Copycat Olive Garden Salad Recipe

Introduction

This Copycat Olive Garden Salad is a fresh and flavorful side that captures the taste of the beloved restaurant classic. With crisp lettuce, tangy pepperoncini, and savory parmesan, it’s easy to prepare and perfect alongside any Italian meal.

Ingredients

• 1 head romaine or iceberg lettuce, chopped
• 1/2 cup pepperoncini peppers, sliced
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/4 cup black olives, sliced
• 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
• 1 cup croutons
• 1/2 cup Olive Garden Italian Dressing (store-bought)
• Freshly ground black pepper (to taste)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Chop the lettuce into bite-sized pieces and place it in a large salad bowl.
2. Step 2: Slice the pepperoncini peppers and halve the cherry tomatoes.
3. Step 3: Slice the black olives and add them to the bowl.
4. Step 4: Sprinkle the grated parmesan cheese and croutons over the salad.
5. Step 5: Drizzle the Olive Garden Italian Dressing over the top.
6. Step 6: Toss everything gently until evenly coated.
7. Step 7: Season with freshly ground black pepper to taste.
8. Step 8: Serve immediately as a side dish to pasta, pizza, or any Italian meal.
9. Step 9: For extra freshness, garnish with additional parmesan cheese or a few lemon wedges.

Tips & Variations

• Use romaine lettuce for a crisp texture or iceberg for a milder crunch.
• Try adding sliced red onions or cucumbers for extra freshness.
• Make your own Italian dressing to customize flavors if desired.
• Toast the croutons lightly for added crunch and flavor.

Storage

Store any leftover salad separately from the dressing in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 day. For best results, toss the salad with dressing just before serving to avoid sogginess. Leftover undressed greens can keep for up to 2 days refrigerated.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this salad without pepperoncini peppers?

Yes, if you prefer less heat or tanginess, you can omit the pepperoncini or substitute with mild banana peppers.

What can I use if I don’t have Olive Garden Italian Dressing?

You can use any good quality Italian dressing or make a simple mix of olive oil, vinegar, garlic, and herbs to replicate a similar flavor.

Copycat Olive Garden Salad Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.6 from 112 reviews

This Copycat Olive Garden Salad Recipe perfectly replicates the fresh, tangy, and savory salad served at Olive Garden restaurants. Featuring crisp romaine lettuce, pepperoncini peppers, cherry tomatoes, black olives, grated parmesan cheese, crunchy croutons, and a zesty Italian dressing, it’s an ideal light side or starter that complements any Italian meal.

• Author: Rico
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Total Time: 10 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Salad
• Method: No-Cook
• Cuisine: Italian-American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Salad Ingredients

• 1 head romaine or iceberg lettuce, chopped
• 1/2 cup pepperoncini peppers, sliced
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/4 cup black olives, sliced
• 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
• 1 cup croutons
• Freshly ground black pepper (to taste)

Dressing

• 1/2 cup Olive Garden Italian Dressing (store-bought)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Lettuce: Chop the romaine or iceberg lettuce into bite-sized pieces and place them into a large salad bowl.
2. Slice Peppers and Tomatoes: Slice the pepperoncini peppers into rings and halve the cherry tomatoes, then add them to the bowl.
3. Add Olives: Thinly slice the black olives and incorporate them into the salad bowl.
4. Add Cheese and Croutons: Sprinkle the grated parmesan cheese and croutons evenly over the top of the salad.
5. Dress the Salad: Drizzle 1/2 cup of Olive Garden Italian Dressing over the salad ingredients.
6. Toss the Salad: Gently toss all ingredients together until the lettuce and toppings are evenly coated with the dressing.
7. Season: Add freshly ground black pepper to taste for an extra hint of spice and flavor.
8. Serve: Serve the salad immediately as a refreshing side dish alongside pasta, pizza, or any Italian meal.
9. Optional Garnish: For extra freshness and flavor, garnish with additional parmesan cheese or a few lemon wedges before serving.

Notes

• Use fresh crunchy lettuce like romaine or iceberg for the best texture.
• Adjust the amount of pepperoncini peppers depending on your spice preference.
• For a homemade touch, you can substitute store-bought Italian dressing with a blend of olive oil, vinegar, herbs, and spices.
• Serve immediately after tossing to prevent the croutons from becoming soggy.
• Adding lemon wedges brightens the flavor and adds a fresh citrus aroma.

Keywords: Olive Garden salad, copycat salad, Italian salad, romaine salad, pepperoncini, Italian dressing, side dish