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Copycat Olive Garden Salad

Copycat Olive Garden Salad
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This Copycat Olive Garden Salad recipe brings the iconic fresh, zesty, and crunchy restaurant salad right to your home table. Featuring a perfect blend of crisp romaine and iceberg lettuces, colorful shredded carrots, red cabbage, green onions, Kalamata olives, pepperoncini peppers, and shredded Parmesan cheese, all tossed in a homemade tangy Italian dressing. Quick and easy to prepare in under 15 minutes, it’s a versatile salad perfect for any meal or gathering while allowing customizable options to suit your dietary preferences.

Ingredients

Scale

Salad Base

  • 3 cups romaine lettuce, washed and chopped
  • 3 cups iceberg lettuce, washed and chopped

Vegetables and Toppings

  • 1/2 cup shredded carrots
  • 1/2 cup red cabbage, finely sliced
  • 2 green onions, thinly sliced
  • 1/4 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and sliced if needed
  • 1/4 cup pepperoncini peppers, sliced
  • 1/4 cup shredded Parmesan cheese

Homemade Italian Dressing

  • 1/3 cup olive oil
  • 3 tablespoons white wine vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt, adjust to taste
  • 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, adjust to taste

Instructions

  1. Prep the greens: Wash and dry the romaine and iceberg lettuces thoroughly, then chop them into bite-sized pieces. This ensures every forkful has the perfect crunch and freshness.
  2. Prepare the vegetables and toppings: Shred the carrots and finely slice the red cabbage and green onions. Slice the pepperoncini peppers and pit the Kalamata olives if needed, arranging all these ingredients ready to layer into the salad.
  3. Make the dressing: Whisk together olive oil, white wine vinegar, lemon juice, sugar, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. This homemade dressing captures the classic, tangy flavor so essential to the Copycat Olive Garden Salad.
  4. Toss it all together: In a large bowl, combine the lettuces, shredded carrots, cabbage, olives, pepperoncini, and green onions. Pour over the dressing and toss gently to make sure everything is coated evenly.
  5. Finish with Parmesan: Sprinkle freshly shredded Parmesan cheese over the top and give the salad one last gentle toss before serving. This step adds a delicious, savory note to every bite.

Notes

  • Freshness matters: Use crisp, fresh lettuce and vegetables to replicate the signature crunch.
  • Dress just before serving: Toss the salad with dressing right before eating to prevent sogginess.
  • Make your own dressing: Homemade Italian dressing really elevates the authenticity and taste.
  • Use a salad spinner: Drying lettuces properly helps the dressing cling and improves texture.
  • Adjust seasoning to taste: Start with less salt and sugar, then add gradually for perfect balance.

Nutrition

Keywords: Copycat Olive Garden Salad, Italian salad, homemade Italian dressing, fresh salad recipe, Gluten Free salad, restaurant salad copycat

Find it online: https://elenaglam.com/copycat-olive-garden-salad/