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Copycat Olive Garden Salad with Zesty Italian Dressing

A vibrant bowl of copycat Olive Garden salad featuring crisp lettuce, croutons, cheese, olives, and red onion.
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Make the famous Olive Garden house salad at home, complete with crisp lettuce and the signature zesty Italian dressing.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 head iceberg lettuce, chopped
  • 1 head romaine lettuce, chopped
  • 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/2 cup sliced black olives
  • 1/4 cup sliced red onion
  • 1/4 cup pepperoncini peppers, sliced
  • 1/2 cup homemade croutons
  • For the Dressing: 1/2 cup vegetable oil
  • 1/4 cup white wine vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 cup water

Instructions

  1. Prepare the dressing: Combine the vegetable oil, white wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, oregano, basil, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and water in a jar with a tight-fitting lid.
  2. Shake the jar vigorously until the dressing is fully emulsified and creamy. Set aside.
  3. Prepare the salad base: In a large bowl, combine the chopped iceberg lettuce, romaine lettuce, mozzarella cheese, black olives, red onion, and pepperoncini peppers.
  4. Just before serving, pour the desired amount of dressing over the salad mixture.
  5. Toss gently until all the greens are lightly coated.
  6. Add the croutons and toss once more lightly.
  7. Serve immediately.

Notes

  • For the best texture, keep the lettuce very cold before mixing.
  • You can make the dressing up to three days ahead and store it in the refrigerator. Shake well before using.
  • Use high-quality pepperoncini for the best flavor.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://tasteportfolio.com/copycat-olive-garden-salad/