Why You’ll Love This Recipe
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Restaurant-Quality Taste: Enjoy the same flavors you love from Olive Garden, made fresh at home.
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Quick and Easy: Assemble in just 10 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings.
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Customizable: Adjust ingredients to suit your preferences or dietary needs.
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Versatile: Pairs well with a variety of main dishes, from pasta to grilled meats.
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Crowd-Pleaser: Ideal for serving at parties, potlucks, or family dinners.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
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8 cups chopped romaine lettuce
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¼ cup shredded red cabbage
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¼ cup shredded carrots
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¼ cup thinly sliced red onion
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½ cup black olives, sliced
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2 roma tomatoes, sliced
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⅓ cup pepperoncini peppers
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1 cup croutons
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¼ cup grated Parmesan
Dressing:
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¾ cup extra virgin olive oil
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⅓ cup white vinegar
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¼ cup water
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1 tablespoon mayonnaise
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1 packet Zesty Italian dressing mix
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3 teaspoons sugar
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1½ teaspoons Dijon mustard
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½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
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½ teaspoon salt
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¼ teaspoon pepper
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¼ teaspoon garlic
Directions
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Prepare the Salad: In a large bowl, combine the chopped romaine lettuce, shredded red cabbage, shredded carrots, sliced red onion, sliced black olives, sliced roma tomatoes, pepperoncini peppers, croutons, and grated Parmesan cheese.
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Make the Dressing: In a separate bowl or jar, whisk together the olive oil, white vinegar, water, mayonnaise, Zesty Italian dressing mix, sugar, Dijon mustard, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and garlic powder until well combined.
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Combine: Pour the dressing over the salad just before serving. Toss to coat all ingredients evenly.
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Serve: Serve immediately, garnished with additional Parmesan cheese if
Servings and Timing
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Servings: 4
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Prep Time: 10 minutes
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Total Time: 10
Variations
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Add Protein: Top with grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu for a complete meal.
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Spicy Kick: Incorporate sliced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce into the dressing for added heat.
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Vegan Option: Use vegan mayonnaise and omit the Parmesan cheese to make the salad vegan-friendly.
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Extra Veggies: Add sliced cucumbers, bell peppers, or cherry tomatoes for more variety.
Storage/Reheating
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Refrigeration: Store leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 day. Note that the croutons may become soggy over time.
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Dressing Storage: Store leftover dressing in a sealed jar in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. Shake well before each use.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of lettuce?
Yes, you can substitute romaine lettuce with iceberg lettuce or a spring mix, depending on your preference.
Is the dressing gluten-free?
The dressing is gluten-free if you use a gluten-free Italian dressing mix. Always check the label to ensure all ingredients are gluten-free.
Can I make the salad ahead of time?
You can prepare the salad ingredients in advance and store them separately in the refrigerator. Add the dressing just before serving to maintain freshness.
How can I make the dressing spicier?
Add finely chopped fresh chilies, a pinch of red pepper flakes, or a dash of hot sauce to the dressing to increase the heat level.
Can I use bottled Italian dressing?
For the closest flavor to the restaurant version, it’s recommended to use the homemade dressing recipe provided. However, you can substitute with a bottled Italian dressing if
How long will the salad keep in the refrigerator?
The salad is best enjoyed immediately. If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 day. Note that the croutons may become soggy over
Can I use pre-made croutons?
Yes, you can use store-bought croutons. For a fresher taste, consider making your own by toasting cubes of bread with olive oil and seasoning.
Is the dressing dairy-free?
The dressing contains mayonnaise and Parmesan cheese, which are dairy products. To make it dairy-free, use dairy-free mayonnaise and omit the Parmesan cheese.
Can I use a different type of vinegar?
White vinegar is recommended for its neutral flavor, but you can substitute with apple cider vinegar or red wine vinegar for a different taste.
How can I make the salad more filling?
Add protein sources like grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu, or serve the salad alongside a hearty soup or pasta dish.
Conclusion
This Copycat Olive Garden Salad brings the fresh, zesty flavors of the restaurant’s signature salad into your home kitchen. With its crisp vegetables, tangy dressing, and customizable ingredients, it’s a perfect side dish or light meal. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or enjoying a family meal, this salad is sure to be a hit.
Olive Garden Salad
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Recreate the beloved Olive Garden Salad at home with this easy recipe. Featuring crisp lettuce, tangy pepperoncini, ripe tomatoes, black olives, and crunchy croutons, all tossed in a zesty Italian dressing. Enjoy the fresh, vibrant flavors of this restaurant favorite in just 10 minutes.
Ingredients
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8 cups chopped romaine lettuce
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¼ cup shredded red cabbage
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¼ cup shredded carrots
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¼ cup thinly sliced red onion
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½ cup black olives, sliced
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2 roma tomatoes, sliced
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⅓ cup pepperoncini peppers
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1 cup croutons
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¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Dressing:
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¾ cup extra virgin olive oil
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⅓ cup white vinegar
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¼ cup water
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1 tablespoon mayonnaise
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1 packet Zesty Italian dressing mix
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3 teaspoons sugar
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1½ teaspoons Dijon mustard
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½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
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½ teaspoon salt
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¼ teaspoon pepper
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
Instructions
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Prepare the Salad: In a large bowl, combine the chopped romaine lettuce, shredded red cabbage, shredded carrots, sliced red onion, sliced black olives, sliced roma tomatoes, pepperoncini peppers, croutons, and grated Parmesan cheese.
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Make the Dressing: In a separate bowl or jar, whisk together the olive oil, white vinegar, water, mayonnaise, Zesty Italian dressing mix, sugar, Dijon mustard, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and garlic powder until well combined.
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Combine: Pour the dressing over the salad just before serving. Toss to coat all ingredients evenly.
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Serve: Serve immediately, garnished with additional Parmesan cheese if desired.
Notes
Add Protein: For a more substantial meal, top with grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu.Spicy Kick: Add finely chopped jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the dressing for added heat.Vegan Option: Use vegan mayonnaise and omit the Parmesan cheese for a vegan-friendly version.Extra Veggies: Add cucumbers, bell peppers, or cherry tomatoes for more variety.
