Copycat Olive Garden Salad Recipe

Sharing is caring!

Copycat Olive Garden Salad Recipe is one of the best parts of dining at Olive Garden, their famous house salad—fresh, crisp, and tossed in their signature Italian dressing.

Now, you can recreate that same delicious Copycat Olive Garden Salad Recipe at home using Olive Garden’s bottled dressing from the grocery store. This Copycat Olive Garden Salad is the perfect side dish for pasta, pizza, or any Italian-inspired meal.

Why You’ll Love This Salad

• Restaurant-Quality at Home – Enjoy the flavors of Olive Garden without leaving your kitchen.
• Quick & Easy – Just chop, toss, and serve in minutes!
• Customizable – Add your favorite toppings or proteins to make it a full meal.
• Perfect for Any Occasion – Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or making a simple family meal, this salad is always a hit.

Ingredients

• 1 head romaine or iceberg lettuce, chopped
• 1/2 cup pepperoncini peppers, sliced
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/4 cup black olives, sliced
• 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
• 1 cup croutons
• 1/2 cup Olive Garden Italian Dressing (store-bought)
• Freshly ground black pepper (to taste)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Salad

1. Chop the lettuce into bite-sized pieces and place it in a large salad bowl.
2. Slice the pepperoncini peppers and halve the cherry tomatoes.
3. Slice the black olives and add them to the bowl.

Step 2: Assemble the Salad

1. Sprinkle the grated parmesan cheese and croutons over the salad.
2. Drizzle the Olive Garden Italian Dressing over the top.
3. Toss everything gently until evenly coated.
4. Season with freshly ground black pepper to taste.

Step 3: Serve & Enjoy

1. Serve immediately as a side dish to pasta, pizza, or any Italian meal.
2. For extra freshness, garnish with additional parmesan cheese or a few lemon wedges.

Tips & Variations

• Add Protein – Toss in grilled chicken, shrimp, or even crispy bacon for a heartier salad.
• Make It Creamy – Mix in a little ranch or Caesar dressing for a twist on the classic.
• Extra Crunch – Add sliced cucumbers or shredded carrots for added texture.
• Spice It Up – If you love a little heat, add extra pepperoncini or red pepper flakes.

Perfect for Any Meal

This Copycat Olive Garden Salad pairs perfectly with a bowl of pasta, a warm slice of garlic bread, or even a homemade pizza.

It’s fresh, delicious, and easy to prepare, making it a go-to for any meal.