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Olive Garden Salad and Dressing Copycat Recipe

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4.2 from 8 reviews

This Olive Garden Salad and Dressing Copycat Recipe recreates the beloved restaurant salad with fresh, crisp lettuce, ripe tomatoes, sharp red onions, shredded carrots, black olives, parmesan cheese, crunchy garlic croutons, and pepperoncini peppers. The Zesty Italian dressing is made from a blend of Italian seasoning mix, olive oil, white vinegar, Dijon mustard, mayo, and seasonings, delivering the perfect balance of tangy and savory flavors. Ready in just 15 minutes, this vibrant salad is a perfect side or light meal.

  • Total Time: 15 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings

Ingredients

Salad Ingredients

  • 6 cups chopped lettuce
  • 2 roma tomatoes (sliced)
  • ½ red onion (thinly sliced)
  • ¼ cup shredded carrots
  • ½ cup whole black olives
  • ⅓ cup shaved or freshly grated parmesan (more to taste)
  • 1 cup garlic croutons
  • Pepperoncini peppers (to taste)

Dressing Ingredients

  • 1.7 ounce Zesty Italian Dressing Mix
  • ¾ cup extra virgin olive oil
  • ⅓ cup white vinegar
  • ¼ cup water
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 tablespoon mayo
  • ½ teaspoon granulated sugar
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon herbs de Provence (optional)
  • ½ teaspoon salt (or to taste)
  • Cracked black pepper (to taste)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Salad: In a large bowl, toss together the chopped lettuce, sliced roma tomatoes, shredded carrots, thinly sliced red onions, and whole black olives until well combined.
  2. Add Toppings: Sprinkle shaved or freshly grated parmesan cheese over the salad. Add garlic croutons and a desired amount of pepperoncini peppers on top.
  3. Make the Dressing: In a jar with a tight-fitting lid, combine the Zesty Italian Dressing Mix, extra virgin olive oil, white vinegar, water, Dijon mustard, mayo, granulated sugar, garlic powder, herbs de Provence (if using), salt, and cracked black pepper. Shake vigorously until all ingredients are fully incorporated and the dressing is emulsified.
  4. Toss and Serve: Pour the dressing over the salad just before serving. Toss gently to evenly coat all the ingredients with the dressing. Serve immediately and enjoy the fresh, tangy flavors.

Notes

  • For best flavor, toss the salad with dressing right before serving to keep the lettuce crisp.
  • You can adjust the amount of pepperoncini peppers based on your spice preference.
  • Herbs de Provence is optional but adds a subtle floral herbal note to the dressing.
  • Use freshly grated parmesan for a more intense cheese flavor.
  • Store leftover dressing in the refrigerator for up to one week; shake well before using again.
  • If desired, substitute mayo with Greek yogurt for a lighter dressing option.
  • Author: Chef
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes
  • Category: Salad
  • Method: No-Cook
  • Cuisine: Italian-American
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Find it online: https://avascooking.com/olive-garden-salad-and-dressing-copycat-recipe/