Name: Olive Garden Salad
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 10 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 8 cups chopped lettuce; ¼ cup red cabbage, shredded; ¼ cup carrots, julienne; ¼ cup red onion, thinly sliced; ½ cup black olives; 2 roma tomatoes, sliced; 1/3 cup pepperoncinis; 1 cup croutons; ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese; ¾ cup extra virgin olive oil; 1 (.7 oz.) packet Zesty Italian dressing mix; 1/3 cup white vinegar; ¼ cup water; 1 tablespoon grated Romano cheese (optional); 3 teaspoons sugar; 1 ½ teaspoons mayonnaise; 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard; ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning; ½ teaspoon salt; ¼ teaspoon pepper; ¼ teaspoon garlic powder

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Olive Garden Salad is incredibly simple to make but packed with flavor. It combines fresh, crunchy vegetables with a homemade zesty Italian dressing that’s both tangy and creamy. The addition of pepperoncinis and black olives gives the salad an exciting pop of flavor, while the croutons add a satisfying crunch. The best part? You can easily customize the salad to suit your preferences, and it can be ready in just a few minutes!

Ingredients

For the Salad:

8 cups chopped lettuce
¼ cup red cabbage, shredded
¼ cup carrots, julienne
¼ cup red onion, thinly sliced
½ cup black olives
2 roma tomatoes, sliced
1/3 cup pepperoncinis
1 cup croutons
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese

For the Dressing:

¾ cup extra virgin olive oil (smooth preferred)
1 (.7 oz.) packet Zesty Italian dressing mix
1/3 cup white vinegar
¼ cup water
1 tablespoon grated Romano cheese (can substitute with Parmesan)
3 teaspoons sugar
1 ½ teaspoons mayonnaise (not Miracle Whip)
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon pepper
¼ teaspoon garlic powder

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

In a large bowl, combine the chopped lettuce, red cabbage, carrots, red onion, black olives, sliced tomatoes, pepperoncinis, croutons, and grated Parmesan cheese.
In a separate bowl or jar, whisk together the extra virgin olive oil, Zesty Italian dressing mix, white vinegar, water, Romano cheese, sugar, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and garlic powder until well combined.
Pour the dressing over the salad and toss to coat evenly. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Servings and Timing

This recipe yields approximately 6 servings. Preparation time is about 10 minutes, and there’s no cooking involved, making it a quick and easy dish to prepare for any occasion.

Variations

Add protein: For a more substantial meal, you can top the salad with grilled chicken, shrimp, or steak.
Different greens: Swap out the lettuce for a mix of arugula, spinach, or kale for a more robust flavor.
Cheese: While Parmesan and Romano are traditional, you can also try mozzarella or feta for a unique twist.
No olives or pepperoncinis? Feel free to skip these or swap them for your favorite salad toppings like cucumbers, bell peppers, or avocado.
Vegan: Replace the mayo with a vegan alternative and skip the cheese for a dairy-free version.

Storage/Reheating

This salad is best enjoyed fresh, but if you need to store leftovers, you can keep the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 day. For best results, store the dressing separately and only toss the salad with the dressing just before serving to prevent the greens from getting soggy.

The dressing itself can be stored in a jar or airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. Just give it a good shake before using again.

FAQs

1. Can I make the dressing ahead of time?

Yes, the dressing can be made in advance and stored in the fridge for up to a week. This can help the flavors meld even more.

2. Can I use a different type of vinegar for the dressing?

You can substitute white vinegar with apple cider vinegar or red wine vinegar for a slightly different taste.

3. How can I make this salad gluten-free?

Ensure that the croutons you use are gluten-free, or simply skip them if needed.

4. Can I substitute the mayonnaise with something else?

You can substitute mayonnaise with Greek yogurt or a dairy-free alternative like avocado or cashew cream.

5. What can I use if I don’t have Zesty Italian dressing mix?

You can make your own Italian seasoning mix with ingredients like dried oregano, basil, and garlic powder if you don’t have the packet.

6. How can I make the salad spicier?

Add a little red pepper flakes or a few more pepperoncinis to the salad to give it a spicy kick.

7. Can I add other vegetables to the salad?

Yes! Feel free to include any of your favorite vegetables, such as cucumbers, bell peppers, or shredded zucchini.

8. How can I make this salad a main dish?

Add some protein such as grilled chicken, steak, or chickpeas to make it more filling.

9. Can I use pre-made croutons?

Absolutely! Store-bought croutons work just fine, but homemade croutons will elevate the salad with extra flavor.

10. How long will this salad stay fresh?

The salad is best eaten fresh, but if you store it properly, the ingredients will last for up to 1 day in the fridge.

Conclusion

This Olive Garden Salad recipe is an easy and delicious way to enjoy a restaurant-quality dish at home. The tangy, creamy dressing paired with crisp vegetables makes for the perfect side or light meal. Whether you’re preparing it for a family dinner or as a quick weeknight dish, this salad is sure to impress. Enjoy the fresh flavors and the comforting crunch with every bite!