Description
This Olive Garden Salad recipe brings the famous restaurant flavors straight to your kitchen with crisp vegetables, zesty Italian dressing, and a sprinkle of Parmesan. Easy to make, customizable, and perfect for any meal, it’s the ideal side dish or refreshing standalone salad.
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
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
Instructions
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In a large bowl, combine the lettuce, red cabbage, carrots, red onion, black olives, tomatoes, pepperoncinis, croutons, and Parmesan cheese.
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In a separate bowl or jar, whisk together olive oil, Zesty Italian dressing mix, vinegar, water, Romano cheese, sugar, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
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Pour the dressing over the salad and toss until evenly coated. Serve immediately for the freshest taste.
Notes
For a protein boost, add grilled chicken, shrimp, or steak.
Swap the greens for spinach, arugula, or kale for a different flavor.
Use mozzarella or feta cheese for a twist on the classic.
Adjust the olives and pepperoncinis based on your flavor preferences or swap them with other toppings.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Salad, Side Dish
- Method: Tossing
- Cuisine: Italian-American
