There’s something undeniably delightful about a crisp, fresh Olive Garden Salad. Imagine biting into a medley of crunchy romaine, juicy tomatoes, and tangy olives, all drizzled with a zesty dressing that dances on your taste buds. With each forkful, you can almost hear the clinking glasses and laughter from the Olive Garden restaurant, transporting you straight to a cozy corner table with friends. For more inspiration, check out this dill pickle macaroni salad recipe.

This salad is not just a side; it’s a celebration of flavors and textures that can brighten up any meal. Whether it’s a family gathering or a casual dinner night at home, the Olive Garden Salad brings joy and nostalgia to the table, promising an unforgettable experience with every bite.

I remember the first time I made this salad for my family; they were impressed by how quickly they devoured it and even asked for seconds!

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Romaine Lettuce: Fresh and crisp romaine is essential for that satisfying crunch in each bite.
• Cherry Tomatoes: Choose plump, vibrant cherry tomatoes that burst with sweetness when bitten into.
• Cucumber: Opt for English cucumbers for their mild flavor and crunchy texture.
• Red Onion: A thin slice adds a sharpness that balances the salad beautifully.
• Black Olives: Use pitted black olives for their briny richness that complements the other ingredients.
• Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan gives an extra kick of savory goodness. creamy comfort food option.
• Italian Dressing: A good quality Italian dressing ties together all these fresh flavors perfectly.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below. For more inspiration, check out this garlic bread recipe recipe.

Let’s Make it Together

Gather your ingredients; we’re diving into making this incredible Olive Garden Salad that will have you feeling like you’re dining out in style.

Chop the Greens: Start by rinsing the romaine lettuce under cold water until crisp. Tear or chop it into bite-sized pieces and place them in a large mixing bowl.

Add Colorful Veggies: Slice those cherry tomatoes in half and add them to the bowl. refreshing drink to enjoy Next, peel and dice the cucumber into refreshing chunks before tossing them in too.

Onion Time!: Thinly slice red onion rings for added zing. If you’re worried about overpowering flavors, soak them briefly in cold water to mellow their intensity before adding them.

Olive It Up!: Toss in pitted black olives for a salty contrast that rounds out the salad’s flavor profile nicely. Feel free to adjust how many you add based on your personal preference.

Add Cheese and Dressing: Sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan cheese over your colorful mix. Drizzle generously with Italian dressing, adjusting to taste—who doesn’t love an extra drizzle?

Toss Together: Give everything a gentle toss until well combined. You want every ingredient coated in luscious dressing without squishing anything! Serve immediately for optimal crunchiness and freshness.

Now you have created an amazing Olive Garden Salad! Enjoy it solo or as a side dish alongside your favorite pasta or grilled chicken—because let’s be honest; what isn’t better with some carbs? perfect pairing with salad. tasty side dish for salad.

Tips

• Fresh ingredients make all the difference for a vibrant Olive Garden Salad. Use crisp lettuce, ripe tomatoes, and crunchy cucumbers for that satisfying bite. I once used old lettuce and learned the hard way—freshness is key!
• Dress your salad just before serving to prevent sogginess. A friend once left dressing on overnight—let’s just say it wasn’t Instagram-worthy.
• Mix in your favorite toppings like olives or pepperoncini for an extra zing. One time, I added too many toppings and lost the salad’s charm. Balance is essential!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by washing and chopping your veggies first. Assemble the salad right before serving to keep everything fresh and crispy.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap out ingredients based on what you have. Try adding grilled chicken or chickpeas for protein or experimenting with different dressings.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftover salad in an airtight container without dressing for up to two days. To refresh, add fresh greens and dressing when ready to eat.

I remember making this salad for a family gathering, and everyone was raving about it! The smiles were worth every chopped veggie.

FAQ

What ingredients are essential for an Olive Garden Salad?

Key ingredients include fresh greens, tomatoes, cucumbers, olives, and Italian dressing.

Can I prepare the Olive Garden Salad in advance?

You can prep veggies ahead but add dressing just before serving to maintain freshness.

How do I make my own Olive Garden-style dressing?

Combine olive oil, vinegar, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning for a homemade version.

Print

Olive Garden Salad

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• Author: Mery Mack
• Total Time: 15 minutes
• Yield: Serves 4

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Description

Savor the vibrant flavors of a classic Olive Garden Salad, where crisp romaine, juicy tomatoes, and tangy olives come together in perfect harmony. With a zesty Italian dressing that brings it all to life, this salad is not just a side dish; it’s an experience that adds joy to any meal. Quick and customizable, it’s perfect for family gatherings or cozy dinners at home.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 4 cups romaine lettuce, chopped
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 cup cucumber, diced (preferably English cucumber)
• 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
• 1/3 cup black olives, pitted
• 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 cup Italian dressing

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Instructions

1. Rinse and chop the romaine lettuce into bite-sized pieces; place in a large mixing bowl.
2. Add halved cherry tomatoes and diced cucumber to the bowl.
3. Thinly slice the red onion; soak briefly in cold water if necessary. Add to the mix.
4. Toss in pitted black olives.
5. Sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan over the salad.
6. Drizzle with Italian dressing and toss gently until well combined. Serve immediately for optimal freshness.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Category: Salad
• Method: No cooking required
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 salad (200g)
• Calories: 220
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 350mg
• Fat: 14g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 16g
• Fiber: 4g
• Protein: 6g
• Cholesterol: 15mg

Keywords: For added protein, consider including grilled chicken or chickpeas. Customize with your favorite toppings like pepperoncini for an extra kick. Store leftovers without dressing in an airtight container for up to two days; add fresh greens and dressing before serving.