Recreate the beloved Olive Garden House Salad at home with this easy-to-follow recipe. Crisp lettuce, juicy cherry tomatoes, tangy pepperoncini, black olives, and freshly grated Parmesan cheese are tossed in a homemade Italian dressing to bring this iconic salad to life. Perfect as a side dish or light meal, this salad is fresh, flavorful, and takes minutes to prepare. Make it your own with added protein or extra veggies for a personalized touch!Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)Calories: ~180, Total Fat: 14g, Saturated Fat: 3g, Cholesterol: 5mg, Sodium: 400mg, Carbohydrates: 12g, Fiber: 3g, Sugars: 5g, Protein: 3gEstimated based on one serving (assuming 6 servings per batch)
1/2cupOlive Garden Italian Dressingstore-bought or homemade
Instructions
Prepare the Vegetables:
Wash and dry the romaine lettuce and iceberg lettuce. Chop them into bite-sized pieces and place them in a large salad bowl.
Shred the Carrots:
Shred the carrots using a grater or buy pre-shredded carrots. Add them to the bowl with the lettuce.
Slice the Red Onion:
Slice the red onion thinly. Add the slices to the bowl.
Halve the Cherry Tomatoes:
Cut the cherry tomatoes in half and add them to the salad.
Add the Olives and Pepperoncini:
Slice the black olives and pepperoncini peppers, then add them to the salad mixture.
Toss the Salad:
Toss the salad gently to mix all the ingredients together.
Add the Parmesan:
Sprinkle the Parmesan cheese over the salad. Toss lightly again.
Dress the Salad:
Pour the Italian dressing over the salad and toss gently until everything is evenly coated.
Serve:
Serve immediately, or refrigerate the salad (without dressing) until ready to serve.
Notes
Dressing: For a homemade Italian dressing, you can mix together olive oil, red wine vinegar, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, Dijon mustard, and a little sugar. This will give your salad the perfect tangy, zesty flavor!
Storage: If you have leftovers, store the salad in an airtight container in the fridge (without dressing) for up to 2 days. Add the dressing just before serving to prevent wilting.
Customizations: Feel free to add extra ingredients like cucumbers, avocados, or grilled chicken to turn this salad into a full meal.
Croutons: For a crunchy addition, sprinkle homemade croutons on top of the salad right before serving.