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Olive Garden Salad Copycat

As seen in: Nutritious Dishes That Feel Like Pleasure

Bring the iconic flavors of Olive Garden’s salad to your table by tossing crisp lettuce, spicy pepperoncini, juicy tomatoes, black olives, and crunchy croutons together. Top it off with thin-sliced onions, a sprinkle of grated parmesan, and the signature creamy Italian dressing for an irresistible side or light main course. This homemade version captures all the freshness and tang of the restaurant original, whether enjoyed on its own or heartier with grilled chicken or shrimp. Serve immediately for best flavor and that classic Olive Garden experience at home.

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Sarah Crisp
Contributed By Sarah Crisp
Last modified on Sun, 29 Jun 2025 13:14:40 GMT
A salad with bread, olives, tomatoes, and cheese. Save This
A salad with bread, olives, tomatoes, and cheese. | cookrisp.com

This Copy Cat Olive Garden salad is my answer whenever I crave the restaurant version at home. Full of bold flavors and crunchy textures it makes any dinner feel like a special occasion without much effort. With crisp lettuce pepperoncini peppers tangy tomatoes briny olives and a zesty homemade dressing this salad disappears fast every time I set it out.

Ingredients

  • American salad blend: brings crunch and freshness and look for leaves that are vibrant and firm
  • Pepperoncini peppers: offer a gentle heat and pickled tang always choose ones that are firm not mushy
  • Tomato: adds juicy bursts of flavor ripe tomatoes with deep color work best
  • Red onion: gives a sharp bite thin slices are milder
  • Black olives: provide salty depth go for pitted for convenience
  • Croutons: deliver the crunch factor homemade or bakery fresh are extra tasty
  • Parmesan cheese: gives the signature savory kick opt for freshly grated
  • For the dressing olive oil: is the base and choose extra virgin for more flavor
  • White wine vinegar: brightens with acidity select clear and aromatic brands
  • Parmesan cheese: thickens and enriches freshly grated works wonders
  • Mayonnaise: helps the dressing stay creamy
  • Lemon juice: adds zip use fresh squeezed for best taste
  • Garlic salt: seasons and boosts savory notes
  • Italian seasoning: blends in herbal notes any favorite brand is fine

Step-by-Step Instructions

Make the Dressing:
Add olive oil white wine vinegar parmesan cheese mayonnaise lemon juice garlic salt and Italian seasoning to a blender then blend until smooth and creamy This creates the signature tangy velvety dressing Olive Garden is known for
Prep the Vegetables:
Wash and chop the tomatoes slice the red onion and halve or slice the black olives Make sure vegetables are dry so the dressing clings
Assemble the Salad:
Place salad blend into a large serving bowl Add pepperoncini peppers tossed tomatoes red onion olives and croutons Sprinkle grated parmesan over everything
Dress and Toss:
Pour homemade dressing over the salad use salad servers to toss gently until evenly coated Try to coat every leaf for flavor in every bite
Serve Immediately:
Dish out generous portions If you like top with extra parmesan or add grilled chicken or shrimp for a heartier meal
A bowl of salad with croutons and cheese. Save This
A bowl of salad with croutons and cheese. | cookrisp.com

Store leftover salad undressed in the fridge to keep it fresh for up to a day To save time you can prep veggies and dressing ahead then toss just before serving Homemade dressing stays good in a tightly sealed jar for about five days

Ingredient substitutions

If you cannot find pepperoncini opt for banana peppers for a similar tang Romaine or iceberg lettuce can substitute the salad blend Feel free to leave out olives or swap for green if you are not a fan For dairy free skip the parmesan or use a vegan variety

Serving suggestions

This salad makes a lively side next to pasta but also works as a main with some grilled meat Serve family style in a big bowl or make individual jars if packing for lunch I love piling it high on a plate with a wedge of crusty bread

Cultural and historical context

Olive Garden made this salad iconic in the United States thanks to the endless salad and breadsticks deal The combo of punchy dressing and briny veggies is rooted in Italian American casual dining but you can easily tweak flavors at home to suit your own traditions

Common Queries

→ What type of lettuce is best for this salad?

An American salad blend or a mix of iceberg and romaine offers the classic crispness and fresh bite.

→ Can I substitute the pepperoncini peppers?

Yes, banana peppers can be used for a milder flavor, though pepperoncini provide the authentic zesty kick.

→ How do I make the dressing creamy?

Blend olive oil, white wine vinegar, parmesan, mayonnaise, lemon juice, garlic salt, and Italian seasoning until smooth.

→ Is this salad suitable as a main course?

Absolutely. Toss in grilled chicken or shrimp to make it a more filling meal option.

→ What is the best way to serve this salad?

Serve immediately after tossing with dressing to keep the greens crisp and flavorful.

Olive Garden Salad Copy Cat

Fresh greens, olives, pepperoncini, croutons, and signature dressing bring Olive Garden flavors to your kitchen.

Preparation Time
10 Minutes Required
Cooking Duration
1 Minutes Required
Overall Time
11 Minutes Required
Contributed By: Sarah Crisp


Skill Level: Beginner-Friendly

Cuisine Type: American

Serving Size: 4 Number of Servings

Dietary Preferences: Suitable for Vegetarians

What You’ll Need

→ Salad Ingredients

01 1 batch Olive Garden Salad Dressing
02 10 ounces American Salad blend
03 6 pepperoncini peppers
04 1 tomato, sliced
05 1/4 red onion, thinly sliced
06 12 black olives
07 1 cup croutons
08 1 tablespoon parmesan cheese, grated

→ Dressing Ingredients

09 1/4 cup olive oil
10 2 tablespoons white wine vinegar
11 3 tablespoons parmesan cheese, grated
12 1 tablespoon mayonnaise
13 1 tablespoon lemon juice
14 1/2 teaspoon garlic salt
15 1/4 teaspoon Italian seasoning

Steps to Follow

Step 01

Grate the parmesan cheese using a cheese grater. Combine olive oil, white wine vinegar, parmesan cheese, mayonnaise, lemon juice, garlic salt, and Italian seasoning in a blender. Blend until smooth and well mixed. Serve immediately or store in the fridge.

Step 02

Wash and chop the tomatoes. Slice the olives and onions. In a large bowl, place the American salad blend. Add the pepperoncini peppers, chopped tomatoes, sliced onions, sliced olives, croutons, and grated parmesan cheese. Mix together using a salad spoon. Pour the prepared Olive Garden Salad Dressing over the salad and toss with salad utensils.

Tools to Have

  • Blender
  • Cheese grater
  • Large salad bowl
  • Salad utensils

Allergen Information

Double-check ingredients for allergens, and seek medical guidance if necessary.
  • Dairy (parmesan cheese, mayonnaise)
  • Gluten (croutons)

Nutrition Info (Per Serving)

These figures are estimates and shouldn’t replace professional health advice.
  • Calories Per Serving: 236
  • Fat Content: 20 grams
  • Carbohydrates: 11 grams
  • Protein Amount: 4 grams