Description
This Olive Garden Salad recipe recreates the classic, crisp and flavorful salad served at the popular restaurant. Featuring fresh lettuce, shredded red cabbage, julienned carrots, ripe roma tomatoes, black olives, pepperoncinis, and crunchy croutons, all tossed in a homemade zesty Italian dressing with Parmesan and Romano cheese. Ready in just 25 minutes, this salad is perfect as a refreshing side or a light meal.
Ingredients
Salad Ingredients
- 8 cups chopped lettuce
- ¼ cup red cabbage, shredded
- ¼ cup carrots, julienne
- ¼ cup red onion, sliced
- ½ cup black olives
- 2 roma tomatoes, sliced
- ⅓ cup pepperoncinis
- 1 cup croutons
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Dressing Ingredients
- ¾ cup extra virgin olive oil (preferably smooth over robust)
- 1 (0.7 oz) packet Zesty Italian Dressing Mix
- ⅓ cup white vinegar
- ¼ cup water
- 1 tablespoon grated Romano cheese (can substitute Parmesan)
- 3 teaspoons sugar
- 1½ teaspoons mayonnaise (not Miracle Whip)
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
Instructions
- Prepare the dressing: Combine all the dressing ingredients in a mini food processor or place them into a jar with a lid. Blend or shake vigorously until the dressing is well combined and emulsified. Cover and refrigerate the dressing until ready to use.
- Prepare the salad ingredients: Wash and chop the lettuces and shred the red cabbage. Julienne the carrots and slice the red onions and roma tomatoes. Use a paper towel to gently pat the sliced tomatoes dry to remove any excess moisture, which helps keep the salad crisp and fresh.
- Assemble the salad base: In a large bowl, combine the chopped lettuce, shredded red cabbage, julienned carrots, sliced red onion, black olives, and pepperoncinis. Set aside the sliced tomatoes, croutons, and Parmesan cheese for the final presentation.
- Toss the salad with dressing: Drizzle your desired amount of the prepared Italian dressing over the salad mixture and toss gently to combine evenly. Keep in mind not all of the dressing may be needed depending on your preference.
- Finish and serve: Sprinkle the salad with the reserved sliced roma tomatoes, croutons, and grated Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately to enjoy the fresh flavors. This salad pairs exceptionally well with Olive Garden Alfredo or any Italian main dish.
Notes
- Patting the sliced tomatoes dry with a paper towel helps avoid soggy salad.
- You can adjust the amount of dressing according to your taste preferences.
- This salad is best served fresh but can be stored covered with dressing separately refrigerated for up to 1 day.
- Mayonnaise adds creaminess; avoid substituting with Miracle Whip to keep the authentic flavor.
- Using smooth extra virgin olive oil ensures a milder flavor preferred in this dressing.
