Copy Cat Olive Garden salad recipe - Better than the original! is a fresh and crisp salad that captures the iconic flavors you love at home. This homemade salad features crisp romaine, radicchio, Parmesan cheese, and a tangy, creamy Italian dressing that's super easy to whip up. The texture contrasts between crunchy lettuce and creamy dressing make every bite irresistible. For extra salad inspiration, pair it with my 25 Must-Try Lettuce Salad Recipes for Green-Lovers Everywhere.
Why You'll Love Copy Cat Olive Garden salad recipe - Better than the original! Easy Homemade Favorite
Try this Copy Cat Olive Garden salad recipe - Better than the original! Easy, fresh, and crisp salad with homemade dressing everyone will love.
- Authentic taste that rivals Olive Garden’s famous salad.
- Made with simple pantry staples and fresh produce.
- Quick and beginner-friendly recipe.
- Perfect for family dinners and meal prep.
Ingredients for Copy Cat Olive Garden salad recipe - Better than the original! Easy Homemade Favorite
Romaine lettuce: Choose fresh, crisp leaves; iceberg lettuce can be a substitute but lacks the same crunch.Mayonnaise: Use full-fat for creaminess, or Greek yogurt for a lighter option.
- Romaine lettuce: Choose fresh, crisp leaves; iceberg lettuce can be a substitute but lacks the same crunch.
- Mayonnaise: Use full-fat for creaminess, or Greek yogurt for a lighter option.
Ingredient Note: Full measurements for Copy Cat Olive Garden salad recipe - Better than the original! Easy Homemade Favorite are listed in the printable recipe card below.
How to Make Copy Cat Olive Garden salad recipe - Better than the original! Easy Homemade Favorite
Step 1 — Prep & Preheat
Prepare the greens: Wash and chop the romaine lettuce and radicchio. Pat dry thoroughly to avoid soggy salad.
Step 2 — Cook and Build Flavor
Make the dressing: In a bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, white vinegar, olive oil, sugar, grated Parmesan, lemon juice, oregano, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until smooth and creamy.
Step 3 — Finish, Taste, and Adjust
Toss the salad: In a large salad bowl, combine the chopped greens, shredded Parmesan cheese, and croutons. Pour dressing over and toss gently until everything is well coated.
Expert Tips for Copy Cat Olive Garden salad recipe - Better than the original! Easy Homemade Favorite
- Dry your lettuce well to keep the salad crisp and prevent sogginess.
- If you prefer a tangier dressing, add an extra teaspoon of white vinegar or lemon juice.
- Homemade croutons add a fresh crunch—toast cubed bread with olive oil and garlic powder.
Copy Cat Olive Garden salad recipe - Better than the original! Easy Homemade Favorite
Try this Copy Cat Olive Garden salad recipe - Better than the original! Easy, fresh, and crisp salad with homemade dressing everyone will love.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 6 cups chopped romaine lettuce
- 1 cup chopped radicchio
- 1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup croutons (homemade or store-bought)
Seasonings & Flavor Boosters
- 1/3 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup white vinegar
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tbsp sugar
- 2 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese (for dressing)
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Optional Toppings
- Chopped green onions
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
How to Make Copy Cat Olive Garden salad recipe - Better than the original!
- Prepare the greens: Wash and chop the romaine lettuce and radicchio. Pat dry thoroughly to avoid soggy salad.
- Make the dressing: In a bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, white vinegar, olive oil, sugar, grated Parmesan, lemon juice, oregano, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until smooth and creamy.
- Toss the salad: In a large salad bowl, combine the chopped greens, shredded Parmesan cheese, and croutons. Pour dressing over and toss gently until everything is well coated.
- Serve immediately: Garnish with chopped green onions and fresh parsley if desired. Enjoy your better-than-the-original Olive Garden salad!
Nutrition (per serving)
Storage, Freezing & Reheating
- Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Not recommended (texture changes).
- Serve/Reheat: Best chilled or at room temperature.
Copy Cat Olive Garden salad recipe - Better than the original! Easy Homemade Favorite FAQs
Yes, prepare the dressing and store it in the refrigerator up to 5 days. Keep the greens and croutons separate and toss just before serving for best texture.
Greek yogurt works well as a healthier substitute, providing similar creaminess with fewer calories.
Store leftover dressing in an airtight container in the fridge. Keep leftover salad greens separate and fresh, but avoid tossing them with dressing to prevent sogginess.
Soggy salad usually happens from dressing the salad too early or from wet lettuce. Make sure to dry the greens thoroughly and dress the salad immediately before serving.
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Before You Go
If you try this Copy Cat Olive Garden salad recipe - Better than the original! Easy Homemade Favorite, I'd love for you to leave a rating or share how you customized it.