Are you a fan of Olive Garden’s famous breadsticks and unlimited salad? We are too! But let’s be real, sometimes it’s just not feasible to go out for dinner every time we want to indulge in that creamy, crunchy goodness. That’s why we’ve gathered 18 Olive Garden-inspired recipes to bring the flavor right to your doorstep.
From classic twists on the original recipe to bold and spicy variations, these salads are sure to satisfy your cravings. Whether you’re a fan of crispy croutons or fresh mozzarella, there’s something for everyone in this collection. So go ahead, get creative, and make some salad magic happen!
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Classic Olive Garden Salad with Homemade Italian Dressing
This iconic salad from Olive Garden is a staple of Italian-American cuisine, featuring a medley of fresh greens, vegetables, and croutons tossed in a zesty homemade dressing. With this recipe, you can recreate the magic at home.
Ingredients:
– 4-6 cups mixed greens (iceberg, romaine, arugula)
– 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
– 1 cup cucumber slices
– 1 cup Kalamata olives, pitted
– 1/2 cup croutons (homemade or store-bought)
– 1/4 cup homemade Italian dressing (recipe below)
Homemade Italian Dressing:
– 1/2 cup olive oil
– 1/4 cup red wine vinegar
– 2 tablespoons lemon juice
– 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
– 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine the mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumber slices, and Kalamata olives.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, salt, and pepper to make the Italian dressing.
3. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss to combine.
4. Top with croutons and serve immediately.
Cooking Time: 10-15 minutes (prep time), 0 minutes (cooking time)
Copycat Olive Garden Salad with Crispy Croutons
Experience the authentic taste of Olive Garden’s signature salad at home with this easy-to-make copycat recipe. This crispy and refreshing salad is a perfect blend of flavors, textures, and presentation.
Ingredients:
– 4 cups romaine lettuce
– 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
– 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
– 1/2 cup crispy croutons (see below for recipe)
– 1/4 cup Olive Garden dressing (or store-bought Italian dressing)
Crispy Croutons Recipe:
– 1 loaf Italian bread, cut into 1-inch cubes
– 1/4 cup olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. Toss bread cubes with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread on a baking sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes or until crispy.
3. In a large bowl, combine lettuce, cherry tomatoes, feta cheese, parsley, and basil.
4. Drizzle Olive Garden dressing over the salad and toss to coat.
5. Top with crispy croutons and serve immediately.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes (includes baking time for croutons)
Olive Garden Salad with Marinated Artichokes
Experience the taste of Italy with this classic Olive Garden-inspired salad featuring marinated artichoke hearts, crisp greens, and a tangy vinaigrette.
Ingredients:
• 4 cups mixed greens (arugula, romaine, spinach)
• 1 jar marinated artichoke hearts, drained and chopped
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
• Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine mixed greens, marinated artichoke hearts, cherry tomatoes, and crumbled feta cheese.
2. Drizzle with olive oil and toss gently to combine.
3. Sprinkle chopped parsley over the top and season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Serve immediately.
Cooking Time: 5 minutes
Garlic Parmesan Olive Garden Salad Twist
Garlic Parmesan Olive Garden Salad Twist
This twist on the classic Olive Garden salad adds a savory and aromatic flavor profile with the addition of garlic and parmesan cheese.
Ingredients:
– 4 cups mixed greens (arugula, spinach, lettuce)
– 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
– 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 1 tsp lemon juice
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine the mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, feta cheese, and parsley.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, garlic, and lemon juice.
3. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss to combine.
4. Sprinkle the parmesan cheese over the top of the salad and serve immediately.
Cooking Time: 10-15 minutes
Olive Garden Salad with Grilled Chicken
This classic Italian-inspired salad gets a protein-packed boost from grilled chicken, making it a satisfying and flavorful meal for any occasion. With its mix of crisp greens, savory dressing, and tangy croutons, this recipe is sure to become a new favorite.
Ingredients:
– 1 head romaine lettuce, chopped
– 1 cup cooked grilled chicken breast, diced
– 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
– 1/4 cup chopped red bell pepper
– 1/4 cup chopped cucumber
– 1/4 cup croutons
– 1/4 cup Italian dressing
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
2. Grill chicken breast for 5-6 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
3. In a large bowl, combine chopped lettuce, diced grilled chicken, crumbled feta cheese, red bell pepper, cucumber, and croutons.
4. Drizzle Italian dressing over the salad and toss to coat.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Serve immediately.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Spicy Pepperoncini Olive Garden Salad
Experience the bold flavors of Italy with this simple yet satisfying salad recipe, inspired by the popular dishes at Olive Garden.
Ingredients:
– 1 head of romaine lettuce, chopped
– 1 cup of pepperoncini peppers, sliced
– 1/2 cup of crumbled feta cheese
– 1/4 cup of chopped red onion
– 1/4 cup of chopped fresh parsley
– 2 tbsp. olive oil
– 1 tsp. balsamic vinegar
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine chopped romaine lettuce, sliced pepperoncini peppers, crumbled feta cheese, chopped red onion, and chopped parsley.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil and balsamic vinegar.
3. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss to coat.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Serve immediately.
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Olive Garden Salad with Sun-Dried Tomatoes
This classic salad recipe combines fresh greens, savory sun-dried tomatoes, and tangy Italian dressing for a flavorful and satisfying meal. Perfect as a side dish or light lunch.
Ingredients:
– 4 cups mixed greens (arugula, spinach, lettuce)
– 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
– 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
– 1/4 cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes
– 1/4 cup chopped red onion
– 1/4 cup Italian dressing
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, feta cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, and red onion.
2. Drizzle Italian dressing over the salad and toss to coat.
3. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 5 minutes
Balsamic Glazed Olive Garden Salad
Elevate your Olive Garden salad game with this sweet and tangy Balsamic Glazed recipe, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 1 head of romaine lettuce, chopped
– 1 cup of croutons (store-bought or homemade)
– 1/2 cup of cherry tomatoes, halved
– 1/4 cup of red onion, thinly sliced
– 1/4 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese
– 1/4 cup of balsamic glaze (see note)
– 1 tablespoon of olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine chopped lettuce, croutons, cherry tomatoes, red onion, and mozzarella cheese.
2. Drizzle the balsamic glaze over the salad and toss to coat.
3. Sprinkle with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Serve immediately.
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Note: Balsamic glaze is a thickened version of balsamic vinegar. You can make your own by reducing 1 cup of balsamic vinegar on low heat until it reaches a syrupy consistency, or use store-bought balsamic glaze.
Olive Garden Salad with Roasted Red Peppers
Elevate your salad game with this flavorful take on Olive Garden’s classic, featuring roasted red peppers and a medley of fresh greens.
Ingredients:
– 4 cups mixed greens (arugula, spinach, lettuce)
– 2 large red bell peppers
– 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
– 1/2 cup sliced Kalamata olives
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
– 2 tbsp. olive oil
– 1 tsp. lemon zest
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Place red bell peppers on a baking sheet, drizzle with olive oil, and season with salt and pepper.
3. Roast for 30-40 minutes or until skin is blistered and charred.
4. Peel off skin, slice into strips, and set aside.
5. In a large bowl, combine mixed greens, roasted red peppers, feta cheese, olives, and parsley.
6. Squeeze lemon zest over the salad and toss to combine.
7. Serve immediately.
Cooking Time: 40 minutes
Olive Garden Salad with Creamy Caesar Dressing
Enjoy a classic Italian-inspired salad with the creamy and tangy flavor of Caesar dressing, just like Olive Garden!
Ingredients:
– 4 cups romaine lettuce, chopped
– 1 cup croutons (homemade or store-bought)
– 1/2 cup shaved Parmesan cheese
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
– 2 tablespoons creamy Caesar dressing (store-bought or homemade)
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine the chopped romaine lettuce, croutons, and shaved Parmesan cheese.
2. Sprinkle the chopped parsley over the salad.
3. Drizzle the Creamy Caesar dressing over the salad, tossing to coat.
4. Serve immediately.
Cooking Time: None! This is a quick and easy salad recipe that’s ready in just a few minutes.
Olive Garden Salad with Fresh Mozzarella
This classic salad is a staple at Olive Garden restaurants, and now you can enjoy it from the comfort of your own home. With its combination of crisp greens, juicy olives, ripe tomatoes, and creamy mozzarella cheese, this salad is sure to become a favorite.
Ingredients:
– 4 cups mixed greens
– 1 cup pitted green olives, sliced
– 2 large tomatoes, diced
– 8 oz fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced
– 1/4 cup olive oil
– 2 tbsp red wine vinegar
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine the mixed greens, sliced olives, and diced tomatoes.
2. Arrange the sliced mozzarella cheese on top of the salad.
3. Drizzle the olive oil and red wine vinegar over the salad.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Serve immediately.
Cooking Time: None! This salad is ready in just a few minutes.
Olive Garden Salad with Crispy Prosciutto
Experience the classic Olive Garden salad, elevated by the addition of crispy prosciutto. This simple yet satisfying recipe is perfect for a quick lunch or dinner.
Ingredients:
– 4 cups mixed greens (arugula, spinach, lettuce)
– 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
– 1/2 cup crumbled fresh mozzarella cheese
– 6 slices of prosciutto, thinly sliced and crisped in the oven
– 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
– 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and arrange prosciutto slices in a single layer.
3. Bake for 5-7 minutes, or until crispy.
4. In a large bowl, combine mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and mozzarella cheese.
5. Drizzle olive oil and red wine vinegar over the salad and toss to coat.
6. Top with crispy prosciutto slices and season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Olive Garden Salad with Lemon Herb Vinaigrette
This classic Olive Garden salad gets a bright and tangy twist with the addition of homemade lemon herb vinaigrette. A perfect side dish or light lunch option, this recipe is quick to prepare and packed with flavor.
Ingredients:
– 4 cups mixed greens (arugula, spinach, lettuce)
– 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
– 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
– 2 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 1 tsp Dijon mustard
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, feta cheese, parsley, and basil.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together lemon juice, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper to make the vinaigrette.
