Copycat Olive Garden Salad & Dressing
There’s something incredibly satisfying about replicating a beloved restaurant dish at home, and Copycat Olive Garden Salad & Dressing is the perfect place to start. This vibrant, crunchy salad is a crowd-pleaser, ideal for family dinners, casual get-togethers, or when you just want to treat yourself midweek. Imagine enjoying that familiar Italian zest without having to leave your kitchen—it’s like bringing a piece of Olive Garden right to your table!
Why you’ll love this dish
This salad isn’t just a side; it’s an experience. With its fresh iceberg lettuce, zesty pepperoncini, and classic Italian dressing, it’s a delightful balance of texture and flavor. Whether you’re looking for a quick lunch option or a side to complement dinner, this salad is quick to whip up and deliciously refreshing.
“I made this salad for a family gathering, and it was the highlight of the meal! Everyone loved the dressing—it tastes just like I remember from Olive Garden!”
Preparing Copycat Olive Garden Salad & Dressing
Making this Copycat Olive Garden Salad is straightforward and quick. You’ll be combining fresh, crisp ingredients and whisking up a dressing that ties everything together beautifully. In just a few steps, you’ll have a delicious salad that captures all the flavors of your favorite Italian restaurant. Let’s break it down into manageable steps to make the process easy to follow.
What you’ll need
Here’s a quick rundown of the ingredients to gather:
- 6 cups iceberg lettuce
- 6 pepperoncini peppers
- 4 Roma tomatoes
- 1 cup black olives
- 1 cup thinly sliced red onion
- 1 cup seasoned croutons
- 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese
- 2/3 cup olive oil
- 1/3 cup white wine vinegar
- 3 tbsp water
- 2 tbsp mayonnaise
- 1 tbsp granulated sugar
- 2 tsp fresh minced garlic
- 2 tsp lemon juice
- 1 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp kosher salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
Note: Feel free to substitute ingredients based on your preferences or what you have on hand. For example, you can swap black olives for green olives or use a different cheese.
