup pepperoncini peppers
- 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup croutons
- 1/2 cup Olive Garden Italian dressing
Instructions
- Chop the iceberg lettuce and Romaine lettuce, and place them in a large mixing bowl.
- Slice the red onion, cucumber, and cherry tomatoes, then add them to the bowl with the lettuce.
- Add the black olives, pepperoncini peppers, Parmesan cheese, and croutons to the salad.
- Drizzle the Olive Garden Italian dressing over the salad, then toss well to combine all the ingredients.
- Serve immediately and enjoy this fresh, flavorful salad!
Notes
Nutrition
How to Make the Olive Garden Salad
To make this refreshing Olive Garden-style salad, start by chopping the iceberg lettuce and Romaine lettuce. Place them in a large mixing bowl. Then, slice the red onion, cucumber, and cherry tomatoes and add them to the bowl. These vegetables provide a fresh and crisp texture that will complement the other ingredients.
Next, toss in the black olives, pepperoncini peppers, and shredded Parmesan cheese. These ingredients give the salad its savory, briny, and tangy flavor, which are signature components of the Olive Garden salad. Lastly, add the croutons for some crunch.
Drizzle the Olive Garden Italian dressing over the salad and toss well to ensure everything is coated with the zesty dressing. This adds the final touch to the dish, making it just like the one served at the restaurant. Once everything is mixed, serve the salad immediately for the best flavor and freshness.
Conclusion
The Olive Garden Salad is a classic that never goes out of style. With its refreshing ingredients, savory flavors, and tangy dressing, it’s the perfect side dish for any Italian meal or a light, healthy snack on its own. This recipe is simple to make and is a great way to enjoy the iconic flavors of Olive Garden in your own home. With fresh vegetables and a few pantry staples, you can easily recreate this delicious salad whenever you want!