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Olive Garden Salad Recipe

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★★★★★

5 from 148 reviews

A fresh and vibrant Olive Garden-style salad featuring a crisp mix of lettuce, red cabbage, carrots, black olives, tomatoes, pepperoncinis, and red onions, topped with crunchy croutons and a flavorful homemade Zesty Italian dressing. Perfect as a side dish or paired with your favorite Italian meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Salad

  • 8 cups chopped Lettuce
  • ¼ cup red cabbage (shredded)
  • ¼ cup Carrots (julienne)
  • ¼ cup Red onion
  • ½ cup black olives
  • 2 roma tomatoes (sliced)
  • 1/3 cup pepperoncinis
  • 1 cup croutons
  • ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese

Dressing

  • ¾ cup extra virgin olive oil (preferably smooth)
  • 1 (.7 oz.) packet Zesty Italian Dressing Mix
  • 1/3 cup white vinegar
  • ¼ cup water
  • 1 tablespoon grated Romano cheese (can substitute Parmesan)
  • 3 teaspoons sugar
  • 1 ½ teaspoons mayonnaise (not Miracle Whip)
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • ¼ teaspoon garlic powder

Instructions

  1. Make the Dressing: Combine all dressing ingredients in a mini food processor or a jar with a lid. Blend or shake well until the dressing emulsifies and is fully combined. Cover and refrigerate to let the flavors meld.
  2. Prepare Salad Ingredients: Chop and julienne the vegetables as listed. Use a paper towel to pat the sliced tomatoes dry, removing excess moisture to keep the salad fresh and crisp.
  3. Combine Salad Base: In a large bowl, mix together the chopped lettuce, red cabbage, carrots, red onion, black olives, sliced tomatoes, and pepperoncinis. Set aside the dressing, croutons, and grated Parmesan cheese for the topping.
  4. Toss Salad with Dressing: Drizzle your desired amount of the prepared dressing over the salad base. Toss gently to coat all ingredients evenly without wilting the greens. Use only the amount of dressing you prefer.
  5. Add Croutons and Cheese, Serve: Sprinkle croutons and grated Parmesan cheese on top just before serving to maintain the crunch and texture.

Notes

  • For best texture, avoid overdressing the salad; add dressing gradually to prevent sogginess.
  • Use smooth extra virgin olive oil for a milder dressing flavor.
  • Patting tomatoes dry ensures the salad stays crisp longer.
  • Store leftover dressing refrigerated for up to one week.
  • This salad pairs wonderfully with creamy Italian entrees like Alfredo pasta.

Keywords: Olive Garden Salad, Italian Salad, Zesty Italian Dressing, Copycat Olive Garden, Easy Salad Recipe, Vegetarian Salad

Find it online: https://thedishspot.com/olive-garden-salad-recipe/