Description

Recreate the iconic Olive Garden Salad at home! This fresh, crisp, and flavorful salad is packed with romaine lettuce, juicy tomatoes, black olives, tangy pepperoncini, crunchy croutons, and a creamy, zesty Italian dressing that tastes just like the restaurant version. Perfect as a side dish or a light meal, this easy copycat recipe is fresher and even more delicious than the original!

Ingredients

Scale

For the Salad:

Romaine Lettuce: 1 large head, chopped
Red Onion: 1/2 small, thinly sliced
Cherry or Grape Tomatoes: 1 cup, halved
Black Olives: 1/2 cup, whole or sliced
Pepperoncini Peppers: 1/2 cup, drained
Parmesan Cheese: 1/4 cup, freshly grated
Croutons: 1 cup (homemade or store-bought)

For the Dressing:

Mayonnaise: 1/4 cup
White Vinegar: 2 tbsp
Lemon Juice: 1 tbsp
Olive Oil: 1/3 cup
Parmesan Cheese: 2 tbsp, grated
Garlic: 1 clove, minced
Italian Seasoning: 1 tsp
Sugar: 1 tsp
Salt & Pepper: To taste

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

1. Make the Dressing

In a bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, vinegar, lemon juice, Parmesan, garlic, Italian seasoning, sugar, salt, and pepper.
Slowly drizzle in olive oil, whisking continuously until smooth and well combined.
Refrigerate while preparing the salad.

2. Prep the Salad

Wash and chop romaine lettuce into bite-sized pieces.
Slice onions and tomatoes.
Drain olives and pepperoncini.

3. Assemble the Salad

In a large salad bowl, combine romaine, onions, tomatoes, olives, and pepperoncini.

4. Dress & Toss

Drizzle with the homemade dressing and toss gently to coat.

5. Finish & Serve

Sprinkle with grated Parmesan and top with croutons.
Serve immediately and enjoy!

Notes

✅ Chill the Ingredients: Keep lettuce and veggies cold for the freshest, crunchiest salad.
✅ Toss Right Before Serving: This prevents sogginess and keeps everything crisp.
✅ Use Fresh Parmesan: Freshly grated Parmesan melts beautifully into the dressing for extra richness.
✅ Make it a Meal: Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or steak for extra protein.
✅ Swap the Olives: Use Kalamata olives for a brinier flavor.
✅ Homemade Croutons: Cube day-old bread, toss with olive oil, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning, then bake at 375°F for 10-15 minutes until golden and crispy.

Nutrition

Calories: 210 kcal
Sugar: 3g
Sodium: 450 mg
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 14 g
Fiber: 3 g
Protein: 5 g