Introduction
If you’re craving a light, fresh salad packed with vibrant flavors, the Olive Garden Salad is an iconic choice that never disappoints. This recipe, inspired by the classic salad served at the popular Italian restaurant, combines crisp greens, juicy tomatoes, tangy olives, and crunchy croutons, all topped with a creamy Italian dressing. Lina Vexley has crafted this version to recreate the perfect balance of textures and flavors. Whether served as a side or a light main dish, this salad is full of Mediterranean goodness and makes a delightful addition to any meal.
Recipe

Olive Garden Salad with Tomatoes, Olives, and Croutons
Ingredients
- 4 cups Romaine lettuce chopped
- 1 cup Cherry tomatoes halved
- 1/4 cup Black olives sliced
- 1/4 cup Red onion thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup Croutons
- 2 tbsp Parmesan cheese grated
- 2 tbsp Olive oil
- 1 tbsp Red wine vinegar
- 1/2 tsp Dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp Garlic powder
- to taste Salt
- to taste Black pepper
Instructions
- In a large salad bowl, combine the chopped romaine lettuce, halved cherry tomatoes, sliced black olives, and thinly sliced red onion.
- Add the croutons and grated Parmesan cheese to the salad.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, dried oregano, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper to make the dressing.
- Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine.
- Serve immediately and enjoy your delicious Olive Garden-inspired salad!
Notes
Nutrition
How to Make the Recipe
To make this Olive Garden Salad, begin by preparing the fresh vegetables. In a large salad bowl, combine the chopped romaine lettuce, halved cherry tomatoes, sliced black olives, and thinly sliced red onion. These ingredients bring a refreshing crunch and vibrant color to the salad.
Add the croutons and freshly grated Parmesan cheese to the bowl for added texture and flavor. The croutons bring a satisfying crunch, while the Parmesan gives the salad a rich, savory taste.
For the dressing, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, dried oregano, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper in a small bowl. This simple, tangy dressing complements the fresh vegetables and enhances the overall flavors.
Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine, ensuring all ingredients are well-coated.
Serve immediately and enjoy this delicious, fresh, and colorful salad that’s packed with Mediterranean flavors.
Conclusion
In conclusion, this Olive Garden Salad recipe is an easy, healthy, and flavorful dish that’s perfect for any occasion. With fresh vegetables, tangy olives, crunchy croutons, and a simple dressing, this salad provides a delightful balance of flavors and textures. It’s great as a side for dinner, a quick lunch, or even as a starter for a larger meal. Enjoy the vibrant taste of Italy in this easy-to-make salad, and feel free to customize it with your favorite veggies or additional toppings.