Olive Garden Salad Recipe (2024)

Olive Garden Salad Recipe (1)

Crispy lettuce, fresh vegetables and a homemade creamy Italian dressing will make this copycat Olive garden salad recipe your new favorite salad to make at home.

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Table of Contents
  1. Olive Garden Salad Ingredients
  2. Substitutions And Additions
  3. How To Make Olive Garden Salad
  4. How To Serve
  5. Storage
  6. Frequently Asked Questions
  7. More Recipes You’ll Love
  8. JUMP TO RECIPE
  9. Even More Recipes You’ll Love

This copycat Olive Garden salad recipe tastes just like the incredible restaurant version that you love. The delicious salad is full of crisp fresh veggies, topped with crunchy croutons, and drenched in a tangy dressing for a combination that is full of addictive flavor.

Olive Garden Salad Recipe (2)

Olive Garden Salad Ingredients

Olive Garden Salad Recipe (3)

You’ll need:

For The Salad:

  • 6 cups of chopped iceberg lettuce
  • 1 cup of whole pitted black olives, drained
  • 1 cup of thinly sliced red onions
  • 4 medium firm Roma tomatoes, sliced
  • 1 cup of seasoned croutons
  • 6 whole pepperoncini peppers
  • ¼ cup of fresh parmesan cheese

For The Dressing:

  • ⅔ cup of extra virgin olive oil
  • ⅓ cup of white wine vinegar
  • 3 tablespoons of water
  • 2 tablespoons of mayonnaise
  • 1 tablespoon of granulated sugar
  • 2 teaspoons of fresh minced garlic
  • 2 teaspoons of lemon juice
  • 1½ teaspoons of Italian seasoning
  • ½ teaspoon of kosher salt
  • ½ teaspoon of fresh cracked black pepper
  • ¼ teaspoon of red pepper flakes

Substitutions And Additions

DRESSING: If you can’t find the official Olive Garden dressing at the grocery store, you can substitute it for the homemade dressing.

You can also substitute a 0.7-ounce packet of Italian dressing mix for the homemade dressing.

LETTUCE: Any variety of lettuce, or bagged salad, can be used for this Olive Garden house salad recipe.

A bagged salad mix will save you time to whip up this easy recipe in a flash.

MIX-INS: You can add chopped bacon, cubed ham, or even shredded cooked or grilled chicken.

CROUTONS: You can use store-bought or homemade croutons in this recipe.

TOMATOES: Halved grape or cherry tomatoes would also work just as well as the Roma tomatoes in this Olive Garden Italian salad recipe.

How To Make Olive Garden Salad

STEP ONE: Using a large bowl, layer 3 cups of the chopped lettuce, ½ cup of the black olives, ½ cup of the sliced red onion, ½ of the sliced tomatoes, and ½ cup of the croutons.

OUR RECIPE DEVELOPER SAYS

Make sure your red onions are sliced nice and thin. A mandoline would work well to slice them.

Olive Garden Salad Recipe (4)

STEP TWO: Layer the remaining lettuce, black olives, red onion slices, tomato slices, and croutons.

STEP THREE: Lay the pepperoncini peppers on top of the salad.

Olive Garden Salad Recipe (5)

STEP FOUR: Evenly sprinkle the grated parmesan on top of the salad. Set the salad aside.

Olive Garden Salad Recipe (6)

STEP FIVE: Using either a small mixing bowl and a whisk, or a quart-sized mason jar with a lid, combine the olive oil, white wine vinegar, water, mayonnaise, sugar, fresh minced garlic, lemon juice, Italian seasoning, kosher salt, black pepper and red pepper flakes.

If using the bowl and whisk, whisk until the dressing is well combined. If using the mason jar, tightly screw on the lid and shake until the ingredients are completely incorporated,

PRO TIP:

Small mason jars are just the right size to make salad dressing and to store any dressing leftovers in the fridge.

Olive Garden Salad Recipe (7)

STEP SIX: Immediately pour the dressing over the top of the salad. Serve immediately.

PRO TIP:

This salad is best served right away, otherwise, the croutons will start to soften in the dressing.

Olive Garden Salad Recipe (8)

How To Serve

Serve this Italian salad as a side dish alongside our creamy Olive Garden chicken pasta.

Add a tasty bowl of minestrone soup and garlic bread, and you will feel like you are sitting at the beloved restaurant chain.

