Recreate the magic of Olive Garden’s iconic salad right in your kitchen with this effortless copycat recipe. Crisp romaine lettuce, juicy tomatoes, and crunchy croutons come together in a vibrant mix, topped with tangy pepperoncini and savory olives. The creamy, garlicky dressing ties it all together, delivering that signature flavor you love. Best of all, it’s ready in just 5 minutes, making it the perfect quick side or light meal.
This salad is a feast for the senses, offering a delightful balance of textures and flavors. Each bite is a refreshing blend of crunchy, creamy, and zesty, while the light yet satisfying nutrition profile keeps it guilt-free. Whether you’re hosting a dinner or craving a fresh bite, this recipe brings restaurant-quality taste to your table in no time.
Fresh Garden Salad Ingredients
- 12 ounces American Salad Blend (1 bag, such as Dole brand)
- ⅓ red onion, thinly sliced
- 12-15 black olives (adjust to taste; Olive Garden uses fewer, but feel free to add more)
- 2-4 whole banana peppers (sliced or whole, depending on preference)
- ½ cup croutons (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 tomato, quartered (or cut into smaller pieces if desired)
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese, for topping (adjust to taste)
Olive Garden Salad Dressing Ingredients
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- ⅓ cup white vinegar
- 1 teaspoon vegetable oil
- 2 Tablespoons corn syrup
- 2 Tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 Tablespoons grated Romano cheese
- ¼ teaspoon garlic salt (or 1 clove garlic, minced)
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon parsley flakes
- 1 Tablespoon lemon juice
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the Salad: Place the bag of American Salad Blend in a large bowl.
- Add Toppings: Layer the sliced red onion, black olives, banana peppers, tomato pieces, and croutons on top of the salad.
- Top with Cheese: Sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan cheese over the salad to your liking.
- Make the Dressing: In a blender or mixing bowl, combine all the dressing ingredients (mayonnaise, white vinegar, vegetable oil, corn syrup, Parmesan cheese, Romano cheese, garlic salt, Italian seasoning, parsley flakes, and lemon juice). Blend or whisk until smooth.
- Chill the Dressing: Refrigerate the dressing for at least 10-15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. It will have a creamy, white appearance.
- Assemble and Serve: Drizzle the chilled dressing generously over the salad. Toss gently to combine, or serve as-is for a layered presentation.
Perfect Pairings: Sauce and Topping Ideas
While the Olive Garden salad dressing is a star on its own, you can elevate your salad with extra toppings like grilled chicken, crispy bacon bits, or even a sprinkle of sunflower seeds for added crunch. If you’re feeling adventurous, try a drizzle of balsamic glaze or a dollop of creamy Caesar dressing for a fun twist!
Serve It Right: Presentation and Pairings
This salad is perfect as a light lunch or a refreshing side dish. Serve it in a large, chilled bowl to keep it crisp, and pair it with warm breadsticks or a bowl of minestrone soup for the full Olive Garden experience. For a heartier meal, add a protein like grilled shrimp or sliced steak.
Make It Ahead: Storage and Prep Tips
To save time, prep your veggies and dressing ahead of time. Store the chopped onions, tomatoes, and olives in separate airtight containers in the fridge. The dressing can be made up to 3 days in advance—just give it a good shake before using. Keep the salad greens and croutons separate until ready to serve to maintain their freshness.
Customize Your Creation: Recipe Variations
Not a fan of banana peppers? Swap them out for pickled jalapeños or roasted red peppers for a different kick. You can also experiment with different greens like spinach or arugula for a unique flavor profile. For a low-carb option, skip the croutons and add toasted almonds instead.
Quick Tips for a Speedy Salad
If you’re short on time, use pre-washed salad greens and pre-sliced veggies from the store. A microplane grater makes quick work of the Parmesan cheese, and a mini food processor can blend the dressing in seconds. Keep a batch of croutons on hand for last-minute salads!
Olive Garden Fresh Garden Salad Copycat Recipe
Ingredients
Olive Garden Fresh Garden Salad Copycat
- 12 ounces American Salad Blend (1 bag, I use Dole brand)
- ⅓ red onion sliced
- 12-15 black olives (more or less, Olive Garden doesn’t use too many, but you can add as many as you want)
- 2-4 whole banana peppers
- ½ cup croutons
- 1 tomato quartered, (you can cut into smaller pieces if you prefer)
- freshly grated parmesan cheese for topping
Olive Garden Salad Dressing Copycat
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- ⅓ cup white vinegar
- 1 teaspoon vegetable oil
- 2 Tablespoons corn syrup
- 2 Tablespoons parmesan cheese
- 2 Tablespoons Romano cheese
- ¼ teaspoon garlic salt (or one clove garlic minced)
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon parsley flakes
- 1 Tablespoon lemon juice
Instructions
- Place bag of salad in a large bowl.
- Place red onion, black olives, banana peppers, tomatoes, and croutons on top of salad. Add some freshly grated Parmesan cheese if you like, and add plenty of Olive Garden salad dressing on top. You can add more or less of each ingredient depending on your preference.
- Blend all ingredients together and chill until ready to use. The dressing will be more of a white color, but will taste very similar to Olive Garden’s House Dressing.