Olive Garden Salad Recipe

Nancy

Olive Garden Salad Recipe

This fresh and zesty salad is inspired by the classic served at Olive Garden. It's a delicious mix of crisp romaine lettuce, tangy pepperoncini, briny olives, and crunchy croutons—all brought together with that signature Italian dressing. Whether you're serving it as a starter or a light meal, this copycat version hits all the right notes.

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Prep Time 10

Total Time 10

Servings: 6

Course: Salad

Calories: 200

Ingredients Method

Ingredients

10 cups chopped romaine lettuce: Use fresh romaine for crisp texture—avoid pre-packaged or wilted greens.
½ medium red onion thinly sliced: Red onions give a sweet bite and vibrant color; slice thin for balanced flavor.
1 cup pitted black olives: Use high-quality canned or jarred olives for the best briny contrast.
6 –8 mild pepperoncini peppers: These tangy peppers add a mild heat and signature Olive Garden flavor.
2 Roma tomatoes sliced or cut into wedges: Roma tomatoes are less watery and hold up better in salads.
⅓ cup Olive Garden Light Italian Dressing or regular: Choose light for fewer calories (30 cal per 2 tbsp) or regular for fuller flavor (80 cal per 2 tbsp).
1 cup Olive Garden Croutons: These crunchy seasoned croutons bring the familiar texture of the original.
¼ cup grated parmesan cheese optional: Freshly grated parmesan adds sharp, savory notes—skip to lower calories.

Method

Start by washing and drying the romaine lettuce thoroughly, then chop it into bite-sized pieces. Slice the red onion very thin—this keeps the flavor from overpowering the salad. Cut the Roma tomatoes into wedges or half-moons for even distribution. Drain and rinse the olives, and set aside all ingredients for easy access.
In a large bowl, combine the chopped romaine, sliced onions, black olives, and tomatoes. Add the pepperoncini whole or sliced, depending on your spice preference. If using parmesan cheese, sprinkle it evenly at this stage. Pour in the Italian dressing—start with ¼ cup and add more if desired.
Using tongs or salad servers, gently toss the salad until all ingredients are well coated with dressing. Just before serving, add the Olive Garden croutons to maintain their crunch. Serve immediately to enjoy the crisp, fresh texture. This salad pairs perfectly with pasta, grilled chicken, or soup.