Copycat Olive Garden Salad Recipe

This Copycat Olive Garden Salad brings all the zesty, crisp, and utterly crave-worthy magic of the restaurant classic right to your own kitchen. Piled high with crunchy iceberg lettuce, juicy tomatoes, tangy pepperoncini, and the most addictive homemade dressing, this recipe tastes just like the original—only fresher and better because you made it yourself!

Ingredients You’ll Need

There’s a reason why this Copycat Olive Garden Salad is so loved—every single ingredient matters! From the crunchy lettuce to the tangy pepperoncini and that dreamy, herby dressing, each component brings texture, brightness, and bold flavor to your bowl.

• Iceberg Lettuce (6 cups, chopped): The ultimate salad base for a refreshing, crisp bite—be sure to chop just before serving for the best crunch.
• Pepperoncini Peppers (6 whole): A tangy, mildly spicy pop that creates that signature Olive Garden tang.
• Roma Tomatoes (4 medium, sliced): Firm tomatoes add juiciness and vibrant color—Roma tomatoes keep their shape best.
• Black Olives (1 cup, whole and pitted): Mild and briny, they lend that classic Mediterranean flavor.
• Red Onion (1 cup, thinly sliced): Adds a sharp, sweet crunch—slice as thinly as you can for a subtle kick.
• Seasoned Croutons (1 cup): Store-bought or homemade, these bring that garlicky, crunchy magic with every bite.
• Parmesan Cheese (¼ cup, freshly grated): Salty, nutty, and impossible to skip—grate it fresh for maximum flavor.
• Extra Virgin Olive Oil (⅔ cup): The foundation of your homemade dressing for a smooth, rich finish.
• White Wine Vinegar (⅓ cup): Gives the dressing its gentle tang without overpowering.
• Water (3 tbsp): Loosens up the dressing just enough so it clings to every leaf.
• Mayonnaise (2 tbsp): A little secret for that creamy, silky texture in the dressing.
• Granulated Sugar (1 tbsp): Balances the acidity and saltiness perfectly.
• Fresh Minced Garlic (2 tsp): Brightens up the dressing with an aromatic punch—don’t skimp!
• Lemon Juice (2 tsp): Gives the salad brilliant citrus notes.
• Italian Seasoning (1½ tsp): Delivers an herby backbone to bring everything together.
• Kosher Salt (½ tsp): Enhances all the other flavors.
• Fresh Cracked Black Pepper (½ tsp): Adds depth and pep to the dressing.
• Red Pepper Flakes (¼ tsp): For a barely-there little kick—add more if you love heat!

Variations

One of the best things about a Copycat Olive Garden Salad is how easy it is to mix things up! Whether you want to tweak it for dietary reasons or just to suit your mood, there are plenty of simple, delicious ways to make this salad your own.

• Make It Vegan: Simply skip the parmesan or use your favorite plant-based cheese; swap in vegan mayo for the dressing.
• Add Grilled Protein: Toss in some sliced grilled chicken, shrimp, or even chickpeas to turn it into a hearty meal.
• Go Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free croutons or roasted chickpeas for crunch without the wheat.
• Switch Up the Greens: Sub half the iceberg for romaine or arugula for more texture and a peppery bite.

How to Make Copycat Olive Garden Salad

Step 1: Layer the Base

Grab your largest serving bowl and start by layering half of the iceberg lettuce at the bottom. Scatter over half of the tomatoes, black olives, red onion, and seasoned croutons. This layering process ensures you get all those delicious toppings in every scoop—not just on top!

Step 2: Build It Up

Add the remaining lettuce and repeat with the rest of your tomatoes, black olives, red onion, and croutons. Give the bowl a gentle toss if you like, or keep the layers distinct for a beautiful presentation—your call!

Step 3: Add the Signature Toppings

Crown your salad with the pepperoncini peppers (nestled right on top for that restaurant look), then shower everything generously with freshly grated parmesan cheese. Don’t be shy—this is what ties all those bold flavors together.

Step 4: Whisk Up the Dressing

Combine the olive oil, white wine vinegar, water, mayonnaise, sugar, minced garlic, lemon juice, Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes in a small mixing bowl or a mason jar with a tight-fitting lid. Whisk or shake vigorously until well blended and creamy—taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

Step 5: Dress and Serve

Drizzle the dressing evenly over your layered salad right before serving. Toss lightly if you prefer every leaf dressed, or serve as-is for that iconic restaurant look. Enjoy immediately while everything is ultra fresh and crunchy!

How to Serve Copycat Olive Garden Salad

Garnishes

The beauty of Copycat Olive Garden Salad is in those little final touches—think extra parmesan for a savory flourish, more pepperoncini for tang, or a sprinkle of freshly cracked black pepper for a bit of flair. For color, add a few basil leaves to finish!

Side Dishes

This vibrant salad is the perfect sidekick to everything from classic pasta dishes like fettuccine alfredo or spaghetti and meatballs to bubbling baked lasagna and simple grilled chicken. For a true restaurant experience, serve it with warm, soft breadsticks (homemade or store-bought!) and let everyone dip away.

Creative Ways to Present

Go beyond family-style bowls—try layering the salad in wide-mouthed mason jars for picnics, building individual salad cups for parties, or even arranging all the toppings on a grazing board so guests can build their own salad adventure!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have extra, store the undressed salad and dressing separately in airtight containers in the fridge; the veggies will stay crisp for up to 2 days. Dressed salad won’t keep well, so only toss what you plan to eat right away for the best texture.

Freezing

Unfortunately, Copycat Olive Garden Salad doesn’t freeze well—the lettuce and tomatoes will lose their crunch and become soggy. But the creamy Italian-inspired dressing can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for up to a week, ready to whip up a fresh salad anytime!

Reheating

There’s no need (and no good way!) to reheat this salad—just enjoy it fresh and chilled for that signature flavor and crunch. If you want, you can refresh leftovers by adding in some extra lettuce, fresh croutons, and a splash of new dressing.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

Once you try this Copycat Olive Garden Salad at home, don’t be surprised if it quickly finds a spot in your regular meal rotation. It’s so fresh, colorful, and full of big, bold flavor—perfect as a simple side or a craveable star at your table. Give it a try and bring a little restaurant magic into your kitchen tonight!

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