Olive Garden Salad Recipe
This famous house salad is known for its crisp lettuce, tangy Italian dressing, and signature toppings like black olives and pepperoncini. It is fresh, crunchy, and incredibly satisfying. The best part is that you can easily recreate that restaurant-quality taste at home with simple ingredients you likely already have in your pantry. It takes just minutes to toss together, making it the perfect side dish for pasta nights or a light lunch on its own.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
- Restaurant Quality at Home: You get the exact flavors of the famous “unlimited salad” without leaving your house.
- Budget-Friendly: Making this large family-style salad costs a fraction of dining out.
- Super Fresh: Because you control the produce, the lettuce is always crisp and never soggy.
- Customizable: You can adjust the tanginess of the dressing or the amount of cheese to suit your personal taste.
Ingredients List
To get that authentic taste, you need two parts: the fresh salad base and the creamy Italian dressing.
The Salad Base
- Lettuce Mix: A blend of chopped Iceberg and Romaine lettuce provides the classic crunch.
- Roma Tomatoes: Sliced into quarters or thick rounds.
- Red Onion: Thinly sliced rings add a sharp bite.
- Black Olives: Whole or sliced canned olives.
- Pepperoncini Peppers: These pickled peppers add the signature tang.
- Keep them whole for the authentic look.
- Croutons: Garlic and herb croutons work best.
- Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated is preferred for better flavor.
The Signature Dressing
- Olive Oil: Use a mild-tasting oil.
- White Vinegar: Provides the necessary acid.
- Mayonnaise: This is the secret ingredient that makes the dressing slightly creamy.
- Lemon Juice: Fresh is best for brightness.
- Garlic Powder: For savory depth.
- Italian Seasoning: A dried herb blend (usually oregano, basil, thyme).
- Sugar or Honey: A small amount helps balance the acidity.
Tools You Will Need
- Large mixing bowl (preferably chilled)
- Small bowl and whisk (for the dressing)
- Salad tongs
- Sharp knife and cutting board
- Measuring cups and spoons
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, white vinegar, mayonnaise, lemon juice, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and sugar. Whisk vigorously until the mixture is smooth and emulsified.
- Chill the Dressing: For the best flavor, place the dressing in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving. This allows the herbs to hydrate and the flavors to meld.
- Prep the Vegetables: Wash the lettuce thoroughly and dry it completely using a salad spinner or paper towels. Wet lettuce will prevent the dressing from sticking. Chop the lettuce into bite-sized pieces. Slice the tomatoes and red onion.
- Assemble the Base: In a very large bowl, add the dry lettuce mix, sliced tomatoes, red onion rings, black olives, and pepperoncini peppers.
- Toss and Serve: Just before you are ready to eat, drizzle the dressing over the salad. Start with a smaller amount and add more as needed. Toss well to coat every leaf.
- Garnish: Top immediately with the croutons and a generous dusting of fresh parmesan cheese. Serve immediately.
Nutrition Facts
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
| Calories | 280 kcal |
| Total Fat | 22g |
| Saturated Fat | 4g |
| Cholesterol | 10mg |
| Sodium | 650mg |
| Carbohydrates | 14g |
| Fiber | 3g |
| Sugar | 5g |
| Protein | 4g |
Note: Nutritional values are estimates based on standard ingredients and may vary depending on specific brands used.
Helpful Tips
- Dry Your Greens: The most important step is ensuring your lettuce is bone-dry. If there is water on the leaves, the creamy dressing will slide right off and pool at the bottom of the bowl.
- Chill Your Bowl: Place your large serving bowl in the fridge for 20 minutes before assembling. A cold bowl keeps the salad crisp longer.
- Don’t Overdress: The dressing is flavorful. Add it gradually and toss. You can always add more, but you cannot take it away if the salad becomes soggy.
- Onions: If raw red onion is too strong for you, soak the slices in ice water for 10 minutes before adding them. This removes the harsh bite.
Variations
- Add Protein: Turn this side dish into a main meal by adding grilled chicken breast, shrimp, or chickpeas.
- Change the Cheese: While parmesan is traditional, feta cheese or mozzarella pearls are delicious alternatives.
- Vegetable Swaps: If you dislike olives, try adding cucumber slices or radishes for extra crunch.
- Vegan Option: Use vegan mayonnaise and omit the cheese (or use a dairy-free parmesan alternative) to make this fully plant-based.
How to Serve
This salad is naturally designed to accompany rich, comforting dishes. It pairs perfectly with creamy fettuccine alfredo, lasagna, or chicken parmesan.
For a true restaurant experience, serve it alongside warm garlic breadsticks and a bowl of Zuppa Toscana or Minestrone soup. It is also excellent as a standalone light lunch.
Storage Instructions
Ideally, this salad should be eaten immediately after tossing. Once the dressing touches the lettuce, it will begin to wilt.
If you need to make it ahead of time, store the salad components (lettuce and veggies) in an airtight container and keep the dressing in a separate jar. Do not add the croutons until just before serving, or they will become soft. The dressing will stay fresh in the fridge for up to one week.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use store-bought dressing?
Yes, you can use the official Olive Garden bottled dressing sold in grocery stores.9 However, making it from scratch often tastes fresher and allows you to avoid preservatives.
Is this salad gluten-free?
The salad is gluten-free if you omit the croutons or use gluten-free croutons.10 The dressing ingredients are typically gluten-free, but always check the labels on mayonnaise and spice blends.
What kind of lettuce does Olive Garden use?
They typically use a mix that is predominantly Iceberg lettuce with some Romaine added. The Iceberg provides the water content and crunch, while the Romaine adds color and flavor.11
Can I make the dressing in a blender?
Absolutely. Adding all dressing ingredients to a blender and pulsing for a few seconds creates a very smooth, creamy emulsion that stays mixed longer than whisking by hand.
Conclusion
Recreating the Olive Garden Salad at home is simple and rewarding. By focusing on fresh, dry greens and a zesty homemade dressing, you can bring a favorite dining experience to your own table. It is a versatile side dish that complements almost any meal, offering a perfect balance of crunch, tang, and creaminess.
