Olive Garden Salad is a fresh, zesty, and crowd-pleasing dish inspired by the iconic restaurant favorite. It’s crisp, tangy, and full of texture—with crunchy lettuce, juicy tomatoes, olives, red onions, and pepperoncini peppers, all tossed in a signature Italian dressing. The combination of savory Parmesan cheese and garlicky croutons makes every bite crave-worthy.
This salad is famous for its balance of bright acidity, crunch, and creamy tang from the dressing. It’s simple enough for weeknight dinners but special enough for entertaining. Whether served as a starter, side, or light main, Olive Garden Salad brings restaurant-quality flavor right to your table.
The best part? You can easily recreate it at home using fresh ingredients and a homemade Italian dressing that’s just as flavorful—zippy, herby, and perfectly balanced.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Each ingredient contributes to that signature Olive Garden flavor and texture. Here’s what you’ll need and how to modify it if needed.
Romaine Lettuce: Provides a crisp, refreshing base. You can mix with iceberg lettuce for extra crunch.
Red Onion: Adds sharpness and color. If you prefer a milder taste, soak the sliced onions in cold water for 10 minutes.
Tomatoes: Use grape or cherry tomatoes for sweetness and juiciness. Diced Roma tomatoes also work well.
Black Olives: Give a briny, savory flavor that balances the dressing. Green olives can be substituted for a bolder taste.
Pepperoncini Peppers: A must for the signature Olive Garden tang and mild heat. Banana peppers are a suitable swap.
Croutons: Add satisfying crunch. Homemade or store-bought both work—choose garlic or Italian-seasoned for authenticity.
Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan gives the salad its salty, nutty flavor. You can also use shaved Parmesan or Romano cheese.
Italian Dressing: The heart of the salad. Use a homemade version with olive oil, vinegar, Parmesan, and herbs for the best flavor.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Large salad bowl
- Small mixing bowl or jar (for dressing)
- Whisk or fork
- Cutting board and knife
- Tongs or salad servers
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Grilled Chicken Olive Garden Salad: Add sliced grilled chicken for a hearty main dish version.
- Antipasto Twist: Add sliced salami, provolone cheese, and roasted red peppers for Italian deli vibes.
- Creamy Dressing: Whisk a tablespoon of mayonnaise or Greek yogurt into the dressing for a thicker texture.
- Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes or spicy pepperoncini for more heat.
- Low-Carb Option: Skip the croutons and add extra cheese or sliced cucumbers.
- Vegan Version: Omit cheese and use a dairy-free Italian dressing.
How to Make Olive Garden Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 6 cups chopped romaine lettuce (or romaine-iceberg mix)
- 1 cup grape or cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup sliced red onion
- 1/2 cup sliced black olives
- 1/2 cup sliced pepperoncini peppers
- 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup seasoned croutons
For the Olive Garden–Style Dressing:
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup white wine vinegar
- 2 tablespoons water
- 1 tablespoon mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This salad takes just 15 minutes from start to finish—perfect for a quick, restaurant-style side or light meal at home.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Dressing
In a small bowl or jar, whisk together olive oil, vinegar, water, mayonnaise, Parmesan, sugar, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper until smooth. Taste and adjust seasoning. Chill in the refrigerator while you prepare the salad.
2. Prepare the Salad Base
In a large bowl, combine chopped lettuce, tomatoes, red onions, black olives, and pepperoncini. Toss lightly to distribute ingredients evenly.
3. Add Cheese and Croutons
Sprinkle grated Parmesan and croutons over the salad. If serving immediately, proceed to dressing; if prepping ahead, add croutons right before serving to maintain crunch.
4. Dress and Toss
Drizzle the prepared dressing over the salad. Use tongs to toss gently until everything is lightly coated. Adjust seasoning with salt or pepper if needed.
5. Serve
Serve immediately while crisp and fresh. For the classic Olive Garden presentation, top with extra Parmesan and a few whole pepperoncini peppers.
Pro Tips for Best Texture & Taste
To get that restaurant-style flavor and texture at home, follow these simple tips:
- Chill your salad bowl and dressing before assembling—it keeps everything crisp and refreshing.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan instead of pre-shredded for better flavor and texture.
- Dry the lettuce thoroughly before adding dressing to prevent sogginess.
- Add croutons right before serving to keep them crunchy.
- For extra tang, add a splash of the pepperoncini brine to the dressing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make Olive Garden Salad ahead of time?
Yes! You can prep all the ingredients a few hours in advance and store them separately in the refrigerator. Add dressing and croutons just before serving for the best texture.
Can I use store-bought dressing?
Absolutely. Olive Garden sells its signature Italian dressing in most grocery stores. It’s convenient and tastes authentic if you prefer not to make your own.
How can I make it a full meal?
Top with grilled chicken, shrimp, or salmon for added protein. You can also toss in cooked pasta for a hearty Italian-style pasta salad.
How long does it keep?
Once dressed, the salad is best enjoyed immediately. Undressed salad ingredients can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days in the fridge.