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Olive Garden Salad Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 432 reviews

This Olive Garden Salad Recipe recreates the beloved Italian-inspired salad featuring crisp iceberg lettuce, tangy pepperoncini, ripe Roma tomatoes, black olives, and crunchy croutons, all tossed with a flavorful homemade Italian dressing rich in garlic, vinegar, and Parmesan cheese. It’s an easy-to-make fresh salad perfect as a starter or side dish for any meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Salad

  • 6 cups iceberg lettuce, chopped
  • 1 cup whole pitted black olives, drained
  • 1 cup red onion, thinly sliced
  • 4 medium firm Roma tomatoes, sliced
  • 1 cup seasoned croutons
  • 6 whole pepperoncini peppers
  • ¼ cup Parmesan cheese, freshly grated

Dressing

  • ⅔ cup extra virgin olive oil
  • ⅓ cup white wine vinegar
  • 3 tablespoons water
  • 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
  • 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
  • 2 teaspoons fresh minced garlic
  • 2 teaspoons lemon juice
  • 1½ teaspoons Italian seasoning
  • ½ teaspoon kosher salt
  • ½ teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
  • ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes

Instructions

  1. Layer the Salad Ingredients: In a large serving bowl, start by layering half of the ingredients: 3 cups chopped iceberg lettuce, ½ cup black olives, ½ cup thinly sliced red onion, half of the sliced Roma tomatoes, and ½ cup seasoned croutons. This creates the base of the salad.
  2. Complete the Layers: Add the remaining 3 cups chopped lettuce, ½ cup black olives, ½ cup red onion, the rest of the sliced tomatoes, and ½ cup croutons on top of the first layer to build the salad fully.
  3. Add Pepperoncini Peppers: Place the six whole pepperoncini peppers evenly on top of the salad layers for that tangy, slightly spicy flavor signature to this salad.
  4. Sprinkle Parmesan Cheese: Evenly distribute the freshly grated ¼ cup Parmesan cheese over the entire salad to add zest and richness.
  5. Prepare the Dressing: In a small mixing bowl, whisk together the extra virgin olive oil, white wine vinegar, water, mayonnaise, granulated sugar, fresh minced garlic, lemon juice, Italian seasoning, kosher salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes until well combined. Alternatively, combine these in a quart-sized mason jar with a lid and shake vigorously until fully incorporated.
  6. Dress and Serve: Immediately pour the freshly prepared Italian dressing over the salad just before serving to maintain crispness. Toss gently if desired, then serve immediately for the best flavor and texture.

Notes

  • For best results, use fresh and crisp iceberg lettuce to ensure a crunchy salad base.
  • If you prefer a spicier salad, add extra red pepper flakes or use additional pepperoncini peppers.
  • The dressing can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; shake well before using.
  • To keep croutons crunchy, add them just before serving or serve on the side for guests to add as they like.
  • Adjust salt and sugar levels in the dressing to suit your taste preferences.

Keywords: Olive Garden salad recipe, Italian salad, homemade Italian dressing, iceberg lettuce salad, pepperoncini salad, copycat restaurant salad

Find it online: https://www.sanacooks.com/olive-garden-salad-recipe/