Description

This Olive Garden Salad Recipe is crisp, refreshing, and packed with classic Italian-inspired flavors. Made with crunchy lettuce, juicy tomatoes, red onions, pepperoncini peppers, parmesan cheese, and seasoned croutons tossed in a zesty homemade Italian dressing, this easy recipe tastes just like the restaurant favorite. It’s perfect as a quick lunch, easy dinner side dish, healthy salad option, or one of your favorite food ideas for family gatherings and pasta nights. The fresh vegetables and bold dressing create a delicious balance of textures and flavors that everyone loves.

Ingredients

6 cups iceberg lettuce, chopped

2 cups romaine lettuce, chopped

2 medium tomatoes, sliced into wedges

1/2 red onion, thinly sliced

1/2 cup black olives

6 whole pepperoncini peppers

1 cup garlic croutons

1/2 cup parmesan cheese, freshly grated

1/3 cup olive oil

3 tablespoons white vinegar

1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon sugar

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

1. Wash and thoroughly dry the iceberg and romaine lettuce, then chop into bite-sized pieces and place into a large salad bowl.

2. Slice the tomatoes into wedges and thinly slice the red onion for even flavor throughout the salad.

3. Add the tomatoes, onions, black olives, and pepperoncini peppers on top of the lettuce mixture.

4. In a separate bowl or mason jar, combine olive oil, white vinegar, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, sugar, salt, and black pepper to prepare the dressing.

5. Whisk or shake the dressing until fully blended and smooth.

6. Add the croutons and freshly grated parmesan cheese to the salad just before serving.

7. Drizzle the dressing evenly over the salad and gently toss everything together until coated.

8. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed with additional parmesan cheese or black pepper.

9. Chill the salad for 10 minutes before serving for the freshest flavor and texture.

10. Serve immediately alongside pasta dishes, soups, grilled chicken, or breadsticks.

Notes

Dry the lettuce completely before assembling the salad to keep the dressing from becoming watery.

Add croutons right before serving to maintain their crunchy texture.

Chill the salad bowl beforehand for an extra crisp and refreshing restaurant-style experience.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Category: Salad
Method: No-Cook
Cuisine: Italian-American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 260
Sugar: 5g
Sodium: 620mg
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Unsaturated Fat: 12g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 17g
Fiber: 4g
Protein: 6g
Cholesterol: 10mg

Keywords: olive garden salad recipe, italian salad, easy salad recipe, restaurant style salad, healthy salad, quick lunch, dinner side dish, fresh salad recipe