3. Drizzle the vinaigrette over the salad and toss to coat.
4. Serve immediately, garnished with additional herbs if desired.
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Olive Garden Salad with Grilled Shrimp
This recipe combines the classic Olive Garden salad with succulent grilled shrimp for a flavorful and satisfying meal. Perfect for a quick dinner or lunch, this dish is sure to please.
Ingredients:
– 1 head of romaine lettuce, chopped
– 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
– 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
– 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
– 1/4 cup croutons
– 1/2 cup grilled shrimp (see below for grilling instructions)
– Olive Garden dressing (or your preferred salad dressing)
Grilled Shrimp:
– 12 large shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 clove garlic, minced
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. In a small bowl, mix together olive oil, garlic, salt, and pepper.
3. Brush the mixture on both sides of the shrimp.
4. Grill the shrimp for 2-3 minutes per side, or until pink and cooked through.
5. Assemble the salad by combining chopped lettuce, cherry tomatoes, feta cheese, red onion, and croutons in a bowl.
6. Top with grilled shrimp and drizzle with Olive Garden dressing (or your preferred salad dressing).
7. Serve immediately.
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Olive Garden Salad with Toasted Pine Nuts
Bring a taste of Italy to your table with this classic Olive Garden-inspired salad, featuring crispy toasted pine nuts and fresh greens.
Ingredients:
– 4 cups mixed greens (arugula, spinach, lettuce)
– 1/2 cup croutons
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1/4 cup chopped red onion
– 1/4 cup sliced cherry tomatoes
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1/4 cup toasted pine nuts (see notes)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Toss pine nuts with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, salt, and pepper on a baking sheet.
3. Toast pine nuts in the preheated oven for 5-7 minutes, or until fragrant and lightly browned.
4. In a large bowl, combine mixed greens, croutons, Parmesan cheese, red onion, and cherry tomatoes.
5. Drizzle with remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil; season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Sprinkle toasted pine nuts on top of the salad.
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Olive Garden Salad with Creamy Avocado Dressing
A classic Italian-inspired salad gets a creamy twist with the addition of ripe avocados and a tangy dressing. This recipe is perfect for a light and refreshing meal or as a side dish to complement your favorite pasta dishes.
Ingredients:
– 4 cups mixed greens (arugula, spinach, lettuce)
– 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
– 1 cup sliced red onion
– 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
– 1 ripe avocado, diced
– 1/2 cup Creamy Avocado Dressing (see below)
– Salt and pepper to taste
Creamy Avocado Dressing:
– 1 ripe avocado, peeled and pitted
– 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
– 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 1 minced garlic clove
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, red onion, and feta cheese.
2. Drizzle Creamy Avocado Dressing over the salad and toss to coat.
3. Top with diced avocado and serve immediately.
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Olive Garden Salad with Roasted Garlic Croutons
Elevate your salad game with this creamy, crunchy, and flavorful combination of fresh greens, roasted garlic croutons, and tangy dressing.
Ingredients:
– 4 cups mixed greens (arugula, spinach, lettuce)
– 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
– 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
– 1/4 cup chopped red onion
– 1/4 cup roasted garlic croutons (see below for recipe)
– 1/2 cup Olive Garden Italian dressing
Roasted Garlic Croutons:
– 1 head of garlic, separated into individual cloves
– 1/4 cup olive oil
– 1 tablespoon butter
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Toss garlic cloves with olive oil, butter, salt, and pepper on a baking sheet.
3. Roast for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown and fragrant.
4. Let cool completely before crushing into croutons.
5. In a large bowl, combine mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, feta cheese, and red onion.
6. Drizzle with Olive Garden Italian dressing and toss to coat.
7. Top with roasted garlic croutons and serve immediately.
Cooking Time: 20 minutes (includes roasting time)
Olive Garden Salad with Fresh Basil Pesto Drizzle
Elevate the flavors of your favorite Olive Garden salad with the simplicity and brightness of fresh basil pesto. This twist on a classic is perfect for a quick lunch or dinner.
Ingredients:
– 4 cups mixed greens (romaine, arugula, spinach)
– 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
– 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
– 1/4 cup chopped red onion
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil leaves
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 2 tbsp white wine vinegar
– 2 tbsp freshly made or store-bought pesto
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, feta cheese, and red onion.
2. Drizzle with olive oil and white wine vinegar; toss to coat.
3. Top with fresh basil leaves and sprinkle with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Serve immediately, or store in an airtight container for up to 24 hours.
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Summary
Get ready to indulge in the creamy, crunchy goodness of Olive Garden’s famous salad! This collection of 18 recipes takes inspiration from the popular chain restaurant and elevates it with creative twists. From classic Italian dressing to spicy pepperoncini and roasted red peppers, these salads offer something for everyone. Add some grilled chicken or shrimp for a protein-packed punch. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a show-stopping brunch dish, these Olive Garden-inspired recipes are sure to please even the pickiest eaters. So go ahead, get creative, and make your taste buds dance!
