Olive Garden House Salad and Salad Dressing

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Olive Garden’s House Salad and signature dressing are iconic for a reason—crisp, refreshing, and full of flavor. With a tangy, slightly creamy Italian dressing, this salad is a perfect starter or side for any meal. Recreating it at home means you can enjoy this restaurant favorite anytime, with fresh ingredients and no extra trip out.

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

romaine lettuceiceberg lettucered onionsblack olivesRoma tomatoespepperonciniParmesan cheesegarlic croutons

For the Dressing

mayonnaisewhite vinegarvegetable oilparmesan cheeselemon juicegarlic powderonion powderItalian seasoningdried parsley salt and pepper sugar (optional, to balance acidity)

directions

Wash and dry the romaine and iceberg lettuces, then tear them into bite-sized pieces.

Slice red onions thinly and Roma tomatoes into wedges.

In a large bowl, combine the lettuce mix with sliced onions, tomatoes, black olives, and pepperoncini.

Sprinkle with freshly grated Parmesan and toss in garlic croutons.

To make the dressing, whisk together mayonnaise, white vinegar, vegetable oil, lemon juice, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, parsley, Parmesan, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Add sugar if a touch of sweetness is desired.

Drizzle the dressing over the salad just before serving and toss gently to combine.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 4-6 people.Preparation time: 15 minutesDressing prep: 5 minutesTotal time: 20 minutes

Variations

Add grilled chicken or shrimp for a complete meal.

Use kalamata olives instead of black olives for a bolder flavor.

Add cucumbers or shredded carrots for extra crunch.

Use low-fat mayo or Greek yogurt for a lighter dressing.

storage/reheating

Store leftover salad (without dressing) in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.Dressing can be stored separately in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 week.Shake or stir the dressing well before each use.

FAQs

Can I make the dressing ahead of time?
Yes, it actually tastes better after a few hours in the fridge as the flavors meld.

Is the dressing spicy?
No, it’s tangy with a little zest from the pepperoncini, but not spicy.

Can I use bottled Italian dressing instead?
You can, but homemade gives a closer match to the Olive Garden version.

What can I use instead of mayonnaise?
Plain Greek yogurt works as a lighter, tangier substitute.

Can I use pre-shredded Parmesan?
Yes, but freshly grated Parmesan provides better flavor and texture.

Do I have to use both romaine and iceberg?
No, you can use just one, but the combination gives the best crunch and flavor.

Is this salad gluten-free?
The salad is, but make sure your croutons and dressing ingredients are certified gluten-free.

Can I make this vegan?
Use vegan mayo, skip the Parmesan, and ensure your croutons are dairy-free.

Conclusion

Olive Garden’s House Salad and Dressing bring restaurant-quality freshness and flavor right to your table. It’s crisp, vibrant, and easy to customize, making it a go-to for family meals, potlucks, or a healthy side any day of the week. Once you try this homemade version, you may never go back to bottled dressings again.

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