A wonderful salad is always a great addition to a delicious meal. Our cucumber salad and broccoli salad are both favorites to add a bit of greenery to your table.

MORE SALAD RECIPES

Side Dishes

Dill Pickle Salad with Pasta

Side Dishes

Broccoli Cauliflower Salad

Storage

IN THE FRIDGE: Store any leftovers from this amazing salad in an airtight container, or a gallon-sized Ziploc bag, for up to two days.

If you anticipate having leftovers, we would recommend adding croutons to individual servings as they will get soggy if left in the dressing for any amount of time.

IN THE FREEZER: We don’t recommend trying to freeze any components of this salad recipe.

Olive Garden Salad Recipe (11)

This copycat recipe is a great way to bring your favorite restaurant home. Our homemade version of the Olive Garden salad recipe features all the fresh ingredients from the original and is topped with a tangy copycat dressing that you will love.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I save the leftovers of this salad?

Our Olive Garden copycat salad will keep in the fridge for up to two days. Leave off the croutons as they will get soggy when stored.

Can I store leftover dressing?

The leftover dressing can be stored in the fridge for up to five days. Seal it tightly in a mason jar or airtight container.

Can I make this salad ahead of time?

You can make this Olive Garden green salad up to a couple days in advance. Just wait to add the dressing and croutons until you are ready to serve it.

What cheese does Olive Garden use?

The Olive Garden uses a tangy parmesan romano cheese in their garden salad recipe.

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Olive Garden Salad Recipe (12)

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Olive Garden Salad Recipe

5 from 6 votes

Crispy lettuce, fresh vegetables and a homemade creamy Italian dressing will make this copycat Olive garden salad recipe your new favorite salad to make at home.

Prep Time 20 minutes minutes

Total Time 20 minutes minutes

Servings 8

PrintRecipeReviewRecipe

Ingredients

Salad

  • 6 cups iceberg lettuce, chopped
  • 1 cup whole pitted black olives, drained
  • 1 cup red onion, thinly sliced
  • 4 medium firm Roma tomatoes, sliced
  • 1 cup seasoned croutons
  • 6 whole pepperoncini peppers
  • ¼ cup parmesan cheese, fresh grated

Dressing

  • cup olive oil, extra virgin
  • cup white wine vinegar
  • 3 tablespoons water
  • 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
  • 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
  • 2 teaspoons garlic, fresh minced
  • 2 teaspoons lemon juice
  • teaspoons Italian seasoning
  • ½ teaspoon kosher salt
  • ½ teaspoon fresh cracked black pepper
  • ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes

Instructions

  • Using a large serving bowl, layer 3 cups of the chopped lettuce, ½ cup of the black olives, ½ cup of the sliced red onion, ½ of the sliced tomatoes, and ½ cup of the croutons.

  • Layer the remaining lettuce, black olives, sliced red onion, sliced tomatoes, and croutons.

  • Lay the pepperoncini peppers on top of the salad.

  • Evenly sprinkle the grated parmesan on top of the salad. Set the salad aside.

  • Using either a small mixing bowl and a whisk, or a quart-sized mason jar with a lid, combine the olive oil, white wine vinegar, water, mayonnaise, sugar, fresh minced garlic, lemon juice, Italian seasoning, kosher salt, black pepper and red pepper flakes. If using the bowl and whisk, whisk until the dressing is well combined. If using the mason jar, tightly screw on the lid and shake until the ingredients are completely incorporated,

  • Immediately pour the dressing over the top of the salad. Serve immediately.

Notes

  • Make sure your red onions are sliced nice and thin. A mandoline would work well to slice them.
  • Small mason jars are just the right size to make salad dressing and to store any dressing leftovers in the fridge.
  • This salad is best served right away, otherwise, the croutons will start to soften in the dressing.

Nutrition

Calories: 267kcal | Carbohydrates: 10g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 24g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 4g | Monounsaturated Fat: 16g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 4mg | Sodium: 517mg | Potassium: 212mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 651IU | Vitamin C: 9mg | Calcium: 76mg | Iron: 1mg

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This recipe was developed, tested, cooked and photographed by the Spaceships Kitchen. From our dinner table to yours, we hope you think it's out of this world!

