Homemade Magic: Copycat Olive Garden Salad Recipe

Crafting a delectable copycat olive garden salad recipe brings pure culinary magic right to your kitchen table.

Italian restaurants have nothing on this homemade version that captures authentic flavors with simple ingredients.

Salt and pepper become your secret weapons in creating a memorable dining experience.

Fresh crisp greens form the perfect foundation for this classic dish.

Delicate herbs and zesty dressing combine to make each bite absolutely irresistible.

Restaurants might charge premium prices, but you can recreate this incredible salad without breaking the bank.

Let’s transform your dinner into a restaurant-quality feast that everyone will adore.

Variations of Olive Garden Salad to Try

• Spicy Kick Variation: Add red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños to the dressing for a zesty flavor boost.
• Mediterranean Remix: Replace red onions with sliced cucumber and add crumbled feta cheese for a Greek-inspired version.
• Protein Power Variation: Top the salad with grilled chicken, sliced hard-boiled eggs, or crispy bacon bits to make it more filling.
• Low-Carb Option: Swap croutons for toasted nuts like almonds or sunflower seeds and use a lighter dressing base.

Pairing Ideas for Olive Garden Salad

• Savor Complementary Flavors: Perfect Pairings for Olive Garden Salad
• Pair with Rustic Italian Bread: Warm, crusty Italian bread complements the salad's tangy dressing and fresh ingredients, creating a delightful texture contrast.
• Match with Crisp White Wine: Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc cuts through the salad's richness, enhancing the bright, zesty flavors of pepperoncini and vinaigrette.
• Serve alongside Grilled Chicken: Lightly seasoned grilled chicken adds protein and substance, transforming the salad from a side dish to a complete, satisfying meal.
• Complement with Light Pasta: A simple pasta like angel hair with olive oil and herbs balances the salad's bold flavors, creating a harmonious Italian-inspired dining experience.

Storing Olive Garden Salad Properly

Store leftover dressing in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Keep chilled in the refrigerator to maintain freshness and flavor.

Pour dressing into ice cube trays, freeze, then transfer frozen cubes to a freezer bag. Keeps for 2-3 months. Thaw in refrigerator overnight before use.

Keep dressed salad ingredients separate to prevent sogginess. Store greens, vegetables, and croutons in separate containers. Mix just before serving for crisp texture.

Revive stale croutons by spreading on a baking sheet and toasting in a preheated oven at 350°F for 3-5 minutes until crisp and warm.

FAQs

• Is this dressing similar to the original Olive Garden dressing?

Yes, this copycat recipe closely mimics the tangy, creamy signature Olive Garden house dressing with its blend of red wine vinegar, Parmesan, and Italian herbs.

• Can I make the dressing ahead of time?

Absolutely! The dressing can be prepared up to 3-4 days in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, which actually allows the flavors to develop more intensely.

• What type of greens work best for this salad?

Mixed salad greens or romaine lettuce are ideal. They provide a crisp base and hold the dressing well, creating the perfect texture and flavor combination.

What Makes Olive Garden Salad So Good

• Customize with Ease: Modify ingredients to suit personal tastes or dietary needs, making this salad adaptable for various preferences.
• Restaurant-Quality at Home: Recreate the famous Olive Garden salad experience without leaving your kitchen, saving money and enjoying a gourmet meal.
• Quick Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for gatherings, potlucks, or family dinners, this salad impresses guests with minimal preparation time and maximum flavor.
• Nutrient-Packed Delight: Loaded with fresh vegetables, herbs, and a zesty dressing, this recipe offers a healthy and satisfying meal option that doesn't compromise on taste.

Ingredients for Olive Garden Salad Copycat

• Olive Oil: A smooth base that helps blend and emulsify the dressing ingredients.
• Mayonnaise: Adds creaminess and helps create a rich, smooth texture.
• Red Wine Vinegar: Provides a tangy and slightly acidic flavor to the dressing.
• Lemon Juice: Adds brightness and helps balance the richness of the dressing.
• Sugar: Helps to balance the acidity and create a more rounded flavor profile.
• Parmesan Cheese: Contributes a salty, nutty depth to the dressing.
• Garlic: Offers a sharp, aromatic flavor that enhances the overall taste.
• Italian Seasoning: A blend of herbs that adds complexity and traditional Italian flavor.

• Salt, Black Pepper: Enhance and balance the overall taste of the dressing.

• Mixed Greens: Provides a fresh and crisp foundation for the salad.

