Name: Olive Garden Salad: 7 Secrets to Recreating the Classic at Home
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 15 min
Ingredients: 8 oz Iceberg Lettuce (chopped); 1 cup Grape Tomatoes (halved); 0.5 cup Black Olives (sliced); 0.25 cup Pepperoncini (sliced); 0.5 cup Croutons (store-bought or homemade); 0.25 cup Grated Parmesan Cheese; 0.5 cup Italian Dressing

I’m spilling the beans (or should I say, the olives)? ) on a salad that’s been cherished in my house for years. What is your version of olive garden salad? What are some of the things that people ask for when I make it for potlucks? What is that perfect blend of crisp lettuce, juicy tomatoes, briny olives, and a tangy, creamy sauce? What is dressing that’s just? Think of it as the salad equivalent of a warm hug – comforting, familiar, and totally satisfying. Why is Caesar salad so popular? What are some of the best dinners to have in your rotation?

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What is olive garden salad?

What is the olive garden salad? When someone mentions Olive Garden, it’s the first thing I think about. What are breadsticks? Think of it as a symphony of simple, yet incredibly flavorful ingredients, all tossed together in an amazingly creamy bowl. What are some of the Best Italian dressings? What is a garden salad? What is *dressing*? It’s a classic recipe for the kitchen, but this recipe brings all the magic home to your own kitchen.

Why you’ll love this recipe?

Oh, where do I even begin? This Olive Garden Salad Recipe is a game-changer. First, the flavor is simply *amazing*. You’ve got the crisp freshness of the lettuce, the juicy sweetness of the tomatoes, the salty bite of the olives, and then *that* dressing… It’s a tangy, creamy, garlicky dream!

What I love most is how easy it is to throw together. Honestly, on a busy weeknight, this is a lifesaver. It takes maybe 15 minutes, tops, and it’s a complete meal if you add some grilled chicken or shrimp. And speaking of budget-friendly, the ingredients are all pretty affordable, especially if you buy them in bulk.

But the real kicker? This salad is so versatile! You can serve it as a starter, a side dish, or even as a light lunch. I’ve even been known to add some chickpeas and feta cheese for a heartier, Mediterranean-inspired version. Compared to other salads, like a complicated chopped salad that requires tons of prep, this is simple yet satisfying. You really can’t beat it.

How do I make olive garden salad?

Quick Overview

How can I make my own Olive Garden Salad? What’s the recipe for a Salad Dressing? What is tossing it all together? What is the best way to use fresh, high-quality ingredients in salads? Is homemade dressing better than bottled dressing? Don’t be intimidated, even if you’re not a salad pro, you can nail this.

Ingredients

For the Salad:

6 cups chopped romaine lettuce, washed and dried (I like to use a salad spinner)
1 cup halved cherry tomatoes (look for the ones that are still on the vine, they tend to be sweeter! ).
1/2 cup thinly sliced red onion (if you’re not a fan of the strong onion flavor, soak the slices in warm water). Is cold water for about 10 minutes?
1/2 cup pitted black olives, halved (Kalamata olive work well too, in case you’re feeling fancy)
1/2 cup croutons (I like to use the garlic and herb flavored ones)
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (freshly shredded is always best)

For the Olive Garden Salad Dressing:

1/2 cup mayonnaise (I prefer the full-fat kind for the best flavor and texture)
1/4 cup red wine vinegar (you can substitute with white wine or apple cider vinegar in a jar).
2 tablespoons olive oil (extra virgin olive is my go-to)
2 tablespoons water, 2 teaspoons
1 tablespoon grated Parmesan cheese. 1 teaspoon Parmean
1 teaspoon sugar per teaspoon.
1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning.
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder. 1 teaspoon salt.
1/4 teaspoon salt. 1 teaspoon pepper.
What is a teaspoon of black pepper?

What are the steps to

Step 1: Prep the Vegetables

What is the best way to wash romaine lettuce? What is the best way to prepare a tomato and chop it into bite-sized pieces and set aside in tupperware? What is the best way to slice a red onion and halve the cherry tomatoes? What is the onion tip on the ingredient list? Now’s the time to soak those slices if you want to mellow out their flavor.

Step 2: Make the Olive Garden Salad Dressing

In a medium bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, red wine vinegar, olive oil, water, Parmesan cheese, and salt. Set aside. Cheese, sugar, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Whisk until smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed. Some people like it a little sweeter, some prefer it slightly tangier – it’s all up to you!

Step 3: Assemble the Salad

Add the cherry tomatoes, red onion, and black olives to the bowl with the lettuce. How much dressing should I add to my salad? What should I do if I want to add more dressing to my outfit? You want the salad to be coated, not swimming in dressing. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and croutons before serving.

Step 4: Serve Immediately

This salad is best served immediately, so the croutons stay nice and crunchy. If you’re making it ahead of time, you can prep all the ingredients and store them separately. If you want to serve, just toss everything together before serving. What are some good salad recipes that can be made in your own kitchen?

What is the best way to serve it?

