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Olive Garden Never Ending Salad

Helen T. Patterson
The Olive Garden Never Ending Salad is a fresh, tangy, and satisfying salad that mirrors the iconic restaurant dish. Made with crisp Romaine lettuce, juicy tomatoes, Kalamata olives, pepperoncini, and topped with grated Parmesan cheese, this salad is tossed in a zesty Italian dressing and finished with crunchy croutons. Perfect for a light meal, side dish, or as part of a larger Italian-inspired spread, this homemade version will have you enjoying endless bowls of goodness, just like at Olive Garden.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 0 minutes
Total Time 10 minutes
Course Salad, Side Dish
Cuisine Italian
Servings 8 servings
Calories 120 kcal

Equipment

  • 1 large mixing bowl
  • 1 salad spinner (optional, for drying lettuce)
  • 1 cutting board
  • 1 sharp knife
  • 1 grater (for Parmesan)
  • 1 salad tong or spoon (for tossing)
  • 1 small bowl (for measuring dressing)

Ingredients
  

  • 6 cups Romaine lettuce chopped
  • 2 cups Iceberg lettuce chopped (optional)
  • 1/2 cup Red onion thinly sliced
  • 1 cup Cherry tomatoes halved
  • 1/2 cup Kalamata olives pitted and sliced
  • 1/2 cup Pepperoncini sliced
  • 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese freshly grated
  • 1 cup Olive Garden Italian dressing
  • 1 cup Croutons store-bought or homemade

Instructions
 

Prepare the Vegetables:

  • Wash and thoroughly dry the Romaine lettuce, iceberg lettuce (if using), and other vegetables. Slice the red onions thinly, halve the cherry tomatoes, and slice the Kalamata olives and pepperoncini peppers.

Assemble the Salad:

  • In a large mixing bowl, combine the Romaine lettuce, iceberg lettuce, red onions, tomatoes, olives, and pepperoncini. Gently toss the ingredients together to distribute evenly.

Add Cheese and Dressing:

  • Sprinkle the freshly grated Parmesan cheese over the salad. Then, drizzle the Olive Garden Italian dressing over the top, adding a little at a time to your preference.

Toss the Salad:

  • Use salad tongs or a spoon to toss the salad until all ingredients are evenly coated with dressing. Be careful not to overdress, as the salad should remain crisp.

Add Croutons:

  • Just before serving, sprinkle croutons on top of the salad for a satisfying crunch. Serve immediately or store the salad (without croutons) in the fridge for later use.

Notes

  • Make-Ahead: The salad can be prepped ahead of time, but keep the dressing separate until serving to prevent the salad from becoming soggy. Croutons should be added just before serving for the best texture.
  • Add Protein: To make this salad a full meal, add grilled chicken, shrimp, or crispy bacon.
  • Customizations: Feel free to swap out the dressing for a homemade vinaigrette or a different Italian dressing. You can also experiment with other cheeses like mozzarella or Asiago for a different flavor.
  • Storage: Leftovers (without croutons) can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
Keyword Olive Garden Never Ending Salad