There’s just something magical about enjoying a fresh, vibrant salad that reminds me of my favorite nights at Olive Garden. I mean, who doesn’t love diving into a bowl of crisp romaine, juicy tomatoes, and those delightful pepperoncini peppers? This Olive Garden salad recipe is not only super simple, but it’s also bursting with flavor that will have you feeling like you’re dining out without even leaving your kitchen! I remember the first time I made this at home; I was so excited to recreate that restaurant experience. Trust me, once you toss this together, you’ll wonder why you ever settled for store-bought salads! It’s the perfect side dish for any meal or even a light lunch on its own. Let’s get started on bringing that deliciousness right to your table!

Ingredients List

• 1 head of romaine lettuce, chopped
• 1 cup of cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/2 cup of red onion, thinly sliced
• 1/2 cup of black olives, sliced
• 1/2 cup of pepperoncini peppers
• 1/2 cup of croutons
• 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 cup of Italian dressing

How to Prepare the Olive Garden Salad Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Romaine Lettuce

First things first, let’s get that romaine lettuce ready! Start by rinsing the head of lettuce under cold water to wash away any dirt. Then, grab your trusty knife and chop it into bite-sized pieces. I like to cut it in half lengthwise and then chop it crosswise – it makes for easy eating later! Freshness is key here, so make sure you choose a crisp head of romaine for that satisfying crunch.

Step 2: Combine the Fresh Ingredients

Now that our lettuce is prepped, it’s time to bring all those vibrant flavors together! In a large bowl, toss in the chopped romaine, along with 1 cup of halved cherry tomatoes. To halve the tomatoes, just slice them in half with a sharp knife – this way, you get that juicy burst of flavor in every bite. Next, add in 1/2 cup of thinly sliced red onion. Just slice it as thinly as you can; this will give the salad a nice kick without overwhelming the other flavors.

Step 3: Add the Olives and Peppers

Time to add some zest! Toss in 1/2 cup of sliced black olives and 1/2 cup of pepperoncini peppers into the mix. If you need to slice the olives, just cut them in half or into rings, depending on your preference. The pepperoncini adds a delightful tang that really makes this salad pop, so don’t skip it!

Step 4: Toss the Salad

With all those fresh ingredients in the bowl, it’s time for some gentle tossing! Use two large spoons or salad tongs to mix everything together. Be careful not to bruise the lettuce leaves – we want them to stay crisp and fresh! This should only take a minute or so.

Step 5: Add Toppings

Now, let’s make this salad even more delicious! Sprinkle 1/2 cup of croutons and 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese on top. Make sure to distribute them evenly for that perfect crunch and cheesy goodness in every bite. I always say, the more cheese, the better!

Step 6: Drizzle the Dressing

Next up, it’s dressing time! Drizzle 1/2 cup of Italian dressing over the salad. Feel free to adjust the amount based on your taste; some like it a little saucier! Just be sure to drizzle it evenly across the top so every bite gets that tasty flavor.

Step 7: Final Toss and Serve

Finally, give the salad one last gentle toss to mix in that delicious dressing. And here’s the best part: serve it immediately! The freshness really shines through right after you’ve tossed it all together. Plus, you want that crunch to stay intact. Enjoy your homemade Olive Garden salad – it’s a true crowd-pleaser!

Tips for Success

Alright, let’s make sure your Olive Garden salad turns out perfectly every single time! Here are my top tips to help you nail it:

• Use Fresh Ingredients: The fresher your ingredients, the better your salad will taste! Look for vibrant, crisp romaine and juicy tomatoes. A little extra effort here goes a long way!
• Adjust the Dressing: Don’t be shy about modifying the amount of Italian dressing to suit your taste. Some folks love a light drizzle, while others like it a bit saucier. Start with a little and add more until it’s just right for you!
• Customize to Your Liking: Feel free to toss in other veggies you love, like cucumbers or bell peppers, or even some avocado for creaminess. This salad is super versatile!
• Store Leftovers Wisely: If you have any leftovers, store them in the fridge without the dressing to keep the lettuce fresh and crunchy. Add the dressing just before serving!
• Make It a Meal: Want to turn this salad into a hearty meal? Just add some grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas for a protein boost!

