The Best Homemade Olive Garden Salad Recipe
What You’ll Love About This Recipe
This homemade Olive Garden salad is a fresh, easy way to bring restaurant flavor to your table. You’ll love how simple it is to make, with ingredients you probably already have.
- Just like the real thing – Crisp lettuce, tangy peppers, and that signature dressing taste just like the original.
- Ready in minutes – No fancy prep needed, just chop, toss, and enjoy.
- Endless customization – Add extra veggies, swap in your favorite toppings, or make it your own.
Recipe
Craving the fresh, crisp, and flavorful Olive Garden salad without leaving your home? This copycat recipe brings the classic Italian restaurant favorite to your table. With a mix of fresh vegetables, savory toppings, and a tangy dressing, this salad is perfect as a starter or a light meal.
Ingredients:
- 1 head romaine lettuce, chopped
- 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup black olives, sliced
- 1/2 cup pepperoncini peppers
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup croutons
For the Dressing:
- 1/3 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup white wine vinegar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon dried basil
Instructions:
- In a large salad bowl, combine the chopped romaine lettuce, red onion, black olives, pepperoncini peppers, and cherry tomatoes.
- In a separate small bowl or jar, whisk together the olive oil, white wine vinegar, lemon juice, sugar, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, oregano, and basil until well combined.
- Pour the dressing over the salad and toss until evenly coated.
- Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese and croutons on top.
- Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes:
- For a creamier dressing, add 1 tablespoon of mayonnaise.
- Adjust the amount of pepperoncini peppers to suit your spice preference.
Equipment:
- Large salad bowl
- Small bowl or jar for dressing
- Whisk
Time:
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 0 minutes
Cuisine: Italian-American
Serving: 4-6 servings
Nutrition
This homemade Olive Garden salad is a fresh and nutritious option. Below is the nutritional breakdown per serving.
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 150 |
| Total Fat | 10g |
| Saturated Fat | 2g |
| Cholesterol | 5mg |
| Sodium | 300mg |
| Carbohydrates | 12g |
| Fiber | 3g |
| Sugar | 5g |
| Protein | 4g |
What To Serve With It
I love pairing this Homemade Olive Garden Salad with warm Classic Italian Bread, it’s perfect for soaking up the flavors. Another favorite of mine is Garlic Parmesan Chicken, which complements the salad’s freshness so well. Together, they make a meal that feels like a cozy night out at home.
Classic Italian Bread
When you’ve got that Homemade Olive Garden Salad ready, you’ll want something just as tasty to go with it, and classic Italian bread is the perfect choice. I love how its crusty exterior and soft, chewy inside make it irresistible. It’s so simple, yet it adds so much to the meal. I like to slice it thick and serve it warm, maybe with a little olive oil and balsamic vinegar for dipping. Sometimes, I’ll even toast it lightly for extra crunch. There’s something about tearing off a piece and pairing it with that fresh salad that feels just right. It’s comfort food at its best.
Garlic Parmesan Chicken
After whipping up a batch of Garlic Parmesan Chicken, you’ll want sides that complement its rich, savory flavors without stealing the spotlight. I love pairing it with a crisp Caesar salad—its creamy dressing and crunchy croutons balance the chicken perfectly. Roasted veggies like broccoli or asparagus add a pop of color and freshness. For something heartier, creamy mashed potatoes or buttery garlic bread soak up the sauce beautifully. Don’t forget a side of al dente pasta tossed in olive oil and herbs! These choices keep the meal simple yet satisfying, letting that golden, garlicky chicken shine. Enjoy every bite!