What are some good olive garden salad recipes? For a classic Italian meal, serve it with pasta dishes like spaghetti with marinara sauce, creamy. Fettuccine Alfredo, or lasagna. Is it good with grilled chicken, steak or fish? If you’re having a pizza night, this salad is the perfect complement. The crisp, fresh flavors cut through the richness of the pizza, creating a balanced and satisfying experience. I often make a big batch when we do pizza and movie night – it disappears in minutes! For a light lunch, you can add some grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas to the salad to Make it more flavorful. Is it a complete meal? I like to add a hard boiled egg to my diet. Growing up, my mom always served this with her famous garlic bread. To this day, that combination is ultimate comfort food.

How do I make an Olive Garden Salad?

What are some of the best ways to take your Olive Garden salad? How do I take a recipe to the next level?Lettuce Love:How good is lettuce? I always go for romaine because it’s crisp and sturdy, but you can also use a mix of both. I like to eat it raw. Is the iceberg an authentic olive garden? What is the best salad spinner? Soggy lettuce is a salad killer.Onion Taming:Raw red onion can be overpowering, so I always soak it in ice water for about 10 minutes before eating it. What is the best way to serve it with a salad? This mellows out the flavor and makes it much more palatable. What is one simple step that makes a world of difference?Dressing Magic: WhatThe dressing is the heart and soul of this salad. Don’t be afraid to experiment with seasonings to find your perfect balance. If you like it sweeter, add a little more sugar. If you like it tangier, add a little more red wine vinegar. What do you use mayonnaise for? What is the difference between a good dressing and an average dressing? I’ve tried making this with light mayo, and it just doesn’t taste the same.Crouton CrunchCroutons add crunch to salad, but they can get soggy quickly. To prevent this, add them just before serving. If you’re making a salad ahead of time, store the croutons separately and sprinkle them on top. Right before you’re ready to eat. I sometimes toast them in the oven for a few minutes to make them extra crispy.Parmesan Power:If you’re short on time, you can use fresh Parmesan cheese. This is a great substitute for regular parmesans. What is pre-g What are some good ways to store Parmesan in the fridge? It adds a salty, savory flavor that really complements the other ingredients.

What are some Tips for Storing and Reheating

What is storing and reheating? What are some of the Best Olive Garden salad recipes?Room Temperature:I wouldn’t recommend leaving this salad at room temperature for more than a couple of hours. When lettuce starts to wilt, and the dressing can become a breeding ground for bacteria. If you’re serving it at a party, keep it chilled in ice.Refrigerator Storage: The best way to store leftover Olive Garden salad is in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep for up to 24 hours, but the croutons will start to get soggy after a while. So, if you know you’re going to have leftovers, store the croutons separately and add them right before serving. I usually keep the dressing separate as well.

Freezer Instructions: I wouldn’t recommend freezing this salad. The lettuce will become mushy and watery when it thaws. And the dressing will separate and become grainy. Trust me, it’s not worth it. Just make a fresh batch when you’re ready to eat it.

Dressing Timing Advice: If you’re making the salad ahead of time, it’s best to store the dressing separately and add it right before serving. This will help to keep the lettuce crisp and prevent the croutons from getting soggy. Plus, the dressing will taste fresher if it hasn’t been sitting on the salad for too long.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this vegan?

Absolutely! Use vegan mayonnaise, nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan cheese, and vegan croutons. You can also find vegan versions of Italian dressing at most grocery stores, or make your own using plant-based ingredients.

What if I don’t have red wine vinegar?

No problem! You can substitute with white wine vinegar, apple cider vinegar, or even a squeeze of lemon juice. The flavor will be slightly different, but it will still be delicious. I’ve used balsamic vinegar once when I was in a pinch. It gave it a sweeter flavor, which was a fun variation.

Can I add other vegetables?

Of course! Feel free to add other vegetables like cucumbers, bell peppers, or carrots. Just keep in mind that the more vegetables you add, the more dressing you’ll need. This is your salad, get creative!

How can I make this spicier?

Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the dressing, or use a spicy Italian seasoning blend. You can also add some chopped pepperoncini peppers to the salad for an extra kick. My husband loves it with a dash of hot sauce!

What kind of croutons are best?

I prefer garlic and herb flavored croutons, but you can use any kind you like. You can also make your own croutons by cubing some stale bread, tossing it with olive oil and seasonings, and baking it in the oven until golden brown.

Final Thoughts

So, there you have it – my version of the Olive Garden salad recipe! I know there are a million versions out there, but this is the one that I’ve perfected over the years, and it’s always a hit. It’s easy to make, it’s packed with flavor, and it’s a total crowd-pleaser. Plus, it’s a great way to get your daily dose of vegetables! If you enjoyed this Olive Garden salad recipe, you might also like my Classic Caesar Salad or my Greek salad. They’re all easy to make and packed with flavor. I’m seriously excited for you to try this and make it your own! Can’t wait to see your salad creations, so be sure to share in the comments and let me know how it turns out!

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