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–+ servings
Olive Garden Salad Recipe

Olive Garden Salad Recipe That Feels Like a Restaurant Treat

This Olive Garden Salad Recipe is a refreshing centerpiece that’s incredibly easy to whip up at home, making dining feel like a restaurant treat.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Servings: 4 cups
Course: Salads
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 180
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Salad
  • 1 bag American Salad Blend Provides a fresh and colorful base; feel free to swap with any mixed greens.
  • 1/2 cup Pepperoncini Peppers Adds a tangy, slightly spicy kick; banana peppers can be a great substitute if needed.
  • 2 medium Tomato Offers sweetness and juiciness; choose firm, ripe tomatoes for the best flavor.
  • 1 medium Red Onion Contributes sharpness and crunch; opt for sweet onions for a milder taste.
  • 1/2 cup Black Olives Delivers a salty, briny flavor; you can swap with green olives for a unique twist.
  • 1 cup Croutons Introduces crunch and texture; both homemade and store-bought varieties work perfectly.
  • 1/4 cup Parmesan Cheese Enhances richness and umami; for optimal flavor, freshly grate your cheese.
For the Dressing
  • 1/3 cup Olive Oil The base of the dressing, adding richness to the blend.
  • 3 Tbsp White Wine Vinegar Infuses acidity and tanginess; apple cider vinegar is a suitable substitute if desired.
  • 1/4 cup Parmesan Cheese (grated) Adds savory depth; use more for an even cheesier dressing.
  • 1/4 cup Mayonnaise Provides creaminess; Greek yogurt can be a lighter alternative.
  • 1 Tbsp Lemon Juice Brightens and balances flavors; vinegar can serve as an alternative if needed.
  • 1/2 tsp Garlic Salt Enhances overall seasoning; replace with minced fresh garlic for stronger flavor notes.
  • 1 tsp Italian Seasoning Imparts delightful herbal notes; feel free to use a homemade mix for a personal touch.

Equipment

  • mixing bowl
  • Whisk
  • salad tongs

Method
 

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Olive Garden Salad Recipe
  1. Start by washing and drying the fresh vegetables thoroughly. Chop your tomatoes into bite-sized pieces, slice the red onion thinly for that perfect crunch, and cut the black olives in half.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the American salad blend, pepperoncini peppers, chopped tomatoes, sliced onions, and halved black olives. Add generous croutons and sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan cheese on top. Toss gently until evenly mixed.
  3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the olive oil, white wine vinegar, additional grated Parmesan, mayonnaise, lemon juice, garlic salt, and Italian seasoning until smooth and creamy.
  4. Drizzle the homemade dressing over the salad mixture and toss again until all ingredients are well-coated with the creamy dressing. Serve immediately.

Nutrition

Serving: 1cupCalories: 180kcalCarbohydrates: 8gProtein: 4gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 12gCholesterol: 5mgSodium: 300mgPotassium: 300mgFiber: 2gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 20IUVitamin C: 25mgCalcium: 10mgIron: 4mg

Notes

Always choose crisp vegetables and quality cheese to enhance flavors. Store the dressing separately to maintain freshness and prevent soggy greens.

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