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There’s just something irresistible about Olive Garden’s famous house salad. With crisp lettuce, tangy dressing, and that signature mix of pepperoncini, olives, and crunchy croutons, it’s one of those recipes that turns even a simple meal into something special. Whether you’re pairing it with pasta, pizza, or grilled chicken, this easy copycat recipe brings all those iconic flavors home with very little effort.

You can serve this right alongside my homemade Olive Garden Signature Italian Dressing, which gives this salad its unmistakable flavor. You might also want to check out my Olive Garden garlic breadsticks or even my crock pot Olive Garden chicken pasta for a complete restaurant-style meal. This salad is quick enough for weeknights but impressive enough for guests.

It’s super versatile too. You can use a bagged lettuce mix to save time or chop up a fresh head of iceberg. The key is in the combination of textures and flavors—sweet tomatoes, sharp onions, salty olives, spicy pepperoncini, and a generous sprinkle of parmesan cheese all tossed in that famous dressing.

What You Will Love About This Recipe
This copycat Olive Garden salad tastes just like the real thing, but it’s even fresher. It’s easy to throw together, full of bold flavor, and customizable to your tastes. Serve it as a side dish or add grilled chicken to make it a full meal. Plus, it’s budget-friendly and way faster than takeout.

How to make Copycat Olive Garden Salad

• Add the lettuce to a large bowl.  
• Add in the red onion slices, tomato slices, olives, pepperoncini, and croutons. 
• Toss to combine
• Pour your desired amount of Olive Garden Signature Italian dressing over your salad. 

• Top with shaved parmesan. 
• Enjoy!

Tips & Tricks

For extra crunch, toast your croutons in a skillet with a little olive oil before tossing them in.

Use a mandoline slicer to get your red onions super thin and evenly cut.

Chill your salad bowl before tossing everything together—it keeps the lettuce crisp longer.

If you’re making this ahead of time, wait to add the dressing and croutons until just before serving.

Try using cherry tomatoes for a burst of sweetness and color.

FAQs

Can I use romaine lettuce instead of iceberg?
Yes! While iceberg gives the classic crunch, romaine works well too, or you can do a mix of both.

Is this salad keto-friendly?
Without the croutons, it’s a great low-carb side. Just double-check your dressing ingredients or make my homemade version for full control.

How long will leftovers keep in the fridge?
Once dressed, the salad is best enjoyed right away. But if you store the components separately, you can prep them up to 2 days in advance.

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