Copycat Olive Garden Salad Recipe

Ingredients

Original Recipe Yield (1X): 8 servings

Dressing:

• 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
• 3 tablespoons mayonnaise
• 1 tablespoon white wine vinegar
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• 1 1/2 teaspoons white sugar
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 3/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1 garlic clove, crushed
• 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

Salad:

• 2 (5 ounce) packages American salad mix
• 3/4 cup pitted black olives
• 3/4 cup pickled pepperoncini
• 1/2 cup thinly sliced red onion
• 2 plum tomatoes, sliced
• 1 (4 1/2 ounce) package large seasoned croutons

Directions

Step 1: In a food processor, combine the olive oil, mayonnaise, white wine vinegar, fresh lemon juice, white sugar, kosher salt, black pepper, Italian seasoning, crushed garlic, and freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Process until the mixture is smooth and thoroughly combined.

Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, add the American salad mix, pitted black olives, pickled pepperoncini, thinly sliced red onion, sliced plum tomatoes, and large seasoned croutons.

Step 3: Drizzle the prepared dressing over the salad mixture and toss gently to coat the ingredients evenly with the dressing.

Step 4: Allow the salad to rest for 5 minutes before serving to let the flavors meld together.

Nutrition Facts

Per Serving (1/8 of recipe)

• Calories: 156
• Total Fat: 13g (17% Daily Value)
• Saturated Fat: 2g (11% Daily Value)
• Cholesterol: 5mg (2% Daily Value)
• Sodium: 567mg (25% Daily Value)
• Total Carbohydrate: 8g (3% Daily Value)
• Dietary Fiber: 2g (7% Daily Value)
• Total Sugars: 3g
• Protein: 2g (5% Daily Value)
• Vitamin C: 23mg (25% Daily Value)
• Calcium: 65mg (5% Daily Value)
• Iron: 1mg (6% Daily Value)
• Potassium: 228mg (5% Daily Value)

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 20 minutes

Yield: 8 servings

Ingredients

• 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
• 3 tablespoons mayonnaise
• 1 tablespoon white wine vinegar
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• 1 1/2 teaspoons white sugar
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 3/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1 garlic clove, crushed
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 (5 ounce) packages American salad mix
• 3/4 cup pitted black olives
• 3/4 cup pickled pepperoncini
• 1/2 cup thinly sliced red onion
• 2 plum tomatoes, sliced
• 1 (4 1/2 ounce) package large seasoned croutons

Instructions

1. Combine olive oil, mayonnaise, vinegar, lemon juice, sugar, salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, garlic, and Parmesan in a food processor, and process until thoroughly combined.
2. Combine salad mix, olives, pepperoncini, onion, tomatoes, and croutons in a large bowl. Drizzle salad with dressing; toss to coat. Let stand for 5 minutes before serving.

History of the Olive Garden Salad

The Olive Garden Salad has become a staple of American dining, particularly when paired with their famous soup, salad, and breadsticks combination. This Italian-inspired dish became a signature at Olive Garden, a restaurant chain that first opened its doors in 1982. The salad was created to accompany the restaurant's rich and flavorful Italian-American meals, providing a refreshing contrast to heavier dishes like pasta and lasagna. Its popularity led to the development of numerous "copycat" recipes like the one featured here, allowing fans to recreate the beloved salad at home.

Regional Variations

While the Olive Garden Salad itself doesn't have many regional variations, different Olive Garden locations around the U.S. may slightly alter the dressing or ingredient amounts based on local preferences. In the southern states, you may find a slightly spicier version, with additional peppers or hotter pepperoncini. On the West Coast, variations often include fresh, local vegetables like avocado or a sprinkle of extra fresh herbs. However, the main structure of the saladfeaturing a base of American salad mix, olives, pepperoncini, Parmesan cheese, and croutonsremains consistent across regions.

How It Differs From Other Similar Salads

What makes the Olive Garden Salad stand out from other side salads is its tangy and creamy dressing, which combines mayonnaise, olive oil, white wine vinegar, lemon juice, and Parmesan cheese, giving it a distinctive rich yet refreshing flavor. The use of pepperoncini peppers and black olives adds a zesty, briny kick that contrasts with the mild, leafy salad mix. Unlike typical salads, which are usually more neutral in flavor, this salad has a bold, tangy profile that pairs wonderfully with a variety of Italian dishes.

Where Is the Olive Garden Salad Served?

The Olive Garden Salad is typically served at Olive Garden restaurants across the United States, often as part of the restaurant's "Never Ending Pasta Bowl" or "Soup, Salad & Breadsticks" combos. This salad is so popular that it has become an integral part of Olive Gardens brand identity. In fact, many guests claim that the salad is just as memorable as the restaurants main dishes. Whether youre dining in or enjoying takeout, the salad is a crowd-pleaser that keeps patrons coming back for more.

Fun Facts About the Olive Garden Salad

• The dressing for the Olive Garden Salad is one of the restaurant's best-kept secrets. While the ingredients are commonly known, the precise recipe is a closely guarded formula that has been fine-tuned over the years.
• Despite being an Italian-inspired dish, the Olive Garden Salad has been adapted with American ingredients like iceberg lettuce and packaged salad mixes, making it an accessible option for anyone to prepare at home.
• The salads inclusion of pepperoncini peppers is a nod to Italian antipasti traditions, where pickled vegetables and olives are often served as part of a starter course to stimulate the appetite.
• In 2020, Olive Garden launched an official line of bottled dressings, including their famous Italian dressing, which made it even easier for fans to replicate the beloved salad at home.

Conclusion

The Copycat Olive Garden Salad recipe is a perfect way to recreate the beloved dish at home. With its creamy, tangy dressing and the combination of bold flavors like pepperoncini and black olives, this salad is a great side dish for any meal. Whether youre looking to enjoy a restaurant favorite or impress guests at home, this recipe is sure to be a hit!

FAQ about Copycat Olive Garden Salad Recipe

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