Olive Garden Salad Recipe

If you’ve ever dined at Olive Garden, chances are you’ve fallen in love with their famous salad known as Olive Garden Salad recipe. Known for its crisp greens, tangy dressing, and irresistible toppings, this salad has become a favorite among food enthusiasts. The good news? You don’t have to visit the restaurant to enjoy it. With this easy-to-follow recipe, you can whip up a bowl of this fresh and flavorful salad in your own kitchen.

A Brief History of Olive Garden Salad Recipe:

The Olive Garden chain opened its doors in 1982, with its menu focusing on Italian-American classics. The house salad quickly became a staple, beloved for its simplicity and the signature zesty Italian dressing. The recipe itself combines Mediterranean-inspired ingredients, reflecting Italy’s fresh and vibrant culinary traditions, while keeping things approachable for the American palate.

Olive Garden Salad Recipe

Pinklady

The Olive Garden chain opened its doors in 1982, with its menu focusing on Italian-American classics. The house salad quickly became a staple, beloved for its simplicity and the signature zesty Italian dressing. The recipe itself combines Mediterranean-inspired ingredients, reflecting Italy’s fresh and vibrant culinary traditions while keeping things approachable for the American palate.

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Prep Time 17 minutes mins

Course Salad

Cuisine Italian

Servings 4

Calories 150 kcal

Equipment

• Large salad bowl
• Small mixing bowl
• Whisk
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Knife and cutting board

Ingredients

  

For the Salad:

• 6 cups of mixed lettuce (Romaine, iceberg, and radicchio work best)
• ½ cup sliced red onions
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 cup sliced cucumbers
• ½ cup black olives (whole or sliced)
• ½ cup pepperoncini peppers
• 1 cup croutons
• ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

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For the Dressing:

• ¾ cup olive oil
• 1 tablespoon mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• ½ teaspoon dried oregano
• ½ teaspoon dried basil
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• ¼ teaspoon sugar
• ¼ cup white vinegar

Instructions

 

• Prepare the Dressing

  In a small mixing bowl, whisk together olive oil, white vinegar, and mayonnaise until emulsified.
• Add grated Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, black pepper, and sugar. Whisk until well combined. Set aside for the flavors to meld.
• Assemble the Salad Base

  Wash and chop the lettuce into bite-sized pieces. Combine the Romaine, iceberg, and radicchio in a large salad bowl.
• Add the sliced red onions, halved cherry tomatoes, sliced cucumbers, black olives, and pepperoncini peppers.
• Add Toppings

  Sprinkle the croutons and freshly grated Parmesan cheese over the salad.
• Dress and Toss

  Drizzle the prepared dressing evenly over the salad. Use tongs to toss everything gently until the ingredients are well coated.
• Serve

  Serve immediately for the freshest taste. For added flair, garnish with extra Parmesan or a few more olives and peppers.

Video

Keyword Olive Garden Salad Recipe

Similar Recipes to Try:

Caesar Salad – A creamy, tangy classic with Romaine lettuce, croutons, and Parmesan.
Greek Salad – A refreshing mix of cucumbers, tomatoes, olives, and feta with a lemon-oregano dressing.
Caprese Salad – Fresh mozzarella, ripe tomatoes, and basil, drizzled with balsamic glaze.
Italian Pasta Salad – A hearty dish with pasta, salami, vegetables, and Italian dressing.
Garden Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette – A simple, citrusy salad packed with fresh vegetables.

FAQs Frequently Asked Questions About Olive Garden Salad Recipe:

1. Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the vegetables and dressing separately. Assemble and toss the salad just before serving for maximum freshness.

2. Can I use store-bought dressing?

Absolutely! If you’re short on time, a store-bought Italian dressing works well. Olive Garden even sells their signature dressing in stores.

3. What lettuce mix is best for this recipe?

A mix of Romaine, iceberg, and radicchio replicates the restaurant version perfectly.

4. Can I add protein to this salad?

Yes! Grilled chicken, shrimp, or even sliced steak make great additions.

5. How do I store leftovers?

Store undressed salad in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Keep the dressing separate to prevent sogginess.

6. Is this recipe gluten-free?

The salad itself is gluten-free, but replace regular croutons with gluten-free ones if needed.

7. Can I skip the pepperoncini peppers?

Yes, but they add a tangy kick that enhances the flavor. Substitute with banana peppers or omit entirely.

8. How do I make the dressing creamier?

Increase the mayonnaise by 1-2 tablespoons for a creamier consistency.

9. What can I serve with this salad?

It pairs beautifully with pasta dishes, grilled meats, or warm breadsticks.

10. Can I double the recipe?

Certainly! Just double all the ingredients to make a larger batch. Perfect for parties or gatherings.

Conclusion:

Recreating Olive Garden’s famous salad at home is not only simple but also incredibly rewarding. With its fresh vegetables, flavorful toppings, and zesty dressing, this salad is perfect as a side dish or even a light main course. Give it a try, and you might never need to visit the restaurant again for your salad fix!

YouTube Video Credits:
The Stay At Home Chef