Description
Craving a fresh, flavor-packed salad that’s easy to make and irresistibly delicious? This Crispy Olive Garden Salad is a spot-on replica of the iconic restaurant favorite — featuring crunchy romaine, juicy tomatoes, zesty pepperoncini, black olives, Parmesan, and golden croutons, all coated in a creamy Italian dressing. It’s a perfect easy dinner side, quick lunch, or healthy snack option that never disappoints. If you’re looking for salad recipes, quick meals, or dinner ideas, this one deserves a spot on your go-to list.
Ingredients
1 large head romaine lettuce, chopped
0.5 cup black olives, sliced
0.5 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
0.33 cup red onion, thinly sliced
0.5 cup bell pepper, chopped
0.25 cup pepperoncini, sliced
0.5 cup seasoned croutons
0.5 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
0.33 to 0.5 cup creamy Italian dressing
salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
1. Wash and thoroughly dry romaine lettuce, then chop into bite-sized pieces.
2. Slice cherry tomatoes, red onion, and bell pepper into thin pieces.
3. Drain and slice black olives and pepperoncini if not already sliced.
4. In a large mixing bowl, combine romaine, tomatoes, onion, pepper, olives, and pepperoncini.
5. Add the dressing and grated Parmesan to the bowl.
6. Toss gently with tongs to evenly coat all ingredients.
7. Just before serving, sprinkle seasoned croutons over the top.
8. Taste and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper as needed.
Notes
1. For maximum crunch, keep dressing and croutons separate until just before serving.
2. Use freshly grated Parmesan instead of pre-packaged for a sharper flavor.
3. Homemade croutons can elevate texture and taste compared to store-bought.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Tossed
- Cuisine: American/Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 640mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 10mg