Copycat Olive Garden Salad

Everyone knows the best thing at Olive Garden is the unlimited salad and breadsticks. Make your own Olive Garden-style salad at home with this recipe!

By Nicole McLaughlin
Updated November 01, 2024
Bowl of Olive Garden Salad With Serving Utensils, and on the Counter Next to it, a Glass With Salad Dressing, a Stack of Plates, and a Green Striped Table Napkin

Simply Recipes / Photo by Victor Protasio / Food Styling by Ruth Blackburn / Prop Styling by Claire Spollen

The secret to your favorite soup, salad, and breadsticks combo is yours for the taking—and enjoying at home, anytime you want. 

Salad Dressing Poured Over a Bowl of Olive Garden Salad, and on the Counter Next to It, a Stack of Plates and a Set of Salad Serving Utensils

Simply Recipes / Photo by Victor Protasio / Food Styling by Ruth Blackburn / Prop Styling by Claire Spollen

Copycat Olive Garden Salad

Prep Time 15 mins
Total Time 15 mins
Servings 6 to 8 servings
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Ingredients

  • 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil

  • 3 tablespoons mayonnaise

  • 1 tablespoon white wine vinegar

  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice (from 1 lemon)

  • 1 1/2 teaspoons granulated sugar

  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt

  • 3/4 teaspoon black pepper

  • 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning

  • 1 garlic clove, smashed

  • 1 ounce Parmesan cheese, grated (about 1/4 cup)

  • 2 (5-ounce) packages American blend salad mix

  • 3/4 cup pitted black olives

  • 3/4 cup pickled pepperoncini

  • 1/2 cup thinly sliced red onion

  • 2 plum tomatoes, sliced

  • 1 (4.5-ounce) package large seasoned croutons

Method

  1. Make the dressing:

    Combine the oil, mayonnaise, vinegar, lemon juice, sugar, salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, garlic, and Parmesan in a small food processor or blender and process until thoroughly combined.

    Salad Dressing Ingredients in a Food Processor for Homemade Olive Garden Salad

    Simply Recipes / Photo by Victor Protasio / Food Styling by Ruth Blackburn / Prop Styling by Claire Spollen
    Copycat Olive Garden Salad Dressing in a Food Processor

    Simply Recipes / Photo by Victor Protasio / Food Styling by Ruth Blackburn / Prop Styling by Claire Spollen
  2. Mix the salad and serve:

    In a large bowl, combine the salad mix, olives, pepperoncini, onion, tomatoes, and croutons. Drizzle the salad with the dressing and toss to coat. Let stand 5 minutes before serving.

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    Bowl of Copycat Olive Garden Salad Ingredients

    Simply Recipes / Photo by Victor Protasio / Food Styling by Ruth Blackburn / Prop Styling by Claire Spollen
    Glass of Salad Dressing Poured Over a Bowl of Copycat Olive Garden Salad Recipe

    Simply Recipes / Photo by Victor Protasio / Food Styling by Ruth Blackburn / Prop Styling by Claire Spollen
    A Serving of Olive Garden Salad Next to a Larger Bowl of Olive Garden Salad With Serving Utensils, and on the Counter Next to it, a Glass With Salad Dressing and a Green Striped Table Napkin

    Simply Recipes / Photo by Victor Protasio / Food Styling by Ruth Blackburn / Prop Styling by Claire Spollen
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
183 Calories
14g Fat
10g Carbs
3g Protein
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Nutrition Facts
Servings: 6 to 8
Amount per serving
Calories 183
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 14g 18%
Saturated Fat 2g 12%
Cholesterol 5mg 2%
Sodium 601mg 26%
Total Carbohydrate 10g 4%
Dietary Fiber 2g 7%
Total Sugars 4g
Protein 3g
Vitamin C 22mg 112%
Calcium 72mg 6%
Iron 1mg 7%
Potassium 246mg 5%
*The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a food serving contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
Nutrition information is calculated using an ingredient database and should be considered an estimate. In cases where multiple ingredient alternatives are given, the first listed is calculated for nutrition. Garnishes and optional ingredients are not included.