Copycat Olive Garden House Salad Recipe – So Fresh & Easy!

The Olive Garden House Salad is a staple on the restaurant’s menu, and for good reason!

It’s a refreshing, flavorful mix of crisp vegetables, tangy Italian dressing, and a generous sprinkle of Parmesan cheese.

This salad has become an iconic dish for many Olive Garden fans, often served as the perfect side to their classic pasta dishes or enjoyed as a light meal on its own.

But what if you could recreate this iconic salad at home? You absolutely can!

This recipe brings together the crispness of fresh lettuce, the savory bite of pepperoncini peppers, and the rich, zesty Italian dressing that everyone loves.

Making it from scratch ensures you get that just-right freshness and flavor every time.

Plus, you can customize it to your taste and make it even better than the original!

In this post, we’ll walk you through exactly how to make the Olive Garden House Salad, the ingredients you’ll need, and how to prepare it step by step.

So, let’s dive in and recreate this beloved salad right in your own kitchen!

Health Benefits of Olive Garden House Salad

Rich in Antioxidants

The cherry tomatoes, red onions, and black olives provide antioxidants that help fight inflammation and protect against diseases.

Supports Digestive Health

With a good amount of fiber from lettuce, carrots, and onions, this salad promotes a healthy digestive system and regular bowel movements.

Heart-Healthy Ingredients

Olive oil and black olives contain heart-friendly monounsaturated fats, which help lower bad cholesterol and improve cardiovascular health.

Low-Calorie and Nutrient-Dense

This salad offers a satisfying meal or side dish without excessive calories, making it an excellent choice for weight management.

Boosts Hydration

Lettuce, cucumbers (if added), and tomatoes have high water content, contributing to hydration and skin health.

Supports Immune Function

The vitamins and minerals from vegetables like carrots and lettuce help strengthen the immune system and overall well-being.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To get the perfect Olive Garden house salad at home, you’ll need a handful of fresh ingredients.

Each element plays a vital role in capturing the signature flavors, so be sure to use fresh and high-quality ingredients.

Here’s a breakdown of everything you’ll need to make this salad:

Fresh Lettuce Blend

The base of the salad is made from a blend of romaine lettuce and iceberg lettuce.

The combination gives you a satisfying crunch, a mild flavor, and a light texture that balances the tangy dressing.

You can easily find pre-washed, pre-chopped lettuce blends at most grocery stores, but for the best results, consider chopping the lettuce yourself for extra freshness.

Shredded Carrots

Carrots add a sweet and crunchy element to the salad.

Shredding them yourself or buying pre-shredded carrots helps to integrate them evenly throughout the salad, offering a burst of color and flavor in every bite.

Red Onion

Thinly sliced red onion brings a touch of sharpness and a mild heat to the mix. It also adds a beautiful pop of color to the salad.

For those who aren’t fans of raw onion, you can soak the slices in water for a few minutes to tone down their intensity.

Cherry Tomatoes

Fresh cherry tomatoes, halved, are an essential ingredient for adding juiciness and a hint of sweetness to balance out the tangy dressing.

They’re easy to slice and bring an essential pop of color to your salad, making it even more appetizing.

Black Olives

For that classic Olive Garden flavor, black olives are a must.

They offer a briny, slightly tangy bite that complements the other ingredients and adds depth to the flavor profile.

Pepperoncini Peppers

Pepperoncini peppers are the secret ingredient that gives the salad its signature tang and slight heat.

They’re mildly spicy with a slight vinegar kick, which brightens up the salad and gives it a satisfying zesty finish.

Parmesan Cheese

A generous sprinkle of Parmesan cheese finishes off the salad with a salty, nutty flavor.

You can use shredded or freshly grated Parmesan, depending on your preference, but always opt for the real deal over the pre-packaged alternatives for the best flavor.

Italian Dressing

No Olive Garden House Salad would be complete without its signature Italian dressing.

You can use store-bought dressing or make your own from scratch.

The dressing is tangy, herbaceous, and just the right balance of acidity and creaminess to tie all the ingredients together.

How to Make the Olive Garden House Salad

Making the Olive Garden House Salad at home is simple and requires just a few steps to achieve the perfect balance of flavors.

