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Olive Garden Salad and Dressing Copycat Recipe

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3.9 from 8 reviews

  • Author: Eliza
  • Total Time: 15 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings

Description

This Olive Garden Salad and Dressing Copycat Recipe recreates the iconic fresh and flavorful salad served at Olive Garden. Crisp lettuce, ripe roma tomatoes, shredded carrots, black olives, and sliced red onions are combined and topped with shaved parmesan, crunchy garlic croutons, and pepperoncini peppers. The zesty, herby Italian dressing is homemade with a blend of extra virgin olive oil, white vinegar, Dijon mustard, mayo, and Italian seasoning, capturing the perfect tangy and savory flavor. Ready in just 15 minutes, this salad is perfect as a starter or light meal for 6 servings.

Ingredients

Salad Ingredients

  • 6 cups chopped lettuce
  • 2 roma tomatoes, sliced
  • ½ red onion, thinly sliced
  • ¼ cup shredded carrots
  • ½ cup whole black olives
  • ⅓ cup shaved or freshly grated parmesan cheese (more to taste)
  • 1 cup garlic croutons
  • pepperoncini peppers, to taste

Dressing Ingredients

  • 1.7 ounce Zesty Italian Dressing Mix
  • ¾ cup extra virgin olive oil
  • ⅓ cup white vinegar
  • ¼ cup water
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 tablespoon mayonnaise
  • ½ teaspoon granulated sugar
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon herbs de Provence (optional)
  • ½ teaspoon salt, or to taste
  • cracked black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Salad Base: In a large mixing bowl, combine chopped lettuce, sliced roma tomatoes, shredded carrots, thinly sliced red onions, and whole black olives. Toss gently to mix all vegetables evenly.
  2. Add Toppings: Sprinkle the shaved or freshly grated parmesan cheese over the salad. Add the garlic croutons on top for crunch and garnish with pepperoncini peppers according to your preferred spice level.
  3. Make the Dressing: In a separate jar or bowl, combine the Zesty Italian Dressing Mix, extra virgin olive oil, white vinegar, water, Dijon mustard, mayonnaise, granulated sugar, garlic powder, herbs de Provence (if using), salt, and cracked black pepper. Seal the jar and shake vigorously until all ingredients are thoroughly blended and dressing is smooth.
  4. Toss Salad with Dressing: Pour the freshly made Italian dressing over the salad mixture and toss gently but thoroughly to coat all ingredients with the flavorful dressing. Serve immediately for the freshest taste.

Notes

  • You can adjust the amount of dressing according to preference—add more for a wetter salad or less for a lighter coating.
  • Herbs de Provence is optional but adds a nice fragrant herbal note to the dressing.
  • Croutons should be added just before serving to keep them crunchy.
  • This salad pairs well with Italian dishes like pasta, breadsticks, or grilled chicken.
  • Use fresh vegetables for the best texture and flavor.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 5 minutes
  • Category: Salad
  • Method: No-Cook
  • Cuisine: Italian-American

Find it online: https://recipekind.com/olive-garden-salad-and-dressing-copycat-recipe/