Olive Garden Salad with Homemade Dressing Recipe

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Recreate the classic Olive Garden salad at home with this simple recipe! Featuring a fresh blend of greens, zesty pepperoncinis, and a homemade Italian dressing, this salad is perfect as a side dish or a light meal. Here’s how you can put it together:

Ingredients for Salad:

  • 1 10-ounce bag of American Salad blend (typically includes iceberg and romaine lettuce, carrots, and red cabbage)
  • 6 pepperoncini peppers
  • 1 tomato, sliced
  • 1/4 red onion, thinly sliced
  • 12 black olives
  • 1 cup croutons
  • 1 tablespoon grated Parmesan cheese

Ingredients for Olive Garden Salad Dressing:

  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons white wine vinegar
  • 3 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 tablespoon mayonnaise
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon Italian seasoning

Instructions:

  1. Prepare the Dressing:
    • In a small bowl or jar, combine the olive oil, white wine vinegar, grated Parmesan cheese, mayonnaise, lemon juice, garlic salt, and Italian seasoning.
    • Whisk or shake well until all ingredients are well blended and the dressing is smooth. Set aside to let the flavors meld.
  2. Assemble the Salad:
    • In a large salad bowl, combine the American Salad blend, sliced tomato, thinly sliced red onion, black olives, and pepperoncini peppers.
    • Toss the salad ingredients gently to mix.
  3. Add Croutons and Cheese:
    • Just before serving, add the croutons and sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the top of the salad.
  4. Dress the Salad:
    • Drizzle the prepared dressing over the salad to taste. Toss everything together to ensure the salad is evenly coated with the dressing.
  5. Serve:
    • Serve the salad immediately after dressing to maintain the freshness and crunch of the ingredients.

Tips:

  • Dressing Consistency: If you prefer a creamier dressing, you can add a bit more mayonnaise.
  • Serving Size: This recipe serves about 4 as a side salad. Adjust the quantities proportionally if serving more people or as a main dish.
  • Add Protein: To make this a more filling meal, consider adding grilled chicken, shrimp, or salmon on top.

Conclusion:

This Olive Garden-inspired salad is a delightful addition to any meal, bringing a touch of Italian flair to your dining table. The homemade dressing is flavorful and easy to adjust to your taste, making it a healthier option than store-bought varieties. Enjoy the freshness and simplicity of this beloved salad anytime you crave it!