  • Stephanie KeepingPublisher

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Olive Garden Salad Recipe (2024)

FAQs

What does the olive garden salad contain? ›

Olive Garden Salad Ingredients

To make this salad, you will need iceberg salad mix, tomatoes, red onion, pepperoncini peppers, black olives, croutons and parmesan cheese.

What kind of dressing do they use at Olive Garden? ›

Our Signature Italian dressing has been a favorite with our guests for over 35 years. It's crafted from a special blend of Italian spices, oil, and vinegar. Great for salads and marinades! www.olivegarden.com.

Is olive garden salad healthy? ›

House salad (without croutons) with low-fat dressing, and minestrone soup. Olive garden is famous for their house salad and breadsticks. Paired with minestrone soup, it's a healthier meal, although the sodium content is high. Omit the breadstick to reduce the sodium, fat, and calories.

How many servings of salad are in a bowl at Olive Garden? ›

The amount of salad served depends on the number of guests in your party. For a party of 1 to 2 guests, about 10 ounces would be served (so ½ of the bowl would be one serving).

What kind of croutons does Olive Garden use? ›

Olive Garden croutons are made with Romano cheese, seasoned with garlic, Italian herbs & spices, and baked to a delicious golden brown.

Is Olive Garden's food made from scratch? ›

Our soup and sauce masters create dishes by hand and from scratch, every day. With fresh, whole ingredients like kale, peppers and squash. Because they know cooking that way – the Italian way- everything tastes better.

Is store bought Olive Garden dressing the same as restaurant? ›

The next time you're dining in, you can add a bottle or two directly onto your order and take home that salty, tangy dressing to spice up your homemade salads. And don't worry — it's exactly the same as what Olive Garden normally serves.

What is the most requested salad dressing? ›

Ranch Dressing

The ranch is hands down America's most beloved salad dressings. It is made from a number of ingredients such as buttermilk, mayonnaise, mustard, garlic, onion, chives, salt, and pepper.

Does Olive Garden salad dressing have cheese in it? ›

www.olivegarden.com. Water, Soybean Oil, Distilled Vinegar, High Fructose Corn Syrup, Salt, Egg, Romano Cheese (Milk, Salt, Cultures, Enzymes), Dehydrated Garlic, Sugar, Spices, Xanthan Gum, Dextrose, Calcium Disodium EDTA Added to Protect Flavor, Annatto Color, Natural Flavors.

Is olive garden salad fresh or bagged? ›

Salads – And Most Other Dishes – Are Made Fresh

Additionally, the online ordering platform allows you to hold the olives, tomatoes, onions, and/or pepperoncini if you're getting a salad for pick-up.

Does Olive Garden use iceberg or romaine? ›

What's classic in an Olive garden salad? -- Olive Garden uses a basic combination of chopped iceberg and Romaine lettuce, sliced Roma tomatoes, sliced red onion, black olives, garlicky croutons, and their classic touch of whole pepperoncini peppers, of course.

Can you ask for dressing on the side at Olive Garden? ›

Our Famous House Salad served with our signature Italian dressing (served on the side).

How big is an Olive Garden Jumbo salad? ›

According to its website, Olive Garden determines that a portion of salad is five ounces, so a Jumbo Salad works out to be around 30 ounces. This is important to know because if you're throwing a dinner party you want to make sure everyone gets enough salad to eat (if they want it).

What does a garden salad contain? ›

What is Garden Salad? Garden salad is a a type of tossed green salad made with lettuce (usually a blend including mostly iceberg lettuce.) As the name implies it also has garden fresh veggies including carrots, tomatoes, cucumbers and onions. Often garden salads include croutons and cheese.

What does a bowl of salad contain? ›

Salad may be combination of vegetables or may be in combination with pulses, greens, dry fruits, nuts etc. It may be either seasoned with oil or fat, or with some other dressing. They can also be accompanied by fish, meat, poultry and many other ingredients.

Is Olive salad good for you? ›

The vitamins and antioxidants found in olives may provide important health benefits. For example, some studies have shown that olives may protect against osteoporosis, in which bones become brittle or weak. Olives are also rich in vitamin E, which can improve skin health and help your immune system.

What does dinner salad contain? ›

Include fiber-rich foods such as leafy greens and cruciferous vegetables, also add other non-starchy vegetables such as carrots, tomato, onion. Then add in a healthy fats source such avocados or extra virgin olive oil and lastly add in a protein source such as meat, fish or eggs. Add a protein and a starch.

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