Easy Copycat Olive Garden Salad You Can Make at Home

Remember the first time you went to Olive Garden? The warm breadsticks, the endless bowls of salad—ah, pure bliss!

It’s like stepping into a comforting dream, isn’t it? Now, imagine recreating that iconic salad at home, where you control every crouton and olive.

It’s a little piece of dining-out joy, right at your kitchen table, and honestly, who needs a reservation when your own salad tongs are at the ready?

Steps

Gather fresh ingredients: salad mix, Roma tomatoes, pepperoncini, red onion, black olives, croutons, and Parmesan cheese.
In a large bowl, combine the salad mix, sliced tomatoes, whole or sliced pepperoncini, thinly sliced red onion, and drained black olives.
Add croutons and freshly shredded Parmesan cheese to the salad mixture.
Just before serving, drizzle the Olive Garden salad dressing over the salad and toss everything together to evenly coat.
Serve the salad immediately, ensuring that the croutons retain their crunch.

What ingredients are essential for making the Olive Garden copycat salad?
The key ingredients include a garden salad mix, Roma tomatoes, pepperoncini, red onions, large black olives, croutons, shredded Parmesan cheese, and Olive Garden salad dressing.
Can I prepare the Olive Garden salad in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the salad in advance by assembling all components except for the dressing, pepperoncini, and croutons. Store the salad mixture in the refrigerator for up to 8 hours and add the remaining ingredients just before serving.
How can I prevent the croutons from getting soggy in leftover salad?
To keep croutons from getting soggy, serve them on the side so that everyone can add them to their individual servings. This way, if there are leftovers, the croutons will still be crispy.
What can I serve alongside the Olive Garden salad?
This salad pairs well with a variety of dishes including soups, BBQ, casseroles, or simply with breadsticks for a lighter meal option. Its unique flavors complement many main dishes without overpowering them.
Are there any substitutions for the ingredients in the Olive Garden salad?
Yes, you can use halved grape or cherry tomatoes instead of Roma tomatoes, and sliced pepperoncini from a jar instead of whole ones for easier eating. Additionally, you can mix in some romaine lettuce with the iceberg for extra crunch.

Chill Your Plates: For an authentic Olive Garden experience, chill your salad plates before serving. This simple step can enhance the freshness and crispness of your salad at home.
Customize Pepperoncini: If whole pepperoncini peppers aren’t to everyone’s liking, consider using jarred sliced pepperoncini. They provide the same flavor but are more convenient for guests to eat.
Use Thin Red Onion Slices: For easier consumption, slice red onions thinly. A mandolin can be helpful for this task, and cutting them into bite-sized pieces can make the salad more enjoyable.
Prepare in Advance: Save time by prepping your ingredients ahead of time, except for the dressing, pepperoncini, and croutons. Store them in the fridge for up to 8 hours, then toss everything together just before serving.