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
Olive Garden Salad
Ingredients
- 2 12 ounce Salad Mix
- 1 large Slicing Tomato - Cut into wedges
- ½ Cup Red Onion - Thinly sliced
- 1 Cup Black Olives - Large, Rinse and Drained
- 6-8 Pepperoncini Peppers - Whole
- ⅓ Cup Parmesan Cheese - Finely Shredded
- 1 Cup Croutons - any variety
- Salad Dressing - See in notes below
Instructions
- In a large bowl combine, Salad Mix, sliced red Onions, sliced tomatoes, rinsed whole black olives, pepperoncini peppers, and finely grated parmesan cheese.
- Toss Salad to combine
- Add Dressing and Toss
- Serve Immediately
Notes
Olive Garden Copycat Salad Recipe
- 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
Nutrition Disclaimer
All nutrition values are approximate and calculated by a plugin and are provided as a courtesy. Adding or subtracting ingredients will change the nutritional value.
Nutrition
Amy Nash
I only ever go for the salad and breadsticks anyway! Seriously their salad is insanely delicious! Pair with warm breadsticks and I'm dead. This is a perfect copycat.
Devour Dinner
Me too! And I love taking home leftovers for the next day.
Kathy
We love this salad. Like you said, is iconic and always so pleasing. My family is always excited when I make it. Thank you for a great recipe.
Devour Dinner
Thanks Kathy! It's just that kind of salad. Everyone knows what to expect from it!
Jennifer
Not sure if it's all the fresh ingredients or the dressing but I can eat this salad as a meal anytime. It's just that good.
Devour Dinner
I have to agree. I love love this garden salad with all the fresh ingredients
Lisa Kerhin
Our favorite dressing ever for this salad and all salads
Devour Dinner
I love it too
Ashley Lecker
I am drooling! I love the salad dressing, and can't wait to replicate this in my home - my husband will love it.
Devour Dinner
We love it as well and so easy to make!
Amy (Savory Moments)
This copycat recipe looks perfect! It's definitely a favorite of mine!
Devour Dinner
Thank you!
Julie Menghini
I was so glad to find this recipe. We love the salads at Olive Garden and couldn't get enough of this fresh delicious version.
Devour Dinner
I'm so happy! It's an easy salad to put together and everyone always loves it
Teri @ The Freshman Cook
You are making me hungry! Your salad is beautiful and so fresh!
Devour Dinner
That's what I love about this recipe, it's all fresh ingredients!
Emily
This tasted just like Olive Garden's salad! So delightful that I can now make this at home for my family! I loved the taste of all these fresh ingredients and veggies!
Devour Dinner
Hi Emily! Thanks for your review! I love hearing when viewers enjoy my recipes.
Karen
I recently made the copycat breadsticks. Now I'm going to have to try the salad!
Devour Dinner
I hope you love it!
Hezzi-D
We don't have an Olive Garden near me and I LOVE their salads.
Devour Dinner
Now you can make from home!
Janene L. Soeken
Love this recipe. Thanks for posting.
Kathleen Pope
I am so excited to be able to make this fresh salad at home, I know this dressing is much healthier than Olive Gardens! Thanks!
Devour Dinner
Homemade Dressings are so good and always seem to have less 'extra' ingredients making them a little more healthy
Wendy Klik
I was thrilled when I saw that Olive Garden dressing is available at the grocers but now I can make my own anytime I want. Thanks.
Devour Dinner
You are welcome!
Jolene
Our local OG isn't in traveling distance so I'm so happy I'll be able to make this at home!
Devour Dinner
We have to drive to ours as well. But I love making the salad at home!
Trelva
The freshness of Olive Garden Salads is wonderful. Can't wait to make this at home.
Devour Dinner
I love Olive Garden Salads too. I could eat the entire bowl myself!
Sheila Thigpen
This is my absolute favorite salad! Tangy and fresh, everything about it is just so good!
Devour Dinner
Mine too! It's soo good!
Ellen
This is my husband's FAVORITE salad EVER! So happy to have found your recipe! I can't wait to make it for him.
Devour Dinner
I hope he loves it Ellen! Thanks