A Salad That’s a Crowd-Pleaser: Olive Garden Salad Recipe for Busy Nights

Looking for a refreshing and delicious salad that brings a little bit of Italy to your dinner table, but doesn’t require hours in the kitchen? The Olive Garden Salad is your answer! Perfect for busy families and professionals, this salad combines a variety of textures and flavors that will have everyone coming back for seconds.

This vibrant salad features crisp romaine lettuce that’s crunchy and refreshing, paired with perfectly sliced red onions and ripe tomatoes. Toss in some savory black olives and zesty pepperoncini for that perfect tang, all topped off with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese and homemade croutons for a satisfying crunch. This Olive Garden Salad is not just food; it’s a taste experience, mingling crisp, savory, tangy, and cheesy elements all in one bowl.

Why should you whip up this delightful dish? Here are a few reasons:

• Quick and Easy: This salad comes together in no time, making it ideal for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings.
• Great for Meal Prep: You can prepare the ingredients ahead of time, making it a convenient option for lunches.
• Family Favorite: With its satisfying flavors and textures, it’s sure to become a staple in your household.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Ready in 15 minutes
• Uses simple, fresh ingredients
• Perfect for weekly meal prep
• Customizable to suit your tastes

Ingredients for Olive Garden Salad

• 8 cups romaine lettuce, sliced
• 1 cup homemade croutons
• 1/2 cup Light Olive Garden Italian salad dressing
• 1/2 cup red onion, sliced
• 1/3 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
• 24 low sodium pitted black olives
• 9 Pepperoncini peppers, sliced
• 2 Roma tomatoes, chopped

Step-by-Step Instructions of Olive Garden Salad

1. Prepare the lettuce: Wash and slice the romaine lettuce, then place it in a large salad bowl.
2. Add the vegetables: Layer the sliced red onion, black olives, Pepperoncini peppers, and chopped tomatoes over the lettuce.
3. Sprinkle the cheese: Add the shredded Parmesan cheese evenly on top of the salad.
4. Toss the dressing: Drizzle the Light Olive Garden Italian dressing over the salad, then gently toss to combine all the ingredients.
5. Top with croutons: Finish by adding the homemade croutons for that satisfying crunch.

Tips for Success

• Use fresh ingredients: Fresh lettuce and ripe tomatoes elevate the salad’s flavor.
• Make your croutons: Homemade croutons add a personal touch and are easy to make.
• Adjust the dressing: Feel free to add more or less dressing based on your taste preference.

Substitutions & Variations of Olive Garden Salad

• To Make It Vegan/Gluten-Free: Use a vegan dressing and gluten-free croutons to maintain all the flavors without allergens.
• Variations: Add grilled chicken for protein, or swap the dressing for a balsamic vinaigrette for a different flavor twist.

Storage Instructions of Olive Garden Salad

• Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days, but be mindful that the croutons may get soggy.
• Freezer: This salad is best eaten fresh and doesn’t freeze well due to the texture.
• Make-Ahead: To save time, chop your veggies a day in advance and store in the fridge, then assemble right before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) of Olive Garden Salad

• Can I use regular Italian dressing instead of Light Olive Garden Italian dressing?
  Yes, feel free to use any Italian dressing you prefer for added flavor.

• How can I make my croutons extra crispy?
  Bake them at a high temperature for a shorter time and toss them halfway through.

• Is this salad suitable for meal prep?
  Absolutely! Just keep the dressing separate until you’re ready to eat to ensure the salad stays crisp.

Finale Toughts

With its crunchy lettuce, savory cheese, and zesty olives, the Olive Garden Salad offers a perfect balance of flavors and textures that will please any crowd. Next time you’re in need of a quick and appealing side dish or a light meal, give this recipe a try! Your taste buds will thank you. Don’t forget to leave a comment and a star rating to share your experience!

Olive Garden Salad

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A refreshing salad that combines romaine lettuce, red onions, tomatoes, black olives, and zesty pepperoncini topped with Parmesan cheese and croutons.

• Total Time: 15 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings

Ingredients

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• 8 cups romaine lettuce, sliced
• 1 cup homemade croutons
• 1/2 cup Light Olive Garden Italian salad dressing
• 1/2 cup red onion, sliced
• 1/3 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
• 24 low sodium pitted black olives
• 9 Pepperoncini peppers, sliced
• 2 Roma tomatoes, chopped

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Instructions

1. Wash and slice the romaine lettuce, then place it in a large salad bowl.
2. Layer the sliced red onion, black olives, Pepperoncini peppers, and chopped tomatoes over the lettuce.
3. Add the shredded Parmesan cheese evenly on top of the salad.
4. Drizzle the Light Olive Garden Italian dressing over the salad, then gently toss to combine all the ingredients.
5. Finish by adding the homemade croutons for that satisfying crunch.

Notes

Use fresh ingredients for the best flavor. Adjust the amount of dressing based on your taste preference.

• Author: soukaina
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Category: Salad
• Method: No-Cook
• Cuisine: Italian
• Diet: Vegetarian