Name: Homemade Olive Garden Salad with Fresh Veggies and Creamy Dressing Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 1 10-ounce bag American Salad blend; 6 pepperoncini peppers; 1 tomato, sliced; 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced; 12 black olives, sliced; 1 cup croutons; 1 tablespoon Parmesan, grated; 1/4 cup olive oil; 2 tablespoons white wine vinegar; 3 tablespoons Parmesan cheese, grated; 1 tablespoon mayonnaise; 1 tablespoon lemon juice; 1/2 teaspoon garlic salt; 1/4 teaspoon Italian seasoning

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Introduction

The Olive Garden Salad is a fresh and flavorful mix of crisp greens, tangy pepperoncini, and a zesty homemade dressing that brings everything together. This classic salad is perfect as a side or a light meal on its own.

A clear glass bowl filled with a fresh salad sits on a white marbled surface. The salad has three main layers: a base of light green lettuce leaves, a middle layer of bright red tomato slices and yellow pepperoncini peppers, and a top layer with crunchy golden brown croutons, dark black olives, and thin slices of purple onion. The salad is lightly sprinkled with shredded white cheese, adding a soft texture on top of the colorful vegetables. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 batch Olive Garden Salad Dressing
1 10-ounce bag American Salad blend
6 pepperoncini peppers
1 tomato, sliced
1/4 red onion, thinly sliced
12 black olives, sliced
1 cup croutons
1 tablespoon grated Parmesan cheese

For the 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

Step 1: Make the Olive Garden Salad Dressing by grating the Parmesan cheese using a cheese grater.
Step 2: Add olive oil, white wine vinegar, grated Parmesan, mayonnaise, lemon juice, garlic salt, and Italian seasoning to a blender.
Step 3: Use the pulse or blend function to mix the ingredients until smooth and well combined. Set aside or refrigerate until ready to use.
Step 4: Prepare the salad by washing and chopping the tomato, slicing the olives and red onion thinly.
Step 5: In a large bowl, combine the salad blend, pepperoncini peppers, chopped tomato, sliced red onion, sliced black olives, croutons, and grated Parmesan cheese.
Step 6: Toss the salad gently with salad utensils, then pour the homemade dressing over the top. Toss again to coat evenly and serve immediately.

Tips & Variations

For extra crunch, add toasted pine nuts or sliced almonds to the salad.
You can substitute mayonnaise with Greek yogurt for a lighter dressing.
Add some cooked, sliced chicken breast to make this salad a hearty main dish.
Let the dressing chill for at least 30 minutes before using to enhance flavors.

Storage

Store leftover dressing in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. The salad is best enjoyed fresh, but if needed, store the undressed salad ingredients separately. Combine and toss the salad with dressing just before serving to maintain crispness.

How to Serve

A clear glass bowl on a white marbled surface holds a fresh salad with several layers and colors: the base layer is light green crisp lettuce, topped with thin slices of purple onion and red tomato, scattered with small black olives and golden brown croutons, and finished with two bright yellow pepperoncini peppers standing out. The salad is lightly sprinkled with shredded white cheese, adding a soft texture on top. A glass bottle with dressing sits nearby, along with wooden utensils partially visible at the side. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make the dressing ahead of time?

Yes, the dressing can be made up to a week in advance and kept refrigerated. Just give it a good shake or stir before using.

What can I substitute if I don’t have pepperoncini peppers?

If you can’t find pepperoncini, banana peppers or mild pickled jalapeños make good substitutes that provide a similar tangy and slightly spicy flavor.