Olive Garden Salad
- Total Time: 15min
- Yield: 4-6servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Recreate the delicious Olive Garden Salad at home with this easy recipe. Fresh Romaine lettuce, colorful veggies, and a tangy homemade dressing combine for a perfect side dish or light meal. Perfect for any occasion and customizable to your taste preferences.
Ingredients
- 1 head Romaine lettuce, chopped
- 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 cucumber, sliced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup black olives, sliced
- 1/2 cup pepperoncini peppers, sliced
- 1/4 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup croutons
For the Dressing:
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup red wine vinegar
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine Romaine lettuce, red onion, cucumber, cherry tomatoes, black olives, pepperoncini peppers, and shredded Parmesan cheese. Toss gently to mix everything.
- In a separate small bowl, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, sugar, garlic powder, oregano, salt, and pepper until the dressing is well combined.
- Pour the dressing over the salad and toss until evenly coated.
- Just before serving, top with croutons to keep them crispy.
- Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
- This recipe serves 4-6 people.
- You can make the dressing in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to a week.
- To make it vegan, skip the Parmesan cheese or use a dairy-free version.
- If you want to make the salad spicy, add sliced jalapeños or hot sauce.
- Prep Time: 15min
- Category: salad
- Method: Tossing
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Olive Garden Salad recipe is the perfect way to recreate the famous restaurant salad at home. The combination of crunchy lettuce, zesty dressing, and the unique flavor profile from the olives, pepperoncini, and creamy dressing make it a favorite for salad lovers. It’s quick, simple, and you can easily adjust the ingredients to your personal taste. Plus, it’s a versatile dish that complements almost any main course, from pasta to grilled meats.
Ingredients
- 1 head Romaine lettuce, chopped
- 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 cucumber, sliced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup black olives, sliced
- 1/2 cup pepperoncini peppers, sliced
- 1/4 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup croutons
For the dressing:
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup red wine vinegar
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
-
In a large bowl, combine the Romaine lettuce, red onion, cucumber, cherry tomatoes, black olives, pepperoncini peppers, and shredded Parmesan cheese. Toss gently to mix everything evenly.
-
In a separate small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, sugar, garlic powder, oregano, salt, and pepper until the dressing is well combined.
-
Pour the dressing over the salad and toss until everything is coated evenly.
-
Top the salad with croutons just before serving to keep them crispy.
-
Serve immediately and enjoy!
Servings and Timing
- Servings: This recipe serves approximately 4-6 people.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
Variations
- Vegetarian Version: Omit the Parmesan cheese for a vegan version or use a dairy-free alternative.
- Add Protein: To make the salad a complete meal, add grilled chicken, shrimp, or even some sliced steak.
- Different Veggies: Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, or radishes for extra crunch and color.
- Dressings: Try making a creamy version of the dressing by adding a couple of tablespoons of mayonnaise or sour cream for a richer texture.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: This salad is best served fresh, but you can store any leftover salad (without the dressing) in an airtight container in the fridge for 1-2 days. The dressing should be stored separately to prevent the salad from getting soggy.
- Reheating: Since this is a cold salad, there’s no need to reheat. Just chill it in the fridge before serving if desired.
FAQs
1. Can I use other types of lettuce for this salad?
Yes, you can use other lettuce varieties like iceberg or mixed greens, but Romaine lettuce gives it the signature crunch.
2. Can I make the dressing in advance?
Yes, you can make the dressing ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to a week.
3. Can I substitute other olives in this recipe?
Yes, green olives or Kalamata olives would work well if you prefer a different type of olive.
4. Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, this recipe is gluten-free as long as you use gluten-free croutons.
5. How do I make the salad spicy?
If you like some heat, try adding some sliced jalapeños or a few dashes of hot sauce to the dressing.
6. How can I make the salad more filling?
Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas to make this salad a more filling meal.
7. Can I use store-bought dressing?
Yes, if you’re short on time, you can use store-bought Italian dressing, though homemade dressing gives the salad a fresher taste.
8. How long will leftover salad last?
Leftover salad can be stored for 1-2 days, but the dressing should be stored separately to avoid sogginess.
9. Can I make the salad ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the salad ingredients in advance, but don’t add the dressing or croutons until just before serving to maintain freshness.
10. Can I make the salad vegan?
Yes, to make the salad vegan, simply skip the Parmesan cheese or use a dairy-free version of it.
Conclusion
This Olive Garden Salad is the perfect addition to any meal, offering fresh, vibrant flavors and a delightful crunch. Whether you’re serving it as a side dish or enjoying it as a light meal, this recipe is simple, customizable, and sure to impress. With its homemade dressing and fresh ingredients, you can enjoy the iconic flavors of Olive Garden right in your own home.
