Description
Olive Garden Salad is a fresh, crisp, and vibrant salad featuring romaine lettuce, radicchio, carrots, red onions, Kalamata olives, and Parmesan, all tossed in a tangy Italian dressing. This salad balances crunchy textures and bold flavors for a delicious side or light meal that brings the authentic Olive Garden experience to your kitchen.
Ingredients
Scale
Greens and Vegetables
- 4 cups romaine lettuce, washed and chopped
- 1 cup radicchio, washed and chopped
- 1/2 cup carrot slices, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup red onions, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup Kalamata olives, pitted
Cheese and Extras
- 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, freshly grated
- 1 cup croutons (optional)
Italian Dressing
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon sugar
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prep the Greens: Wash and dry the romaine lettuce and radicchio thoroughly to ensure crispness, then chop or tear into bite-sized pieces for easy eating.
- Slice the Veggies: Thinly slice the red onions and carrots to balance sweetness and sharpness, enhancing the salad’s flavor without overpowering it.
- Combine Salad Ingredients: In a large bowl, toss the lettuce, radicchio, carrot slices, red onions, and Kalamata olives together evenly for consistent flavor in every bite.
- Add the Dressing: Drizzle the homemade zesty Italian dressing over the salad and toss gently but thoroughly so each leaf is nicely coated without becoming soggy.
- Finish with Cheese and Croutons: Sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan cheese on top and add croutons for an irresistible crunch that completes the authentic Olive Garden Salad experience.
Notes
- Use fresh, crisp romaine lettuce for best texture and flavor.
- Chill the salad ingredients and dressing before mixing to keep the salad fresh and crisp.
- Toast croutons at home for enhanced flavor and crunch.
- Toss the salad with dressing just before serving to prevent sogginess.
- Prepare Italian dressing from scratch to elevate the salad’s authenticity.
- Store leftover salad ingredients and dressing separately in airtight containers and combine just before serving.
- Freezing and reheating the salad is not recommended as it compromises the texture and freshness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: No cooking required
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (about 1 cup)
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 250 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 8 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 10 mg