• Olives, Pepperoncini, Red Onion, Tomatoes: Add variety of flavors, textures, and a colorful appearance.
• Croutons: Provide a crunchy element to the salad.
• Shaved Parmesan: Adds a final touch of flavor and elegance to the dish.

How to Prepare Olive Garden Salad

Step 1: Whip Up the Zesty Dressing

• Olive oil
• Mayonnaise
• Red wine vinegar
• Lemon juice
• Sugar
• Grated Parmesan cheese
• Minced garlic
• Italian seasoning

Blend everything until silky smooth. Sprinkle in salt and black pepper to make the flavors pop.

Stash the dressing in the refrigerator for at least an hour to let the tastes mingle and get to know each other.

Step 2: Create the Vibrant Salad Masterpiece

• Mixed salad greens
• Sliced black olives
• Tangy pepperoncini
• Thinly sliced red onion
• Juicy tomatoes
• Crunchy croutons

Pour the chilled dressing over the salad and gently toss until every leaf is gloriously coated.

Finish with a generous shower of shaved Parmesan cheese. Serve right away to enjoy maximum crispness and flavor explosion.

Secrets to the Perfect Olive Garden Salad

• Use a high-powered blender for the dressing to ensure a creamy, well-emulsified consistency without lumps.
• Refrigerate the dressing for at least an hour to allow the ingredients to meld and develop a richer taste profile.
• Toast store-bought or homemade croutons for extra texture and a golden-brown flavor boost.
• Toss the salad just before serving to keep the greens crisp and prevent wilting from the dressing.
• Experiment with different fresh vegetables like cucumber or bell peppers to add variety to the classic recipe.

Copycat Olive Garden Salad Recipe

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4.9 from 18 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Olive Garden’s legendary salad finds new life in this homemade version, bringing restaurant-quality flavors straight to your kitchen. Crisp greens, zesty dressing, and savory croutons combine for a delightful meal you’ll crave time and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 5 ounces (142 grams) mixed greens
• 3/4 cup (110 grams) black olives, pitted and halved
• 3/4 cup (100 grams) pepperoncini peppers, sliced
• 1/2 cup (75 grams) red onion, thinly sliced
• 2 Roma tomatoes, cut into wedges
• 1 1/2 cups (60 grams) seasoned croutons
• 1/3 cup (30 grams) shaved Parmesan cheese

Dressing Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup (60 milliliters) olive oil
• 3 tablespoons (45 grams) mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) red wine vinegar
• 1/2 lemon, juiced
• 1 1/2 teaspoons (7 grams) sugar
• 1/4 cup (25 grams) Parmesan cheese, finely grated

Seasoning and Spices:

• 1 garlic clove
• 1/2 teaspoon (1 gram) Italian seasoning
• Kosher salt, to taste
• Black pepper, to taste

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Instructions

1. Craft the signature dressing by blending olive oil, mayonnaise, red wine vinegar, lemon juice, sugar, Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, and Italian seasoning until achieving a silky, uniform consistency.
2. Adjust the dressing’s flavor profile with salt and freshly ground black pepper, ensuring a balanced taste.
3. Refrigerate the dressing for a minimum of 60 minutes, allowing the ingredients to harmonize and intensify their flavors.
4. Select a spacious mixing vessel and combine crisp mixed greens with briny sliced olives, tangy pepperoncini peppers, thinly sliced red onion, juicy tomatoes, and crunchy croutons.
5. Retrieve the chilled dressing from the refrigerator and generously drizzle over the salad ingredients.
6. Gently toss the salad components, ensuring each element is evenly coated with the aromatic dressing.
7. Complete the dish by garnishing with delicate shavings of aged Parmesan cheese, creating a visually appealing and flavor-packed culinary experience.
8. Serve the salad immediately to preserve the optimal texture and temperature of the ingredients.

Notes

• Customize the dressing’s tanginess by adjusting vinegar and lemon juice proportions to suit personal taste preferences.
• Make the salad low-carb by replacing croutons with toasted nuts or seed alternatives for added crunch and nutrition.
• Prep dressing ahead of time and store in an airtight container for up to 5 days, allowing flavors to develop and intensify even more.
• For a dairy-free version, swap Parmesan cheese with nutritional yeast or omit entirely, maintaining the dressing’s rich, creamy texture.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Blending
• Cuisine: Italian-American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 315 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 520 mg
• Fat: 29 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 23 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 11 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 7 g
• Cholesterol: 12 mg