Name: Copycat Olive Garden Salad Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: PT-484008H11M21S
Total time: 1 h 10 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: For the Dressing: 1/4 cup olive oil; 3 tablespoons mayo; 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar; 1/2 lemon, juiced; 1 1/2 teaspoons sugar; 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, finely grated; 1 garlic clove; 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning; Kosher salt and black pepper, to taste; 5 oz mixed greens; 3/4 cup black olives, pitted and halved; 3/4 cup pepperoncini peppers, sliced; 1/2 cup red onion, thinly sliced; 2 Roma tomatoes, cut into wedges; 1 1/2 cups seasoned croutons; 1/3 cup shaved Parmesan cheese

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Alright, let’s talk about one of the most iconic side salads you’ve ever had. Yes, I’m talking about that fresh, crisp, tangy, and oh-so-delicious Olive Garden Salad! But here’s the thing—why go out when you can easily recreate that exact magic in your own kitchen? Trust me, this recipe is so easy and will make you feel like you’re dining at your favorite Italian restaurant without even leaving the house. The best part? You get to enjoy that crisp crunch, the perfect zesty dressing, and all those little surprises in every bite—just like you’re sitting at Olive Garden, but in your own cozy kitchen. Ready to dig in? Let’s get started, because this salad is a game-changer!

Why You’ll Love This Copycat Olive Garden Salad

This recipe isn’t just about tossing together a bunch of greens. It’s about creating that perfect, craveable, restaurant-style salad right in your own home. Here’s why this recipe is a keeper:

Versatile: Whether you’re serving it as a side at dinner or making it a main course by adding protein, this salad is flexible enough for any occasion. Pair it with your favorite pasta, grilled chicken, or even enjoy it on its own.
Budget-Friendly: You don’t need any fancy ingredients or hard-to-find items for this one. Everything you need is probably already in your kitchen or easy to grab at your local grocery store. Simple ingredients, amazing flavors.
Quick and Easy: It’s super easy to put together. No complex steps, no long prep time. In just a few minutes, you’ll have a fresh, vibrant salad ready to go.
Customizable: Love olives? Add more. Want extra cheese? Go ahead! You can adjust this salad to suit your tastebuds exactly how you want. Feeling adventurous? Try adding some crispy bacon or swapping the dressing for a balsamic glaze.
Crowd-Pleasing: This salad is a hit at any gathering. It’s got all the flavors—crunchy, tangy, and savory—and is guaranteed to make everyone ask for the recipe!

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Ingredients in Copycat Olive Garden Salad

Let’s break down the magic of this salad. It’s simple, but oh-so-flavorful. You probably already have most of these ingredients in your kitchen!

Lettuce: Crisp, fresh, and the perfect base for all the amazing flavors.
Tomatoes: Juicy, sweet, and colorful—these little gems brighten up the entire salad.
Cucumbers: Cool and refreshing with a satisfying crunch. They balance out all the richness.
Red Onion: A little bite and a pop of color—don’t skip this one!
Black Olives: The briny flavor really takes this salad to the next level.
Pepperoncini Peppers: A zingy, tangy addition that gives the salad a nice kick.
Shredded Parmesan Cheese: The salty, cheesy goodness we all love.
Croutons: Crunchy, golden, and perfect for adding texture and flavor.

(Note: The full list of ingredients, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card below.)

Instructions

Now that we’ve got the ingredients ready, let’s dive into making this flavorful masterpiece!

1. Prepare Your Veggies

Start by washing your lettuce and drying it well. You don’t want soggy greens, trust me! Then chop your tomatoes, cucumbers, and red onion. Slice your olives and pepperoncini peppers, and you’re ready to go.

2. Toss Everything Together

In a large salad bowl, toss all the veggies together—lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers, red onions, olives, and those tangy pepperoncini peppers. Give it a good mix so everything’s well distributed.

3. Add the Cheese & Croutons

Now, sprinkle a generous amount of shredded Parmesan cheese over the salad, followed by a handful of crunchy croutons. You can use store-bought croutons, but homemade ones really take it to the next level if you have the time!

4. Dress It Up

The dressing is key to that Olive Garden flavor! Pour on some of your homemade or store-bought Italian dressing—enough to coat everything but not drown it. Give the salad one final toss to make sure it’s all evenly coated.

5. Serve and Enjoy

Serve the salad immediately, or keep it chilled until you’re ready to eat. It’s so good that you’ll be tempted to dig in right away!

How to Serve Copycat Olive Garden Salad

This salad pairs wonderfully with all sorts of dishes, making it the perfect side or even a main. Here are a few ideas to elevate your meal:

Pasta: Serve it alongside your favorite pasta dish for the ultimate Italian meal.
Grilled Chicken or Shrimp: Add some protein on top to turn this into a full meal. The flavors go perfectly together.
Garlic Bread: No Italian meal is complete without some warm, crispy garlic bread. It’s perfect for dipping into the dressing!
Soup: Pair it with a comforting soup like minestrone or tomato basil for a cozy meal.

Additional Tips

Here are some extra tips to help you get the most out of this recipe:

Make Ahead: If you want to prep in advance, chop the veggies and store them separately. Assemble just before serving for the freshest taste.
Customize the Dressing: If you love a stronger flavor, add more Parmesan or garlic to the dressing. You can even make it spicy with a dash of red pepper flakes.
Dietary Adjustments: You can easily make this salad vegan by omitting the Parmesan and croutons. To make it gluten-free, just swap in gluten-free croutons.
Storage Tips: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Just be sure to keep the dressing separate if you’re planning on storing it for later.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I substitute ingredients?
A1: Absolutely! Feel free to swap the veggies for what you have on hand. If you don’t like olives, try some artichokes or roasted peppers instead!

Q2: Can I make this ahead of time?
A2: You sure can! Chop everything up and store it in separate containers. Dress the salad right before serving for the best texture.

Q3: How do I store leftovers?
A3: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. Just remember, it’s best when fresh, so enjoy it within a couple of days!

Q4: Can I freeze this salad?
A4: Salad isn’t the best for freezing, but the ingredients can be prepped in advance and stored separately in the fridge.

Q5: What’s the best way to reheat this?
A5: Since it’s a salad, there’s no need to reheat it! Just keep it chilled in the fridge until you’re ready to enjoy.

Q6: Can I double the recipe?
A6: Definitely! If you’re serving a crowd, just double the ingredients and toss everything together. It’s great for parties and gatherings!

Q7: Is this recipe suitable for a specific diet?
A7: This recipe is super customizable! You can make it gluten-free, dairy-free, or vegan with just a few tweaks.

Q8: What sides go well with this?
A8: This salad pairs perfectly with pasta, garlic bread, or grilled meats.

Q9: How can I make this dish healthier?
A9: You can swap the dressing for a lighter version or use less cheese and croutons to reduce calories.

Q10: What’s the best cookware to use for this recipe?
A10: No special cookware is needed! Just a large salad bowl to toss everything together.

Conclusion

And there you have it—your very own Copycat Olive Garden Salad ready to be served! It’s fresh, flavorful, and just as delicious as the one you love at the restaurant. So next time you’re craving that restaurant-style salad, you’ll know exactly how to make it at home. Enjoy every crunchy bite and savor the flavors. You’ve got this—happy cooking!