Copycat Olive Garden Salad – A Fresh and Tangy Delight
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes
Servings: 4-6
Looking for a taste of your favorite salad from Olive Garden? This Copycat Olive Garden Salad recipe is sure to satisfy, packed full of fresh flavors and bringing a restaurant quality meal right to your dining table!
Why Make This Recipe
Have you ever wished you could recreate that delicious Olive Garden salad at home? Well, now you can! This recipe not only delivers on the distinct flavors of the restaurant version but also gives you flexibility, control over ingredients, and can also be a fun cooking activity for the whole family.
How to Make Olive Garden Salad:
Ingredients:
– 1 bag (12 oz) mixed salad greens
– 1/2 small red onion, thinly sliced
– 1/2 cup black olives, sliced
– 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
– 1 cup croutons
– 1/4 cup pepperoncini peppers
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– Dressing-
– 1/2 cup mayonnaise
– 1/3 cup white vinegar
– 1 tsp vegetable oil
– 2 tbsp corn syrup
– 2 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese
– 1/4 tsp garlic powder
– 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
– 1/2 tsp dried parsley flakes
– Pinch of salt
– 1 tbsp lemon juice
Directions:
1. In a large salad bowl, assemble your salad greens, red onions, black olives, cherry tomatoes, croutons, and pepperoncini.
2. Whisk together your dressing ingredients until you have a smooth mixture.
3. Drizzle the dressing over your salad ingredients, then toss everything together until all ingredients are evenly coated.
4. Add a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese on top just before serving.
How to Serve Olive Garden Salad?
Serve this fresh and tangy salad as a pre-dinner appetizer, or pair it with a creamy pasta dish for a full Olive Garden-style meal.
How to Store Olive Garden Salad?
Store any leftover salad in an airtight refrigerator container for up to two days. The dressing should be stored separately to keep the salad fresh and crispy.
Tips to Make Olive Garden Salad:
For the best results, serve the salad immediately after dressing. For a healthier alternative, you can replace the mayonnaise in the dressing with Greek yogurt.
Variation (if any)
You can add sliced red bell pepper and cucumber for extra crunch and color.
FAQs:
Q: Can I make this salad ahead?
A: It’s best to serve this salad immediately after tossing it with the dressing. However, you can prepare the salad components and the dressing ahead and keep them separately until it’s time to serve.
Q: How many does this salad serve?
A: This salad can serve between 4-6 people, but can easily be doubled or more for a bigger crowd.
Q: Can I add some protein to this salad?
A: Yes, grilled chicken or shrimp would go well with this recipe to make it a complete meal.