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Copycat Olive Garden Salad

Copycat Olive Garden Salad
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This Copycat Olive Garden Salad recipe delivers the fresh, crisp greens and the signature tangy, creamy dressing reminiscent of the beloved restaurant classic. Easy to prepare with simple ingredients like romaine and iceberg lettuce, shredded carrots, red cabbage, cherry tomatoes, black olives, crunchy croutons, and Parmesan cheese, this salad is perfect as a light meal or an appetizer to elevate any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale

Salad Ingredients

  • 3 cups chopped Romaine lettuce
  • 3 cups chopped Iceberg lettuce
  • 1/2 cup shredded carrots
  • 1/2 cup thinly sliced red cabbage
  • 1/4 cup sliced black olives
  • 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes
  • 1 cup croutons (store-bought or homemade)
  • 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

Dressing Ingredients

  • 1/3 cup olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons white vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Vegetables: Wash and dry all lettuce thoroughly. Chop romaine and iceberg lettuce into bite-sized pieces. Shred the carrots and thinly slice the red cabbage. Combine all in a large mixing bowl to form the salad base.
  2. Add the Complementary Ingredients: Add halved cherry tomatoes and sliced black olives to the vegetable mixture, adding brightness and salty contrast essential to the classic salad flavor.
  3. Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, white vinegar, mayonnaise, sugar, fresh lemon juice, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning until smooth and emulsified, creating the signature tangy, creamy dressing.
  4. Toss and Combine: Pour the dressing over the mixed salad ingredients and gently toss until everything is evenly coated, ensuring the salad stays crisp while evenly flavored.
  5. Finish with Croutons and Parmesan: Top the tossed salad with crunchy croutons and a generous sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese to add the signature texture and cheesy richness.

Notes

  • Use fresh and chilled vegetables to keep the salad crisp and refreshing.
  • Homemade croutons toasted with garlic and olive oil enhance crunch and flavor.
  • Whisk the dressing thoroughly until smooth and emulsified to balance creaminess and tanginess.
  • Allow the salad to rest for 10 minutes after dressing to meld flavors.
  • Adjust lemon juice or vinegar gradually to personalize the acidity to your taste.
  • Store leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours; keep croutons separate until serving to maintain crunch.
  • Freezing or reheating this salad is not recommended as it affects texture and flavor.

Nutrition

Keywords: copycat Olive Garden salad, Italian salad, homemade Olive Garden dressing, fresh salad recipe, restaurant style salad

Find it online: https://emillycooks.com/copycat-olive-garden-salad/