- 6 cups iceberg lettuce: This is the base of the salad. It provides a crisp, refreshing texture and mild flavor.
- 6 pepperoncini peppers: These add a slight tang and spice to the salad, just like the original recipe.
- 4 Roma tomatoes: Roma tomatoes add juiciness and a slight sweetness to balance the tangy dressing.
- 1 cup black olives: The briny olives give a nice contrast to the sweet tomatoes and creamy dressing.
- 1 cup thinly sliced red onion: The red onion adds a pop of color and a bit of sharpness to the salad.
- 1 cup seasoned croutons: These crunchy bites provide texture and flavor to complement the veggies.
- ¼ cup parmesan cheese: Freshly grated parmesan cheese adds a salty, savory note to the salad.
For the Dressing:
- ⅔ cup olive oil: A rich, healthy oil to form the base of the dressing.
- ⅓ cup white wine vinegar: This tangy vinegar balances the richness of the oil and adds depth to the dressing.
- 3 tbsp water: To thin out the dressing and create the perfect consistency.
- 2 tbsp mayonnaise: This gives the dressing a creamy texture while enhancing the flavor.
- 1 tbsp granulated sugar: The sugar adds a touch of sweetness to balance out the acidity of the vinegar.
- 2 tsp fresh minced garlic: Garlic adds a savory kick to the dressing, making it extra flavorful.
Instructions
Follow these steps to make this refreshing Copycat Olive Garden Salad with homemade dressing:
For the Salad:
- Prepare the lettuce: Wash and dry the iceberg lettuce thoroughly. Tear it into bite-sized pieces and place it in a large salad bowl.
- Chop the vegetables: Slice the Roma tomatoes into wedges, thinly slice the red onion, and chop the pepperoncini peppers. Add all of these to the salad bowl along with the black olives.
- Add the croutons and cheese: Sprinkle the seasoned croutons and freshly grated parmesan cheese on top of the salad. Give the salad a gentle toss to combine all the ingredients.
For the Dressing:
- Mix the dressing ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the olive oil, white wine vinegar, water, mayonnaise, sugar, and minced garlic until smooth and well combined.
- Season the dressing: Taste the dressing and adjust the seasoning if needed, adding more sugar for sweetness or vinegar for extra tang.
- Chill the dressing: For best flavor, refrigerate the dressing for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
To Serve:
- Toss the salad: Just before serving, drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat everything evenly.
- Serve immediately: Serve the salad fresh, and enjoy with your favorite pasta or main course!
Serving and Storage
Here’s how to store and serve your Copycat Olive Garden Salad and Dressing:
- Serving: Serve this salad as a side dish for pasta, grilled chicken, or as a light meal on its own. It’s perfect for lunch, dinner, or even a casual gathering!
- Storage: The salad is best served fresh. However, if you have leftovers, store the salad and dressing separately. The salad can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days, but it’s best to enjoy it the same day for the best crunch and flavor. The dressing can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 week.
Tips
Here are some tips to make your Copycat Olive Garden Salad even better:
- Use fresh ingredients: The fresher your vegetables, the better your salad will taste! Use crisp, vibrant lettuce and fresh tomatoes for maximum flavor.
- Adjust the dressing: If you prefer a creamier dressing, you can add an extra tablespoon of mayonnaise. For more tang, increase the vinegar or add a little lemon juice.
- Customize the salad: Add more of your favorite ingredients like cucumbers, bell peppers, or even shredded carrots to make the salad your own!
- Make it a meal: Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or steak on top of the salad to turn it into a full meal!
Variations
Feel free to get creative with this salad and try these fun variations:
- Caesar Salad Variation: Add some romaine lettuce instead of iceberg and sprinkle with more parmesan and croutons for a Caesar-inspired version.
- Italian Antipasto Salad: Add sliced salami, pepperoni, or mozzarella balls for a heartier, Italian-style salad.
- Greek Salad: Swap the black olives for Kalamata olives, and add some feta cheese, cucumbers, and red bell peppers for a Mediterranean twist.
Conclusion
With this Copycat Olive Garden Salad and Dressing recipe, you can enjoy the refreshing, zesty flavors of your favorite restaurant salad right at home. The combination of crisp veggies, savory parmesan, and the tangy homemade dressing is perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a casual dinner or a special gathering. Whip it up today and treat yourself to a salad that’s fresh, flavorful, and downright delicious!
FAQ
1. Can I use a different type of lettuce for the salad?
Yes! While iceberg lettuce is traditional for this salad, you can use romaine or mixed greens for a different texture and flavor.
2. Can I make the dressing ahead of time?
Yes! The dressing can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to a week. Just give it a good stir before using it.
3. Can I make the salad vegetarian?
Absolutely! This salad is already vegetarian, so you can enjoy it without any modifications. Add more veggies or protein like chickpeas or tofu to suit your preferences!