Copycat Olive Garden Salad Recipe 🥗🍴 — Fresh, Zesty & Easy Italian Favorite

Recreate the Irresistible Olive Garden Salad at Home with This Copycat Recipe

Olive Garden, the popular Italian-American restaurant chain, is known for its delicious and refreshing salad. With its crisp lettuce, tangy dressing, and flavorful mix-ins, it's no wonder that Olive Garden's salad is a crowd favorite. If you've ever wished to enjoy this delectable salad in the comfort of your own home, you're in luck! We have a fantastic copycat recipe that will allow you to recreate Olive Garden's salad and dressing right in your own kitchen.

Ingredients for the Salad:

6 cups romaine lettuce, washed and chopped

1 cup iceberg lettuce, washed and chopped

1/2 cup sliced red onions

1/2 cup sliced black olives

1/2 cup sliced banana peppers

1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Ingredients for the Dressing:

1/2 cup mayonnaise

1/4 cup white vinegar

2 tablespoons corn syrup

2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese

2 tablespoons lemon juice

1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning

1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

1/2 teaspoon onion powder

Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

In a large salad bowl, combine the romaine lettuce and iceberg lettuce.

Add the sliced red onions, black olives, banana peppers, and cherry tomatoes to the bowl.

Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the top.

Toss the salad ingredients gently to combine them.

In a separate bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, white vinegar, corn syrup, grated Parmesan cheese, lemon juice, dried Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.

Pour the dressing over the salad and toss until all the ingredients are evenly coated.

Serve the salad immediately as a refreshing appetizer or side dish to your favorite Italian meal.

Tips for an Authentic Olive Garden Salad Experience:

For an extra crunch, you can add croutons to the salad.

Feel free to customize the salad by adding or substituting ingredients based on your preferences. Some popular additions include sliced cucumbers, pepperoncini, or roasted red peppers.

To make the dressing ahead of time, simply store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to a week.

How to make THE OLIVE GARDEN'S | House Salad with House Dressing

Enjoying the Olive Garden Salad at Home:

Now that you have the copycat recipe for Olive Garden's famous salad and dressing, you can savor its flavors anytime you like. This recipe allows you to recreate the crisp, fresh, and tangy goodness of Olive Garden's salad in the comfort of your own kitchen. Whether you're hosting a dinner party, enjoying a family meal, or simply craving a taste of Italy, this salad recipe is sure to impress and satisfy your taste buds. So, gather your ingredients and get ready to experience the authentic Olive Garden salad experience right at home. Buon appetito!

FAQs

What lettuce works best?

Classic is iceberg (max crunch). A 50/50 iceberg–romaine blend adds color and nutrition while staying crisp.

What makes the dressing taste like Olive Garden’s?

Parmesan, Italian seasoning, a touch of sweetness, and pepperoncini/banana pepper brine for that signature tang.

Can I make it ahead?

Yes—mix and chill the dressing up to 5–6 days. Keep greens very dry and cold. Toss with dressing and add croutons right before serving.

How do I keep croutons from getting soggy?

Add them at the table or toss them in during the last minute. Extra-dry homemade croutons stay crisp longer.

Substitutions for pepperoncini?

Banana peppers are the closest swap. If skipping peppers, add 1–2 tsp extra vinegar or some of the pepper brine for brightness.

Is it vegetarian, vegan, or gluten-free?

Vegetarian: yes. Vegan: use vegan mayo and vegan Parmesan (or omit cheese). Gluten-free: use GF croutons and check spice blends.

How long does the dressed salad keep?

Best within 30 minutes. If you expect leftovers, dress individual portions instead.