Copycat Olive Garden Salad Recipe (Better Than the Original!)

Name: Copycat Olive Garden Salad Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 15 min
Ingredients: 1 box New York Bakery Gluten Free Texas Toast 5 Cheese Bread (for croutons); 1 head iceberg lettuce (chopped); 1 pint Cherry tomatoes (diced); 1 cup shredded carrots; ½ red onion (diced); ½ jar pepperoncinis; 1 can black olives (diced or whole); 1 cup parmesan cheese (shredded); ⅔ jar Olive Garden Dressing

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This Copycat Olive Garden Salad lets you recreate the restaurant's famous house salad in the comfort of your very own home. It combines fresh lettuce with cherry tomatoes, croutons, black olives, onion, and Parmesan cheese for a salad that will hit you with all the nostalgic feelings. It's the perfect starter for a family dinner together.

A plate of Copycat Olive Garden Salad with a blue napkin and extra salad bowl.

Quick Look: Copycat Olive Garden Salad Recipe

⏱ Prep Time: 10 minutes
🔥 Cook Time: 5 minutes
⏳ Total Time: 15 minutes
🍲 Serving: 5 Bowls
⚡ Calories: 240 calories per serving
🍂 Flavor Profile: that famous salad but add the comfort of being at home
👌 Difficulty: Easy, everyone will be begging for seconds

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We all know the famous promotion: unlimited salad and breadsticks. It sounds too good to be true, and honestly, tastes even better than it sounds. We can all think back to at least one dinner at Olive Garden, watching them grate fresh Parmesan over your food. It's American style, but there is something about it that pulls at my Italian heart strings. It reminds me of simpler day, full of laughter and good company.

It's those feeling (and the desire to have a gluten-free option) that led me to making this salad. It pairs perfectly with all my viral pasta recipes especially my Gluten Free Chicken Alfredo, Creamy Garlic Steak Pasta, and my Lazy Lasagna.

Don't forget dessert! Gluten Free and Dairy Free Cookies, Chocolate Banana Cake and Chocolate Frosting, and Gluten Free Italian Rainbow Cookies are all amazing options to enjoy with this salad.

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Quick Look: Copycat Olive Garden Salad Recipe
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Ingredients
Flavor Variations
How to Make Copycat Olive Garden Salad Recipe
Expert Tips
Copycat Olive Garden Salad Recipe FAQ's
Dinners To Pair with Your Salad
📖 Recipe
💬 Comments

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple Ingredients: The vegetables for olive garden salad are likely already in the house. If not, a quick trip to the grocery store will ensure this addictive salad will be a hit!
Easy to Make: The hardest part is truly making your croutons. It sounds silly, but it really is that simple.
Make it Ahead of Time: You make this hours before you want to serve it. Leave the dressing, pepperoncini, and croutons to the side while it sits in the fridge.

Ingredients

Croutons: I used New York Bakery Gluten Free Texas Toast 5 Cheese Bread because it is loaded with flavor and is allergy friendly!
Pepperoncinis: This is one of my "secret" ingredients. The brine and tangy flavor help give the dish a bold flavor.
Olive Garden Salad Dressing: The star of the show. That famous creamy mix with a hint of citrus is a must!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
"I swear this Olive Garden salad copycat recipe is the a perfect match! All I need is a cup of soup and it feels like I'm at the restaurant. I need another bowl ASAP."
- Amara C.

Flavor Variations

Add Romaine: I love to add romaine hearts to this salad for extra salad perfection!
Use Homemade Dressing: We all love that famous salad dressing. Try making it at home for a fresh and unique flavor.
Add Other Veggies: Carrots, cucumber, roma tomatoes, and even chickpeas are fun ways to expand this Olive Garden salad copycat.

How to Make Copycat Olive Garden Salad Recipe

A bowl of croutons and a box of gluten free 5 cheese Texas Toast.

Step 1. Preheat the oven to 425° F. Place the Texas toast in a single layer on an oven safe baking tray. Bake in the oven for 13 to 15 minutes until brown and crispy. Remove from the oven, let them cool and then chop into small cubes.

A bowl of salad with croutons, carrots, lettuce, tomatoes, black olives and red onions.

Step 2. In a large bowl, tomatoes, red onion, pepperoncini peppers, black, olives, and shredded Parmesan cheese. Now, add the crunchy croutons to the salad. Then, add the crunchy croutons to the salad.

A finished plate of Copycat Olive Garden Salad.

Step 4. Finally, pour the salad dressing generously over the salad mixture. Toss everything together really well to combine. Serve and enjoy!

Expert Tips

Chill Your Plates: It might sound silly, but this small move will wow your guests. It truly gives a restaurant vibe, without having to take your slippers off.
Use a Mandolin: This makes cutting your vegetables quick and easy. A cut proof glove is highly recommended to keep you safe from the sharp blade!
Use Grated Cheese: If you want all the vibes make sure you grate some fresh parmesan on top before tossing the salad and serving. It's fun touch the kids will love.

A plate of Copycat Olive Garden Salad with a box of 5 cheese Texas toast in the background.

Copycat Olive Garden Salad Recipe FAQ's

What is the dressing on Olive Garden salads?

Olive Garden salad dressing is a creamy, tangy Italian-style vinaigrette. To make it at home use some olive oil, white vinegar, mayo, Italian seasoning and some lemon juice!

Can you buy the Olive Garden salad dressing?

Yes! They sell it both at their restaurants and at big box retailers. Use their dressing to help maximize that famous taste any day of the week!

How do I make this recipe dairy-free?

A simple adjustment of the cheese is all you need. Instead of Parmesan, use any dairy-free cheese of your choosing! Make sure you also stick to a dairy-free dressing to prevent any issues.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! Just like every recipe on my website, this one is safe for people who have a gluten allergy. You can use traditional croutons and incorporate gluten, as long as you do not have a gluten allergy.