Olive Garden Salad (Copycat)

This copycat of Olive Garden's Salad is the solid combination of crispy lettuce, tomatoes, tangy pepperoncini, black olives, crunchy croutons, tossed in a homemade zesty creamy dressing – it's our favorite easy, simple side!

For years we have been working on reconstructing some of our favorite Olive Garden dishes and this salad is spot on. We love a fresh salad as a side for dinner or as a lunch with some grilled chicken on top and this dressing makes it all come together!

At Avdaye, we add lots of tips in all of our recipes – because we are a home cook without any formal training, and we find we are more confident making dishes when we understand why it works, and what each ingredient means to the flavor of a recipe. Our goal is for even the most beginner home cook to feel empowered in the kitchen.

You'll love having Olive Garden Salad at home!

The solid copycat Olive Garden salad has to have all the components of the classic salad – crunchy lettuce, tangy spicy pepperoncini, plump tomatoes, savory onions, and crunchy croutons all topped with a creamy Zesty Italian inspired dressing.

You can add and subtract from this salad as you wish, the things that brings it together is the dressing. If you want to add protein to the salad you can double the salad dressing and marinate your meat in it overnight ahead of time to enhance its flavor.

Olive Garden Salad Ingredients

• Iceberg lettuce (1 head) – Iceberg lettuce provides a refreshing, crunchy base for the salad.
• Roma tomatoes (3) – Roma tomatoes add a burst of juicy, tangy flavor.
• Pepperoncini (1 cup) – Pepperoncini peppers bring a mild heat and tangy bite.
• Red onion (1) – Thinly sliced red onions contribute a sharp, zesty taste.
• Black olives (1 cup) – Black olives offer a savory and slightly salty note.
• Croutons (1 cup) – Crispy croutons add a delightful crunch and texture.
• Parmesan Cheese (1/2 cup) – Grated Parmesan cheese enhances the salad with a rich, nutty flavor.

Olive Garden Copycat Salad Dressing Ingredients:

• Zesty Italian Dressing Mix (1.7 oz) – Zesty Italian dressing mix infuses the dressing with a robust, tangy flavor.
• Extra virgin olive oil (3/4 cup) – Extra virgin olive oil adds a smooth, fruity richness.
• White vinegar (1/3 cup) – White vinegar contributes a sharp, acidic tang.
• Water (1/4 cup) – Water helps to balance and thin the dressing for solid consistency.
• Dijon mustard (1 tsp) – Dijon mustard provides a subtle, spicy undertone.
• Mayo (1 tbsp) – Mayonnaise creates a creamy texture and richness.
• Granulated sugar (1/2 tsp) – Granulated sugar adds a touch of sweetness to balance the acidity.
• Garlic powder (1/2 tsp) – Garlic powder delivers a savory, aromatic kick.
• Herbs de Provence (1/2 tsp) – Herbs de Provence bring a fragrant blend of Mediterranean herbs.
• Sea salt (1/2 tsp) – Sea salt enhances the overall flavors with its pure, clean taste.
• Fresh cracked black pepper (1/4 tsp) – Black pepper adds a mild heat and depth of flavor.

Steps to Make Olive Garden Salad

Add Ingredients

In a large bowl combine the lettuce, tomatoes, pepperoncini, red onion, black olives, croutons and Parmesan Cheese.

Toss in Dressing

Combine all the dressing ingredients in a jar and shake till well combined. Toss with Olive Garden salad and enjoy!

Kitchen notes

Dry Your Lettuce. Use a salad spinner or pat the lettuce dry with paper towels to prevent the salad from becoming soggy.

Marinate the Onions. Soak the sliced red onions in cold water for 10 minutes to mellow their sharpness.

Use Fresh Parmesan. Grate fresh Parmesan cheese for the best flavor and texture.

Homemade Croutons. Make your own croutons by toasting cubed bread with olive oil and Italian seasoning for added freshness and crunch.

Add Protein. Include grilled chickenshrimpor even beans for added protein and to make it a more substantial meal.

Customize Veggies. Feel free to add or substitute vegetables like cucumbers, bell peppers, or carrots for additional color and nutrients.

Toss Gently. Gently toss the salad with the dressing to avoid bruising the lettuce and other vegetables.

Herbs for Garnish. Sprinkle fresh herbs like parsley or basil on top for extra flavor and a fresh, vibrant finish.

What to Enjoy with Your Olive Garden Copycat Salad

Try our other favorite recipes like Zuppa ToscanaChicken ParmesanFettuccine AlfredoShrimp ScampiChicken AlfredoSpaghetti and MeatballsStuffed MushroomsGrilled SalmonBruschettaCaprese Saladand Antipasto Platter.

Share Pin It Follow

Olive Garden Salad Recipe FAQs

Can we use a different type of lettuce instead of iceberg?

Yes, you can substitute iceberg lettuce with romaine or a mix of greens for a different texture and flavor.

How long can we store the salad and dressing?

The salad is best enjoyed fresh, but you can store it in an airtight container for up to 24 hours. The dressing can be refrigerated for up to a week.

Can we make the dressing without mayonnaise?

Yes, you can omit the mayonnaise or substitute it with Greek yogurt for a lighter, tangier dressing.

What can we use instead of white vinegar?

You can substitute white vinegar with apple cider vinegar, red wine vinegar, or lemon juice for a slightly different flavor profile.

How do we prevent the salad from becoming soggy?

Ensure the lettuce is completely dry before mixing and add the dressing before serving to maintain crispness.

Can we make the croutons gluten-free?

Yes, use gluten-free bread to make croutons if you need a gluten-free option.

How can we add more protein to the salad?

You can add grilled chickenshrimphard-boiled eggs, or beans to increase the protein content.

What if we don't have herbs de Provence?

You can use Italian seasoning or a mix of dried oregano, basil, and thyme as a substitute for herbs de Provence.

Can we use bottled Italian dressing instead of making our own?

Yes, using bottled Italian dressing is a convenient alternative, but making your own allows for better control over the flavors.

How do we adjust the dressing to be less tangy?

Reduce the amount of vinegar or add a bit more sugar to balance the tanginess of the dressing.

Ingredients

• 1 head iceberg lettuce, washed, cut, and dried
• 3 roma tomatoes, medium sized, sliced
• 1 cup pepperoncini
• 1 red onion, sliced
• 1 cup black olives
• 1 cup croutons
• ½ cup Parmesan Cheese, shredded
• 1.7 oz Zesty Italian Dressing Mix
• ¾ cup extra virgin olive oil
• ⅓ cup white vinegar
• ¼ cup water
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard
• 1 tbsp mayo
• ½ tsp granulated sugar
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp herbs de Provence
• ½ tsp sea salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper, fresh cracked

Method

1. In a large bowl combine the lettuce, tomatoes, pepperoncini, red onion, black olives, croutons and Parmesan Cheese.
2. Add all the dressing ingredients to a jar and shake till well combined.
3. Toss the salad with the dressing.