With these tips, you’ll be on your way to making a salad that rivals your favorite restaurant’s version. Enjoy every bite!

Nutritional Information

Keep in mind that nutritional values can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use, so this information is just a rough estimate. Here’s a breakdown of the typical nutritional content per serving (about 1 cup) of this delicious Olive Garden salad:

• Calories: 150
• Fat: 10g
• Saturated Fat: 2g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7g
• Cholesterol: 5mg
• Sodium: 300mg
• Carbohydrates: 12g
• Fiber: 3g
• Sugar: 2g
• Protein: 3g

Enjoy this salad guilt-free, knowing it’s packed with fresh ingredients and plenty of flavor!

FAQ Section

Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Absolutely, you can prep this salad ahead of time! Just chop all your veggies and mix them in a bowl, but hold off on adding the dressing until you’re ready to serve. This way, your romaine stays crisp, and the flavors remain vibrant. Store the prepped salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a day. When you’re ready to enjoy, just drizzle on the dressing and give it a toss!

What can I substitute for the dressing?

If you’re looking to switch things up, there are plenty of alternatives for Italian dressing! You could use a homemade vinaigrette made from olive oil, vinegar, a touch of mustard, and some herbs. Or, if you prefer something creamier, a ranch dressing works beautifully too. Just remember, the dressing is what ties all those fresh flavors together, so choose one that complements your palate!

How can I add protein to this salad?

There are so many fun ways to add protein to your Olive Garden salad! Grilled chicken is a classic choice – just slice it up and toss it in for a hearty meal. You could also go for some shrimp or even chickpeas if you want a vegetarian option. I love adding some crispy bacon bits for an extra crunch and flavor kick! Whatever you pick, it’s an easy way to make this salad more filling!

Why You’ll Love This Olive Garden Salad Recipe

• Quick Preparation: This salad comes together in just 15 minutes, making it a perfect last-minute side or lunch option!
• Fresh Flavors: Each bite is bursting with vibrant ingredients, from crisp romaine to tangy pepperoncini, giving you that fresh restaurant taste at home.
• Versatile: Feel free to customize it with your favorite veggies or proteins – it’s super adaptable to suit any dietary preference!
• Healthy Option: Packed with fresh vegetables, this salad is a light and nutritious choice that won’t weigh you down.
• Family-Friendly: With its delicious flavors and textures, this salad is sure to please even the pickiest eaters at your table.
• Perfect for Meal Prep: Make it ahead of time without the dressing, and enjoy it throughout the week for quick, healthy meals!
• Budget-Friendly: Using simple, fresh ingredients means you can whip up a delicious salad without breaking the bank!

Olive Garden Salad Recipe: 7 Simple Steps to Delight

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• Author: Julia marin
• Total Time: 15 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

A simple and delicious Olive Garden salad recipe.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 head of romaine lettuce, chopped
• 1 cup of cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/2 cup of red onion, thinly sliced
• 1/2 cup of black olives, sliced
• 1/2 cup of pepperoncini peppers
• 1/2 cup of croutons
• 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 cup of Italian dressing

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Instructions

1. Wash and chop the romaine lettuce into bite-sized pieces.
2. In a large bowl, combine the chopped lettuce, cherry tomatoes, and red onion.
3. Add in the black olives and pepperoncini peppers.
4. Toss the salad gently to combine the ingredients.
5. Sprinkle croutons and Parmesan cheese on top.
6. Drizzle Italian dressing over the salad.
7. Toss the salad again to mix the dressing evenly.
8. Serve immediately and enjoy your Olive Garden salad!

Notes

• Use fresh ingredients for the best flavor.
• Adjust the amount of dressing based on your preference.
• Add grilled chicken for extra protein.
• Store leftovers in the fridge without dressing to keep it fresh.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Category: Salad
• Method: Mixing
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup
• Calories: 150
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 300mg
• Fat: 10g
• Saturated Fat: 2g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 12g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 3g
• Cholesterol: 5mg

Keywords: olive garden salad recipe, salad, easy salad recipe, Italian salad