Copycat Olive Garden Salad and Dressing
The famous house salad at home: crisp lettuce, tomatoes, red onion, black olives, pepperoncini and croutons with a creamy, tangy Italian dressing made with simple pantry ingredients.
The house salad is what a lot of people order Olive Garden for. It is simple: cold iceberg and romaine, tomato, red onion, black olives, pepperoncini, croutons and a shower of parmesan, all tossed in a tangy, slightly creamy Italian dressing.
This homemade dressing is our own version of that flavor, made with white vinegar, a little mayonnaise, parmesan and Italian herbs.
Make a big bowl for pasta night and you will not miss the restaurant.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Tastes like the restaurant salad
- Dressing made in 5 minutes
- Simple pantry ingredients
- Perfect with any pasta
Ingredient Notes
Lettuce: A mix of iceberg and romaine gives the cold crunch of the restaurant salad. A bagged Italian blend works too.
Pepperoncini: These mild pickled peppers add the tang that makes this salad. Look for them near the pickles and olives.
See the recipe card below for full measurements.
How to Make Copycat Olive Garden Salad and Dressing
Make the dressing
Blend or whisk the mayonnaise, vinegar, olive oil, parmesan, lemon juice, sugar, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt and water until smooth and creamy.
Chill
Refrigerate the dressing for at least 30 minutes if you have time so the flavors blend.
Prep the salad
Wash and dry the lettuce well, then chop it into bite-size pieces and chill it in a large bowl.
Add toppings
Add the tomatoes, red onion, olives and pepperoncini.
Toss and serve
Just before serving, toss with about half the dressing. Top with croutons and parmesan and serve the rest of the dressing on the side.
Tips for the Best Results
- Dry the lettuce well so the dressing clings.
- Chill the bowl for the cold, crisp restaurant feel.
- Add the croutons at the last minute so they stay crunchy.
- Use a microplane for fluffy grated parmesan on top.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
| Mistake | How to fix it |
|---|---|
| Watery dressing | Dry the lettuce completely in a salad spinner. |
| Soggy croutons | Add them right before serving. |
| Dressing too sharp | Let it rest 30 minutes, or add another pinch of sugar. |
Substitutions
- Mayonnaise: Plain Greek yogurt for a lighter dressing.
- Iceberg: All romaine or a spring mix.
- Croutons: Toasted pita chips or roasted chickpeas.
What to Serve With It
- Copycat Olive Garden chicken alfredo
- Classic baked ziti
- Slow cooker minestrone soup
- Soft dinner rolls
Storage and Reheating
Fridge: Keep the dressing in a jar for up to 1 week. Undressed salad keeps 2 days.
Freezer: Do not freeze.
Reheat: Serve cold. Shake the dressing before using.
Tools That Make This Easier
- Salad spinnerDries lettuce so the dressing sticks.Check price on Amazon
- Large salad bowlRoom to toss without spilling.Check price on Amazon
- Microplane graterMakes fine, fluffy parmesan.Check price on Amazon
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Copycat Olive Garden Salad and Dressing
The famous house salad at home: crisp lettuce, tomatoes, red onion, black olives, pepperoncini and croutons with a creamy, tangy Italian dressing made with simple pantry ingredients.
Ingredients
Italian dressing
Salad
Instructions
- Blend or whisk the mayonnaise, vinegar, olive oil, parmesan, lemon juice, sugar, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt and water until smooth and creamy.
- Refrigerate the dressing for at least 30 minutes if you have time so the flavors blend.
- Wash and dry the lettuce well, then chop it into bite-size pieces and chill it in a large bowl.
- Add the tomatoes, red onion, olives and pepperoncini.
- Just before serving, toss with about half the dressing. Top with croutons and parmesan and serve the rest of the dressing on the side.
Nutrition (per serving)
- Calories
- 250 kcal
- Protein
- 4 g
- Carbohydrates
- 11 g
- Total Fat
- 21 g
- Saturated Fat
- 4 g
- Fiber
- 2 g
- Sugar
- 5 g
- Sodium
- 620 mg
Nutrition is an estimate per serving without optional sauces, calculated from standard USDA values. It will vary with brands and portion sizes.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is in Olive Garden salad?
Iceberg and romaine lettuce, tomatoes, red onion, black olives, pepperoncini, croutons and parmesan, tossed in Italian dressing.
Is this dressing the same as Olive Garden's?
It is our own homemade version made to taste close to it. It is creamy, tangy and herby, made with plain white vinegar.
How long does homemade Italian dressing last?
About 1 week in a sealed jar in the fridge. Shake it before using.
Can I make the salad ahead?
Chop the lettuce and toppings up to 2 days ahead and store them separately. Dress and add croutons right before serving.
