A fresh and crisp Olive Garden copycat salad with a tangy homemade dressing. Perfect as a side dish or light meal, just like the restaurant favorite!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Restaurant-quality taste – Enjoy the flavors of Olive Garden at home.
- Quick and easy – Takes just 10 minutes to prepare.
- Customizable – Easily adjust the ingredients to your preference.
- Perfect for any occasion – Great as a side dish for pasta, grilled meats, or a standalone meal.
- Homemade dressing – Skip the store-bought version and make your own creamy, tangy dressing.
Ingredients
For the salad:
- 6 cups romaine lettuce, chopped
- 1/2 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup black olives, sliced
- 1/2 cup pepperoncini peppers, whole or sliced
- 1/2 cup croutons
- 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
For the dressing:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/3 cup white vinegar
- 1 teaspoon vegetable oil
- 2 tablespoons corn syrup
- 2 tablespoons Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Directions
- In a small bowl or jar, whisk together mayonnaise, white vinegar, vegetable oil, corn syrup, Parmesan cheese, lemon juice, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper until smooth. Set aside.
- In a large salad bowl, combine romaine lettuce, red onion, cherry tomatoes, black olives, and pepperoncini peppers.
- Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss to coat evenly.
- Top with croutons and extra Parmesan cheese before serving.
- Serve immediately and enjoy!
Servings and Timing
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Servings: 4 servings
- Calories: 220 kcal per serving
Variations
- Protein boost – Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or even crispy pancetta for extra flavor.
- Cheese options – Swap Parmesan for feta, mozzarella, or blue cheese crumbles.
- Dressing alternative – Use a store-bought Italian or Caesar dressing for convenience.
- Gluten-free option – Omit the croutons or use gluten-free croutons.
- Extra crunch – Add sliced cucumbers or bell peppers for more texture.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage – Store leftover salad and dressing separately in airtight containers in the fridge. The salad will stay fresh for up to 2 days, while the dressing can last up to a week.
- Reheating – This salad is best enjoyed fresh, but if needed, allow chilled ingredients to come to room temperature before serving.
FAQs
How can I make this salad healthier?
You can use a light mayonnaise or Greek yogurt in the dressing and reduce the amount of Parmesan and croutons.
Can I make the dressing ahead of time?
Yes! The dressing can be made up to a week in advance and stored in the fridge.
What type of lettuce works best for this salad?
Romaine lettuce is ideal because it’s crisp and holds up well to the dressing. You can also mix in iceberg or butter lettuce.
Can I use a different vinegar?
Yes! White wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar can be used for a slightly different tangy flavor.
Is this salad vegetarian?
Yes, this salad is vegetarian-friendly as long as the Parmesan cheese is made without animal rennet.
Can I make this salad dairy-free?
Yes! Simply omit the Parmesan cheese or use a dairy-free alternative.
What can I use instead of corn syrup in the dressing?
You can substitute honey or maple syrup for a more natural sweetness.
Can I use bottled Italian dressing instead?
Absolutely! If you’re short on time, a good-quality bottled Italian dressing works well.
What’s the best way to keep the salad fresh for meal prep?
Store the salad ingredients and dressing separately, then combine just before serving.
Can I add nuts or seeds for extra texture?
Yes! Sliced almonds, sunflower seeds, or pine nuts make great additions for extra crunch.
Conclusion
This Olive Garden Copycat Salad is a fresh, flavorful, and easy-to-make dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you enjoy it as a side or a main course, its crisp texture and tangy dressing will keep you coming back for more. Try it today and bring the taste of your favorite restaurant home!
Print
Olive Garden Copycat Salad
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A fresh and crisp Olive Garden copycat salad with a tangy homemade dressing. Perfect as a side dish or light meal, just like the restaurant favorite!
Ingredients
For the Salad:
- 6 cups romaine lettuce, chopped
- 1/2 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup black olives, sliced
- 1/2 cup pepperoncini peppers, whole or sliced
- 1/2 cup croutons
- 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
For the Dressing:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/3 cup white vinegar
- 1 teaspoon vegetable oil
- 2 tablespoons corn syrup
- 2 tablespoons Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- In a small bowl or jar, whisk together mayonnaise, white vinegar, vegetable oil, corn syrup, Parmesan cheese, lemon juice, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Stir well until smooth and set aside.
- In a large salad bowl, combine romaine lettuce, red onion, cherry tomatoes, black olives, and pepperoncini peppers.
- Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss to coat evenly.
- Top with croutons and extra Parmesan cheese before serving.
- Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
- For a lighter version, use Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise.
- Add grilled chicken or shrimp for a heartier meal.
- Store leftover dressing in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: O minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Italian-American