Description
This Copycat Olive Garden Salad recipe perfectly replicates the fresh, flavorful, and tangy salad served at Olive Garden restaurants. Featuring crisp iceberg lettuce, pepperoncini peppers, ripe Roma tomatoes, black olives, red onion, seasoned croutons, and Parmesan cheese, all tossed in a homemade zesty Italian dressing that combines olive oil, white wine vinegar, garlic, and herbs. A refreshing and easy-to-make salad that pairs wonderfully with any Italian meal or stands on its own as a light dish.
Ingredients
Scale
Salad
- 6 cups chopped iceberg lettuce
- 6 whole pepperoncini peppers
- 4 medium firm Roma tomatoes, sliced
- 1 cup whole pitted black olives, drained
- 1 cup thinly sliced red onion
- 1 cup seasoned croutons
- ¼ cup fresh grated Parmesan cheese
Dressing
- ⅔ cup extra virgin olive oil
- ⅓ cup white wine vinegar
- 3 tbsp water
- 2 tbsp mayonnaise
- 1 tbsp granulated sugar
- 2 tsp fresh minced garlic
- 2 tsp lemon juice
- 1½ tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp kosher salt
- ½ tsp fresh cracked black pepper
- ¼ tsp red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Prepare the Salad Ingredients: Begin by washing and drying the iceberg lettuce thoroughly, then chop it into bite-sized pieces. Slice the Roma tomatoes and red onion thinly. Drain the black olives and gather the whole pepperoncini peppers, seasoned croutons, and grated Parmesan cheese to have everything ready for assembling the salad.
- Make the Dressing: In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the extra virgin olive oil, white wine vinegar, and water until well combined. Add in the mayonnaise, granulated sugar, minced garlic, lemon juice, Italian seasoning, kosher salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Whisk vigorously until the dressing is smooth, creamy, and emulsified, ensuring all ingredients are well incorporated.
- Combine Salad and Dressing: In a large salad bowl, add the chopped iceberg lettuce, sliced tomatoes, black olives, red onion, pepperoncini peppers, and croutons. Pour the prepared dressing over the salad evenly. Toss gently but thoroughly to ensure every piece is coated with the flavorful dressing.
- Finish and Serve: Sprinkle the fresh grated Parmesan cheese over the top of the tossed salad. Serve immediately for the freshest taste and best texture. Optionally, chill the salad briefly if desired, but it is best enjoyed right after tossing to maintain the crispness of the lettuce and croutons.
Notes
- For best results, use fresh, crisp iceberg lettuce to replicate the signature texture.
- You can adjust the amount of red pepper flakes depending on how spicy you like your salad.
- Mayonnaise in the dressing adds creaminess; substitute with Greek yogurt for a lighter option.
- If unavailable, Italian seasoning can be made by mixing dried basil, oregano, rosemary, thyme, and marjoram.
- Prepare the dressing ahead of time to allow flavors to meld, but toss salad just before serving to keep croutons crunchy.
Keywords: Olive Garden Salad, Copycat Salad, Italian Salad, Italian Dressing, Easy Salad, Restaurant Style Salad