Copycat Olive Garden Italian Salad Recipe

Looking for a refreshing salad to pair with pasta at your next gathering? This Copycat Olive Garden Italian Salad is the ultimate dish to serve as a side salad for an Italian dinner. With its crisp greens and tangy flavors, it’s the best salad with spaghetti, making your meal complete and delicious.

This easy garden salad is perfect for parties, featuring a medley of fresh vegetables and a homemade copycat Olive Garden dressing that takes only minutes to whip up. Trust me, everyone will be asking for that good salad recipe after they taste it!

You can effortlessly elevate any Italian dinner with this group salad recipe. It’s not just a salad; it’s a delightful blend of textures and tastes that complement your main courses beautifully.

Vibrant Ingredients for an Inviting Salad

This Olive Garden-inspired salad features a colorful assortment of fresh ingredients that come together beautifully. The crisp romaine lettuce serves as the foundation, providing a refreshing crunch.

Halved cherry tomatoes add a burst of sweetness and color, while sliced black olives contribute a savory depth. Pepperoncini introduces a mild tanginess, enhancing the overall flavor profile.

The finishing touch is a generous sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese, which elevates the dish with its rich, nutty taste. Altogether, these elements create a salad that is both appealing and satisfying.

Crafting the Zesty Dressing

The dressing is a crucial component of this dish, infusing each bite with a delightful zing. A combination of olive oil, white vinegar, and lemon juice forms the base, balancing richness with acidity.

Additions like sugar and Italian seasoning enhance the flavor, while a hint of garlic powder rounds out the profile. This dressing perfectly complements the fresh vegetables and is simple to prepare, making it an excellent choice for any gathering.

Whisk or shake the ingredients until well combined, creating a vibrant dressing that pairs beautifully with your salad.

Assembling Your Salad

Bringing the salad together is straightforward and quick. Begin by combining the chopped romaine lettuce, cherry tomatoes, red onions, black olives, and pepperoncini in a large bowl.

This colorful mixture not only looks inviting but also provides a variety of textures and flavors. Pour the zesty dressing over the top, tossing gently to ensure the ingredients are evenly coated.

If desired, croutons can add an extra crunch, while Parmesan cheese adds a creamy finish. The result is a thoroughly delightful side salad.

Perfect for Any Occasion

This salad is versatile, making it suitable for numerous occasions, from casual family dinners to festive gatherings. It serves as a refreshing side salad that pairs wonderfully with pasta dishes, embodying the essence of Italian cuisine.

Guests will appreciate the light yet flavorful combination of ingredients, and you may find yourself asked for that good salad recipe to replicate the experience at home.

Whether it’s served alongside spaghetti, lasagna, or any other Italian meal, this dish will elevate the dining experience.

A Rustic Presentation

The ambiance of your dining setting can enhance the enjoyment of your meal. Presenting this salad on a rustic wooden table evokes a comforting Italian feel, making it feel like a special gathering.

Consider adding a few Italian-themed decorations to the table, such as a loaf of freshly baked bread or a jug of olive oil, to further enrich the atmosphere.

This setting not only makes the meal more enjoyable but also adds to the overall experience of sharing delicious food with loved ones.

Nutrition and Serving Suggestions

This salad offers a light yet satisfying option, with a balanced nutritional profile. Each serving provides essential nutrients without overwhelming calories, making it a smart choice for health-conscious diners.

To serve, consider allowing the salad to chill for a brief period, letting the flavors meld together. This step can enhance the overall taste, making it an even more enjoyable side dish.

With its fresh ingredients and zesty dressing, this Olive Garden-inspired salad is sure to become a staple in your recipe collection, perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients

• 1 head romaine lettuce, chopped
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/2 cup red onions, thinly sliced
• 1/2 cup black olives, sliced
• 1/2 cup pepperoncini, sliced
• 1 cup croutons (optional)
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• For the Dressing:
• 1/2 cup olive oil
• 1/4 cup white vinegar
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Prepare the Dressing: In a small bowl or jar, combine the olive oil, white vinegar, lemon juice, sugar, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Whisk together or shake until well blended.
2. Assemble the Salad: In a large bowl, combine the chopped romaine lettuce, cherry tomatoes, red onions, black olives, and pepperoncini.
3. Toss the Salad: Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine. If using, add croutons and sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese.
4. Serve: Serve immediately as a side salad to accompany your favorite Italian dishes, or chill for 30 minutes to let the flavors meld before serving.

Cook and Prep Times

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 15 minutes

Nutrition Information

• Servings: 6 servings
• Calories: 150kcal
• Fat: 14g
• Protein: 3g
• Carbohydrates: 7g