Olive Garden Salad

Published on August 5, 2021 by Devour Dinner | 35 Comments

5 from 12 votes

Mmmmmm, Olive Garden Salad has to be the most iconic garden salad served at a restaurant chain. With a bowl full of tossed greens, red onions, pepperoncini, tomatoes, and of course olives, you can't go wrong when making this fabulous side salad recipe at home.

You will have a delicious meal when paired with Italian Flavors of a Homemade Alfredo Sauce served over pasta, or a taste of Tuscany in this Tuscan inspired Chicken Pasta with Sun Dried Tomatoes and Spinach. Of course, one of my favorites is Chicken Parmesan a recipe my teenager makes regularly for the family.

Farmer’s Market Week is always the first week in August. Whether you have a great local farm stand or market, are a member of a CSA or purchase your fruits and vegetables at the supermarket, follow our Pinterest board, for great recipes including those for appetizers, drinks, breakfast, lunch, dinner, dessert and more.

What is Olive Garden

I've learned not to question when someone doesn't know something that might seem obvious to others. So let me try to explain the Italian Resturant Olive Garden. As a large popular chain restuarant they are known for their delicious bread sticks, garden salad and signature dressing along with entrees that will have you coming back for more. Honestly, everything on the menu is fantastic.

Each entree is served with a choice of an endless bowl of soup or salad. You can end up filling up on salad and breadsticks and take the meal home as leftovers honestly and you wouldn't complain a bit. It's fantastic!

Shopping list for Copycat Olive Garden Salad

Salad Mix: A Garden Salad Mix with Romaine, Iceberg, Matchstick Carrots is perfect
Tomatoes: Slicing Tomatoes cut in wedges are a perfect choice
Red Onion: sliced thin and cut in half seems to work well
Pepperoncini Peppers: Also known as the Golden Greek Pepper, Sweet Italian Pepper, or Tuscan Pepper.
Black Olives: Choose Large Whole Olives. Rinsed and drained.
Croutons: Garlic Croutons are ideal or you can make your own!
Parmesan Cheese: Fresh grated is best
Olive Garden Salad Dressing: Make from Scratch

How to make Copycat Olive Garden Salad

Gather the ingredients and grab any little helpers. This is an easy recipe where they can help.

In a large bowl, combine Salad Mix, thinly sliced Red Onions, Pepperoncini Peppers, Olives, Croutons, and Tomatoes. Toss to combine. Top with Croutons and freshly grated Parmesan Cheese.

Toss Salad with Homemade Olive Garden Salad Dressing and serve.

A Few Tips

I find this salad is best when served fresh. You can prepare some of the salad a head of time to save time later. Hold the Croutons, Parmesan Cheese and Dressing until just before serving for best results.

This salad does not save well for later once combined. Mix up smaller portions as needed for best results.

Olive Garden Salads are made with the freshest ingredients. And a large part why they are so popular as the salad has always been served as an unlimited bowl.

Fun Fact:

It's claimed that Olive Garden makes across the nation over 700 Million Breadsticks a year. WOW. That's a lot of dough!

The most Popular Entree served is the Tour of Italy which includes 3 of the most popular menu items. Lasagna, Fehttuchini Alfredo, and Chicken Parmesan. It's a huge plate that could easily be shared or taken home for leftovers.

The PERFECT Salad Dressing

Olive Garden Signature Dressing compliments the fresh garden salad so nicely. There are many varieties of Copycat Recipes available. This is the recipe I have used for years and we love it.

1 Packet Dry Italian Dressing Mix
1 Cup Olive Oil
⅓ Cup White Wine Vinegar
2 Tablespoons Mayonnaise
¼ Cup finely shredded Parmesan Cheese
Pepper to Taste

In a Blender combine Ingredients and blend on Medium/High for 60 seconds. Dressing won't be smooth but will be perfect. Shake Dressing as ingredients settle.

Here’s more Farmer’s Market Week Recipes

Starters and Sauce Recipes

Amish Mustard Pickled Eggs by Palatable Pastime
Cheddar Zucchini Scones by Hezzi-D's Books and Cooks
Grilled Salsa by SueBee Homemaker
Spicy Blender Salsa by Cheese Curd In Paradise
Summer Charcuterie Board by Magical Ingredients
Tomato Bacon Jam by Take Two Tapas
Watermelon Margarita by Lemon Blossoms

Side Dishes Recipes

Green Beans Almondine by Life Love and Good Food
Olive Garden Salad by Devour Dinner
Parmesan Roasted Zucchini Boats by Family Around the Table
Zucchini Crisp by Kate's Recipe Box

Main Dish Recipes

Chicken Asparagus Pasta Recipe by Hostess At Heart
Grilled Choripán with Chimichurri by A Kitchen Hoor's Adventures
Heirloom Tomato and Fresh Mozzarella Caprese Sandwich by Jolene's Recipe Journal
Heirloom Tomato Pie by The Fresh Cooky
Mushroom Bourguignon by A Day in the Life on the Farm
Rotisserie Chicken Quesadillas with Fresh Pico de Gallo by Blogghetti

Dessert Recipes

Blueberry Sour Cream Coffee Cake by House of Nash Eats
Gluten Free Grilled Peach Shortcakes by Frugal & Fit
Grilled Fruit Tortilla Rollups by The Freshman Cook
Pavlovas with Whipped Cream and Berry Compote by Karen's Kitchen Stories
Skillet Sourdough Blueberry Cobbler by Savory Moments
Summer Berry Dutch Baby by The Redhead Baker

Print Recipe Pin Recipe Rate this Recipe

5 from 12 votes