Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
Copycat Olive Garden Salad

Copycat Olive Garden Salad

This Copycat Olive Garden Salad recipe lets you recreate the fresh, crisp, and vibrant flavors of the iconic restaurant salad at home. With a combination of crisp Romaine and iceberg lettuce, crunchy vegetables, tangy Italian dressing, and savory toppings, it comes together quickly and easily for a perfect appetizer or side dish that everyone will love.

  • Total Time: 10 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale

Greens

  • 4 cups Romaine lettuce, chopped or torn into bite-sized pieces
  • 2 cups Iceberg lettuce, chopped or torn into bite-sized pieces

Vegetables & Toppings

  • 1/2 cup shredded carrots
  • 1/4 cup sliced red onion, thinly sliced
  • 1/4 cup Kalamata olives
  • 2–3 Pepperoncini peppers, sliced into rings or halves
  • 1/3 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 cup croutons

Dressing

  • 1/2 cup Italian dressing (homemade or store-bought)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Lettuce: Wash and dry Romaine and iceberg lettuce thoroughly. Chop or tear into bite-sized pieces and transfer to a large salad bowl to create the crisp base.
  2. Add Veggies and Olives: Thinly slice red onion and chop pepperoncini peppers into rings or halves. Add shredded carrots, pepperoncini, and Kalamata olives on top of the lettuce for a balanced mix of colors and flavors.
  3. Toss in the Cheese and Croutons: Generously sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan cheese over the salad and add crunchy croutons to replicate the signature texture.
  4. Dress the Salad: Pour Italian dressing evenly over the salad. Toss gently but thoroughly to ensure every ingredient is coated without wilting the lettuce.
  5. Serve Immediately: For best flavor and texture, serve the salad fresh. If preparing ahead, keep dressing separate until just before serving to maintain crispness.

Notes

  • Chill the lettuce before assembling to keep it extra crisp.
  • Grate Parmesan cheese freshly for best flavor and texture.
  • Adjust the acidity and oil ratio in your Italian dressing to match your taste.
  • Slice onions and peppers thinly for balanced flavors in each bite.
  • Add dressing just before serving to prevent soggy greens.
  • Author: Lina
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes
  • Category: Appetizers
  • Method: No cooking required
  • Cuisine: Italian-inspired
  • Diet: Gluten Free (use gluten-free croutons or omit)

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cup
  • Calories: 150
  • Sugar: 3g
  • Sodium: 400mg
  • Fat: 10g
  • Saturated Fat: 3g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 6g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 12g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 4g
  • Cholesterol: 10mg

Keywords: Olive Garden salad, copycat salad, Italian salad, fresh salad, easy salad recipe, appetizer, quick salad