Description
This Olive Garden-inspired salad is a fresh, tangy, and creamy dish with crisp lettuce, crunchy veggies, savory olives, and a classic Italian dressing.
Ingredients
1 head of iceberg lettuce, chopped
1 head of romaine lettuce, chopped
1 cucumber, sliced
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
1/4 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and sliced
1/4 cup pepperoncini peppers, sliced
1/2 cup croutons
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
For the dressing:
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1/4 cup white vinegar
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Chop the iceberg and romaine lettuce and place them in a large salad bowl.
- Slice the cucumber, cherry tomatoes, red onion, and pepperoncini peppers. Add them to the bowl with the lettuce.
- Slice the Kalamata olives and add them to the mix.
- In a separate small bowl, combine the mayonnaise, white vinegar, olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Whisk until the dressing is smooth and well-blended.
- Pour the dressing over the salad and toss everything together until evenly coated.
- Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese on top of the salad and add croutons just before serving for added crunch.
Notes
- Add protein by incorporating grilled chicken, shrimp, or bacon bits.
- For a vegan version, skip the Parmesan cheese and use plant-based mayo.
- Try using balsamic vinaigrette or Italian dressing for a lighter or tangier alternative.
- Consider adding bell peppers, olives, or avocado for extra flavor and texture.
- Store leftover salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2-3 days, keeping dressing separate to prevent sogginess.
- The dressing can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week.
- If using store-bought dressing, opt for Italian or ranch dressing as a substitute.
- For a spicier kick, add sliced jalapeños or a spicy dressing.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 5mg