Follow this guide, and you’ll have a restaurant-quality salad ready in no time!

Step 1: Preparing the Lettuce

Start by rinsing your romaine lettuce and iceberg lettuce thoroughly.

Pat them dry with a clean towel or use a salad spinner to ensure there’s no excess water.

Dry lettuce will help the dressing adhere better.

Once dry, chop the lettuce into bite-sized pieces.

If you’re using pre-chopped lettuce, just make sure it’s fresh and crispy.

Step 2: Shredding the Carrots

If you’re using whole carrots, peel and then shred them using a box grater or a food processor.

If you prefer a finer texture, you can shred them more finely, but keeping them a bit thicker will add a nice crunch.

If you’re using pre-shredded carrots, simply toss them into the salad.

Step 3: Slicing the Red Onion

Take your red onion and slice it thinly. Aim for even, paper-thin slices for a perfect balance of flavor.

If you find raw onion a little too sharp, you can soak the slices in cold water for about 5 minutes to mellow out their taste.

Afterward, drain them and add them to the salad bowl.

Step 4: Halving the Cherry Tomatoes

Take your cherry tomatoes and cut them in half.

This ensures that the tomatoes will burst with juice as you eat them, spreading a bit of sweetness throughout the salad.

If you prefer larger chunks, you can quarter them instead.

Step 5: Assembling the Salad

Now that you’ve prepared all the vegetables, it’s time to assemble the salad.

In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped lettuce, shredded carrots, sliced red onion, halved cherry tomatoes, and black olives.

Add the pepperoncini peppers and Parmesan cheese, tossing everything lightly so that the ingredients are evenly distributed.

Step 6: Adding the Dressing

Pour the Italian dressing over the salad, a little at a time.

You don’t want to drown the salad in dressing, so add enough to coat the vegetables, and then toss gently to combine.

Make sure every ingredient is lightly coated in the zesty, tangy dressing.

If you’re preparing this salad in advance, it’s a good idea to keep the dressing separate until right before serving to prevent the vegetables from wilting.

Making Olive Garden’s Famous Italian Dressing at Home

One of the things that sets the Olive Garden House Salad apart is its signature Italian dressing.

This zesty dressing is what really brings everything together, and the good news is, you can easily make it yourself!

Here’s how to recreate the famous dressing at home with ingredients you likely already have in your kitchen.

Ingredients for Homemade Italian Dressing

• 1 cup of olive oil (extra virgin for the best flavor)
• 1/4 cup of red wine vinegar
• 2 tablespoons of water
• 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar (for sweetness)
• 1 tablespoon of Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon of garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon of onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon of dried oregano
• 1/4 teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes (for a subtle heat)
• Salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste

Instructions for Preparing the Dressing

1. Combine the Ingredients: In a small bowl or jar, combine the olive oil, red wine vinegar, water, granulated sugar, and Dijon mustard.
   
   Add the garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, and crushed red pepper flakes for that signature herby kick.
   
2. Whisk Together: Whisk the ingredients until the dressing is well combined and the sugar has dissolved.
   
   If you’re using a jar, you can simply screw the lid on and shake vigorously.
   
3. Taste and Adjust: Give your dressing a taste and adjust the seasoning.
   
   You can add more salt, pepper, or red pepper flakes depending on your preferences.
   
   If you prefer a more tangy dressing, add an extra splash of vinegar.
   
4. Store the Dressing: Transfer the dressing to a jar or bottle and refrigerate.
   
   The dressing will last for up to a week, but the flavors get even better as it sits, allowing the herbs to meld together.

Tips for the Perfect Olive Garden House Salad

To take your Olive Garden House Salad to the next level, here are some expert tips and tricks that will ensure your salad is fresh, flavorful, and restaurant-quality every time.

1. Use Fresh, Crisp Ingredients

The key to a great salad is using the freshest ingredients possible.

Opt for crisp, vibrant lettuce, and ensure your vegetables are fresh and firm.

This will give your salad that delightful crunch and refreshing taste that makes the Olive Garden House Salad so special.

2. Customize the Vegetables

While the classic salad includes romaine lettuce, iceberg lettuce, and the usual veggies, don’t be afraid to get creative.

