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Olive Garden Salad Recipe – A Zesty Copycat Classic You’ll Crave

If you’ve ever been to Olive Garden, you probably know their salad isn’t just any side dish — it’s legendary. Crisp lettuce, tangy dressing, pepperoncini, red onion, juicy tomatoes, black olives, and crunchy croutons all come together in a flavor-packed bowl that’s light, refreshing, and addictively zesty. This homemade Olive Garden Salad recipe captures the exact restaurant taste — with fresh ingredients, that iconic Italian dressing, and all your favorite toppings. It’s quick to prep, budget-friendly, and totally crowd-pleasing. Serve it with pasta, grilled chicken, or as a weekday lunch you’ll actually look forward to!
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Total Time 10 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

🥬 Salad Base
  • 1 head romaine lettuce chopped
  • 1/2 small red onion thinly sliced
  • 1/2 cup grape or cherry tomatoes halved
  • 1/4 cup black olives sliced or whole
  • 6 –8 pepperoncini whole or sliced
  • 1/2 cup seasoned croutons
  • 1/4 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
🫒 Copycat Olive Garden Italian Dressing
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 1/3 cup white vinegar
  • 1/4 cup water
  • 2 tbsp vegetable oil or olive oil
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
  • 1 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp onion powder
  • 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 tsp sugar
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • Dash of black pepper
🧄 Optional Add-ins: Add grilled chicken, crispy bacon bits, or roasted chickpeas to turn this side into a satisfying main dish.

Equipment

  • You’ll need just a few kitchen staples:
  • Large salad bowl
  • Cutting board and knife
  • Small mixing bowl or mason jar (for dressing)
  • Whisk or fork
  • Salad tongs or serving spoons
  • 🥗 Tip: Chill your bowl and dressing ahead of time for the crispest salad experience.

Method
 

Step 1: Prepare the Dressing
  1. In a small bowl or mason jar, whisk together mayonnaise, vinegar, water, oil, lemon juice, Parmesan, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, sugar, salt, and pepper.
  2. Shake or whisk until smooth and creamy.
  3. Chill for 30 minutes if time allows for best flavor.
Step 2: Chop the Vegetables
  1. Wash and chop romaine lettuce.
  2. Thinly slice the red onion and halve the grape tomatoes.
  3. Drain and pat dry the olives and pepperoncini.
Step 3: Assemble the Salad
  1. In a large bowl, layer in:
  2. Romaine lettuce
  3. Tomatoes
  4. Red onion
  5. Black olives
  6. Pepperoncini
  7. Croutons
  8. Parmesan cheese
Step 4: Dress & Toss
  1. Pour the dressing over the top and toss gently to coat everything evenly.
🥄 Serving Suggestion: Serve immediately to keep the croutons crunchy and the veggies crisp.

    Notes

    🧊 Storage & Reheating
    Salad
    Store undressed salad in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
    Once dressed, it’s best enjoyed immediately to prevent sogginess.
    Dressing
    Store leftover dressing in a sealed jar in the fridge for up to 1 week.
    Shake well before using.
    🧊 Make-ahead tip: Chop all salad components and store separately. Combine just before serving for max freshness.
    🥄 Variations
    Customize this iconic salad to your taste:
    🧀 Cheese Swap – Use shaved Pecorino Romano or a blend of mozzarella & provolone.
    🥓 Protein Boost – Add grilled chicken, hard-boiled eggs, or crispy bacon.
    🥖 Bread Bowl – Serve it in a toasted bread bowl for a rustic twist.
    🥑 Healthy Additions – Toss in avocado slices, chickpeas, or sunflower seeds.
    🍗 BBQ Style – Swap dressing for BBQ ranch and add corn and black beans.
    🥬 Lettuce Blend – Mix romaine with iceberg or spring greens for a softer base.
    ❓ 10 FAQs
    1. Is this the real Olive Garden salad recipe?
    It’s a spot-on copycat based on the same ingredients and flavor profile — taste tested to perfection!
    2. Can I buy the dressing?
    Yes, Olive Garden brand dressing is sold in most grocery stores. But this homemade version tastes fresher and is super easy.
    3. What’s in the Olive Garden salad dressing?
    A creamy Italian-style base with mayo, vinegar, lemon juice, garlic, herbs, and Parmesan.
    4. Are the pepperoncini spicy?
    They’re mild with a slight tang. You can slice them or leave them whole.
    5. Can I make this salad vegan?
    Yes! Use vegan mayo and skip the Parmesan or use a plant-based cheese.
    6. What kind of olives should I use?
    Black canned olives or Kalamata both work well depending on your preference.
    7. How long does the dressing last?
    Up to 1 week in the fridge in a sealed jar or container.
    8. Can I use a different lettuce?
    Yes — iceberg, green leaf, or a crunchy romaine mix work well.
    9. Is this salad gluten-free?
    Yes — just use gluten-free croutons or omit them.
    10. What pairs well with Olive Garden salad?
    Lasagna, spaghetti, chicken parmesan, soups, and breadsticks!
    🏁 Conclusion
    This Olive Garden Salad Recipe is your shortcut to restaurant magic at home. It’s crisp, zesty, fresh, and always a hit at the table. Whether you’re recreating a full Italian dinner or just want a salad you actually crave, this copycat version delivers every time.
    You’ll love how easy it is to prep and how perfectly it pairs with everything — pasta, grilled meats, pizza, or soups. Once you try it homemade, you may never go back to takeout again.