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Olive Garden Salad

A fresh, vibrant salad inspired by the Olive Garden restaurant, combining crunchy vegetables and a tangy dressing that's perfect for any occasion.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Salad, Side Dish
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 150
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Dressing
  • 1/2 cup olive oil Extra virgin is preferred for better flavor.
  • 1/4 cup white wine vinegar
  • 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese Use fresh garlic for enhanced flavor.
  • 1/4 cup mayonnaise Can be replaced with a vegan option for dietary needs.
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice Freshly squeezed is best.
  • 1/2 tsp garlic salt
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
For the Salad
  • 5 cups American salad blend Store-bought mix of greens.
  • 1 medium sliced tomato
  • 1/2 medium thinly sliced red onion
  • 1/2 cup black olives Sliced or whole.
  • 1/4 cup pepperoncini Can be substituted with banana peppers if unavailable.
  • 1 cup croutons Optional for additional crunch.
  • 1/4 cup extra grated parmesan For topping.

Method
 

Making the Dressing
  1. In a bowl, combine olive oil, white wine vinegar, grated parmesan cheese, mayonnaise, lemon juice, garlic salt, and Italian seasoning. Whisk well until combined.
Preparing the Salad
  1. In a large bowl, mix together the American salad blend, sliced tomato, thinly sliced red onion, black olives, and pepperoncini.
  2. Drizzle the dressing over the salad and gently toss to coat everything.
  3. Top with croutons and extra grated parmesan for added flavor.

Notes

Store leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator, but it's best enjoyed fresh within a day. Keep the dressing separate from the greens to avoid wilting. Feel free to customize with additional ingredients like cucumbers or proteins such as grilled chicken.