You can add cucumbers for extra crunch or even bell peppers for sweetness.

Just be mindful of balancing the flavors to keep that perfect harmony.

3. Toss the Salad Gently

When mixing the salad, do so gently to avoid bruising the lettuce or over-mixing the ingredients.

You want the lettuce to stay light and fresh, with each vegetable having its own moment to shine.

4. Chill Your Salad Bowl

For an extra touch of freshness, chill your salad bowl before assembling the salad.

A cold bowl helps keep the vegetables crisp, and it maintains the cool temperature of the salad for a more refreshing bite.

5. Don’t Overdo the Dressing

Less is often more when it comes to the dressing.

Start with a small amount and toss it thoroughly before adding more if necessary.

You want the vegetables lightly coated, not drenched, so that the flavors of the fresh ingredients still shine through.

6. Make Your Own Croutons

For an added touch of flavor and crunch, consider making your own croutons at home.

Simply toast some cubes of bread in olive oil, garlic, and herbs, and sprinkle them on top of the salad just before serving for extra texture.

Recipe Variation

• Protein Addition: Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or salmon to make it a hearty main dish.
• Cheese Swap: Replace Parmesan with feta or blue cheese for a different flavor.
• Extra Crunch: Toss in homemade croutons, toasted almonds, or sunflower seeds.
• Dressing Twist: Try a balsamic vinaigrette or creamy Caesar dressing instead of Italian.
• Vegetable Mix-Up: Add cucumbers, bell peppers, or avocado for a fresh spin.

Storage Instructions

1. Undressed Salad: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 24 hours.
2. Dressing Storage: Homemade dressing stays fresh in the fridge for up to a week. Shake before using.
3. Dressed Salad: Best eaten immediately, but if necessary, refrigerate and consume within a few hours.

Serving Suggestions

With Breadsticks: Serve with warm garlic bread or breadsticks, just like at Olive Garden.

Soup & Salad Combo: Pair with Zuppa Toscana, minestrone, or chicken gnocchi soup.

Alongside Pasta: Complements fettuccine alfredo, spaghetti, or lasagna perfectly.

As a Light Meal: Enjoy it on its own with a side of grilled chicken or a fresh fruit cup.

Conclusion

There’s no denying that the Olive Garden House Salad has earned its place as a fan favorite.

Whether served alongside a rich pasta dish or enjoyed as a light meal on its own, this salad is the perfect blend of fresh, crunchy vegetables, tangy dressing, and a sprinkle of savory Parmesan.

Making it at home allows you to recreate that same delicious experience right in your own kitchen.

With simple, high-quality ingredients, a little prep work, and a signature homemade dressing, you can enjoy this beloved classic whenever you like.

So, gather your ingredients, follow the steps, and treat yourself to a fresh, flavorful Olive Garden House Salad.

It’s sure to be a hit at your next meal or dinner party!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

• Can I make the Olive Garden house salad ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the vegetables ahead of time and store them in an airtight container in the fridge.

However, it’s best to add the dressing just before serving to prevent the vegetables from wilting.

If you plan to make the dressing ahead of time, it will last up to a week in the fridge.

• Is the Olive Garden house salad vegetarian-friendly?

Yes, this salad is entirely vegetarian, as it contains only vegetables, olives, cheese, and dressing.

If you want to make it vegan, simply omit the Parmesan cheese or use a dairy-free alternative.

• Can I use a different type of cheese in the salad?

While Parmesan is the signature cheese for the Olive Garden House Salad, you can experiment with other hard cheeses, such as Pecorino Romano or Asiago, for a different flavor profile.

Just keep in mind that Parmesan provides a distinct salty, nutty flavor that really enhances the overall taste.

• How do I store leftover salad?

If you have leftover salad, it’s best to store the vegetables and dressing separately.

The salad can be kept in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.

Once combined with dressing, the salad should be eaten within a day for the freshest flavor.

• Can I add protein to the salad?

Absolutely! To make the salad a more filling meal, you can add grilled chicken, shrimp, or even tofu for a vegetarian option.

These additions will complement the salad and provide a satisfying protein boost.