Summer just feels like a salad to me, you really just can't beat a fresh crisp salad in the summertime. And this Copycat Olive Garden Salad Recipe is one you definitely don't want to miss! Yes, it is for that Olive Garden Salad We All Love, and yes! It's Made Right at Home (Yes, Mama, It’s That Easy!)
Let’s talk about that one thing that magically brings everyone to the dinner table—the Olive Garden salad. You know the one. You sit down, probably with a breadstick in one hand and a wriggly toddler on your lap, and out comes that giant bowl of crispy, tangy, crave-worthy salad. Even your picky 5-year-old will eat the lettuce if it’s covered in that dreamy dressing. Crisp romaine, zesty Italian dressing, tomatoes, olives, crunchy croutons, and those sneaky little pepperoncini that just complete it. It’s basically a salad that feels like a treat, not a chore.
Yeah. That salad.
Well, I cracked the code, and I’m here to tell you that you can totally make it at home in about 10 minutes—yes, even with a laundry mountain giving you the side-eye from the corner of the living room.
Now, I don’t know about you, but my schedule is nonstop. Between school drop-offs, playdates, dishes that somehow multiply overnight, and figuring out what on earth we’re having for dinner (again), there is zero time to run to Olive Garden every time I get a craving for that salad.
So what’s a mama to do?
Make it at home, of course!
But here’s the kicker—it’s not just “kinda close.” This recipe is spot on. And the best part? It takes 5 minutes. Seriously FIVE minutes to the crispy Olive Garden salad we all know and love!
Plus, it’s a salad the whole family actually eats. (A total Crazy Busy Mama win, right?!) It’s crispy, zesty, and totally customizable depending on how picky your crew is. Add grilled chicken on top and you’ve got yourself a full-on meal. Or serve it next to a giant plate of spaghetti because, let’s be real—carbs are love.
Alright, come to my kitchen and see how I make this Copycat Olive Garden Salad Recipe!
Ingredients for Copycat Olive Garden Salad Recipe
How to make Olive Garden Salad Recipe: ingredients you need!
1 bag chopped romaine or iceberg salad mix
2 tomatoes, chopped
Sliced pepperoncini
1/4 cup Pitted black olives
Shredded Romano cheese (as little or as much as you like!)
Shredded Parmesan cheese (as little or as much as you like!)
Olive Garden Signature Italian Dressing
Olive Garden-style croutons (yep, they sell them!)
Copycat Olive Garden Salad Recipe Video Tutorial
For those of you who would love a visual step-by-step tutorial here is one for you!
How to Make Copycat Olive Garden Salad Recipe
How to make Olive Garden Salad Recipe: a step by step guide
Add the bagged salad mix to a salad bowl
Chop and add tomatoes
Add sliced pepperoncini.
Add in the olives
Sprinkle on as much (or as little) Romano and Parmesan cheese as your heart desires.
Pour that Olive Garden dressing all over.
Top it off with croutons for that signature crunch.
Give it a good mix, serve it up, and enjoy!
Copycat Olive Garden Salad Recipe: SIDE IDEA
This salad makes the perfect side for any meal, or add some grilled chicken on top to make it a complete meal itself!
Crazy Busy Mama Tip
Using a bag salad makes this copycat recipe so quick and easy! But if you don't want to use a bag of salad mix, make sure you core your head of lettuce like this! It makes it so much easier! Tap here to see this Crazy Busy Mama hack!
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Mama, If you give this Copycat Olive Garden Salad recipe a try and love it, I’d be thrilled if you could leave a comment and a 5-star rating below! Your feedback not only makes my day but also helps me understand what kinds of recipes you'd like to see more of.
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More Easy Salad Recipes
If you love this Copycat Olive Garden Salad Recipe, be sure to check out these other easy Salad recipes that will add fun and flavor to every meal.
Strawberry Blueberry Salad with Homemade Vinaigrette
Love This Recipe? Wait Until You See What’s in My Crazy Busy Mama Cookbooks!
You’ll never stress over the “what’s to eat” question again! Because they’re filled with quick easy recipes that you’ll whole family will love (And they may even help you make).
From easy weeknight dinners to crave-worthy desserts, my cookbooks are packed with simple, delicious recipes and tips to save your sanity. It’s like having me right there in your kitchen, guiding you through stress-free meals your family will rave about.
Ready to reclaim your mealtime mojo? Grab a Crazy Busy Mama Cookbook now and let’s cook up some magic together!
Copycat Olive Garden Salad Recipe
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 bag chopped romaine or iceberg salad mix
- 2 tomatoes chopped
- Sliced pepperoncini
- ¼ cup Pitted black olives
- Shredded Romano cheese as much as you like!
- Shredded Parmesan cheese as much as you like!
- Olive Garden Signature Italian Dressing
- Olive Garden-style croutons yep, they sell them!
Instructions
- Add the bagged salad mix to a salad bowl
- Chop and add tomatoes
- Add sliced pepperoncini.
- Add in the olives
- Sprinkle on as much (or as little) Romano and Parmesan cheese as your heart desires.
- Pour that Olive Garden dressing all over.
- Top it off with croutons for that signature crunch.
- Give it a good mix, serve it up, and enjoy!
Video
Notes
Nutrition
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