Oh my goodness, let me tell you about my love for the Olive Garden house salad! It’s the perfect blend of fresh, vibrant ingredients that just makes my taste buds dance. I still remember the first time I had this salad at Olive Garden with my family—it was such a delight! The crisp romaine lettuce, juicy cherry tomatoes, and tangy olives all come together in such a beautiful way. And can we talk about the Italian dressing? Wow! It’s the finishing touch that brings everything to life. I love making this salad at home because it’s not only quick and easy, but it also feels like a little piece of Italy right in my kitchen. Whether I’m serving it alongside a hearty pasta dish or enjoying it on its own, this Olive Garden house salad is always a hit. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll be hooked!
Ingredients List
- 1 head of romaine lettuce, chopped into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup of cherry tomatoes, halved for a juicy burst of flavor
- 1/2 cup of red onion, sliced thinly to add a bit of zing
- 1/2 cup of black olives, sliced for that briny goodness
- 1/2 cup of mozzarella cheese, shredded to bring creamy richness
- 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese, because you can never have too much cheese!
- 1 cup of croutons, for that perfect crunchy texture
- 1/2 cup of Italian dressing, or more if you like it extra zesty
How to Prepare the Olive Garden House Salad
Step-by-Step Instructions
Getting this Olive Garden house salad ready is a breeze! Just follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a fresh and delicious salad in no time. Trust me, it’s all about enjoying the process.
- First, grab that gorgeous head of romaine lettuce. I like to rinse it under cool water to make sure it’s nice and clean. Then, chop it into bite-sized pieces—about 1 to 2 inches is perfect. Toss it in a large salad bowl; this is where all the magic happens!
- Next, take your vibrant cherry tomatoes and slice them in half. The burst of sweetness from these little beauties really elevates the salad! Add them right on top of the romaine.
- Now, let’s bring in some flavor with that red onion. Slice it as thin as you can; it adds a delightful zing without overwhelming the dish. Sprinkle those slices over the salad.
- Time for the black olives! I love how they give that briny taste. Slice them up and toss them in. Don’t worry if you drop a few; just think of it as adding a little extra flavor to your kitchen floor!
- Next, it’s cheese time! Add the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan right on top. Cheese makes everything better, right?
- Now for the fun part—tossing! Gently mix the salad with your hands or a large spoon, making sure everything is well combined.
- Finally, add those crunchy croutons—this is where the texture comes in! Drizzle your Italian dressing over the salad, but start with half if you’re unsure. Toss everything again until it’s nicely coated. If you like it a bit more zesty, feel free to add a touch more dressing!
- And voilà! Your Olive Garden house salad is ready to shine on the dinner table. Serve it fresh and enjoy every delightful bite!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to prepare—ready in just 10 minutes!
- Fresh, vibrant ingredients that burst with flavor
- Perfectly customizable to suit your taste—add or swap ingredients!
- Pairs beautifully with any Italian meal or can be enjoyed on its own
- Light yet satisfying, making it a great side or main dish
- Great for meal prep—make a big batch for the week!
Tips for Success
To really elevate your Olive Garden house salad, here are some of my favorite tips! First, make sure to choose the freshest ingredients you can find. Crunchy romaine, perfectly ripe cherry tomatoes, and flavorful olives will make all the difference. If you’re feeling adventurous, try adding a sprinkle of fresh herbs like basil or parsley for an aromatic twist!
When it comes to the dressing, I recommend starting with half the amount and adjusting to your taste. It’s so easy to add more, but hard to take it away if you overdo it. And speaking of dressing, let it sit for a few minutes after tossing; this allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.
Lastly, don’t forget to have fun with it! Experiment with different toppings or add-ins. Maybe some sliced cucumbers or roasted red peppers? The possibilities are endless, and it’s all about what makes your taste buds sing!
Variations of Olive Garden House Salad
If you’re feeling creative, there are so many fun ways to customize your Olive Garden house salad! For a refreshing crunch, add some sliced cucumbers or bell peppers—both bring a lovely texture and color to the mix. Want to take it up a notch? Toss in some sliced avocado for creaminess or even grilled chicken for a protein boost!
If you love a bit of heat, try adding some pepperoncini or jalapeños for a spicy kick. And don’t forget about other cheeses; feta or goat cheese can add a delightful tang! The beauty of this salad is that it’s all about making it your own, so have fun experimenting!
Nutritional Information
Now, let’s talk about the nutritional goodness packed into this Olive Garden house salad! These values are estimates, but they give you a good sense of what you’re enjoying. Each serving contains about 150 calories, which is pretty light for such a flavorful dish! You’ll also find 10 grams of fat, with 3 grams being saturated fat. The salad provides around 5 grams of protein and 12 grams of carbohydrates, making it a balanced choice. Plus, it has 2 grams of fiber to help keep you satisfied. It’s a guilt-free way to enjoy fresh ingredients while complementing your meal!
FAQ Section
Can I make this salad ahead of time? Absolutely! You can prepare all the ingredients in advance and toss them together just before serving. This keeps everything fresh and crisp.
What dressing should I use? The classic choice is Italian dressing, just like at Olive Garden! However, feel free to experiment with your favorite dressings, such as balsamic vinaigrette or a creamy ranch.
Can I add protein to this salad? Definitely! Grilled chicken, shrimp, or even chickpeas are great additions if you want to turn this salad into a heartier meal.
How long will leftovers last? If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Just keep in mind that croutons might lose their crunch!
Is this Olive Garden house salad vegetarian? Yes, it is! All the ingredients are plant-based, making it a great option for vegetarians.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing your Olive Garden house salad is super easy! If you have leftovers, simply transfer them to an airtight container and pop it in the fridge. They’ll stay fresh for up to 2 days. Just remember, croutons can get a bit soggy, so it’s best to keep them separate if you plan to enjoy the salad later.
As for reheating, this salad is best served cold, so there’s no need to heat it up! Just give it a good toss before serving to redistribute the dressing and enjoy that fresh flavor again!
Print
Olive Garden House Salad: 7 Comforting Ingredients to Try
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Salad
- Method: Tossing
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A fresh and delicious Olive Garden house salad recipe.
Ingredients
- 1 head of romaine lettuce, chopped
- 1 cup of cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup of red onion, sliced
- 1/2 cup of black olives, sliced
- 1/2 cup of mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup of croutons
- 1/2 cup of Italian dressing
Instructions
- Chop the romaine lettuce and place it in a large bowl.
- Add the cherry tomatoes, red onion, black olives, mozzarella cheese, and Parmesan cheese.
- Toss the salad to combine the ingredients.
- Add the croutons and drizzle with Italian dressing.
- Toss again to coat everything with the dressing.
Notes
- Adjust the amount of dressing to your preference.
- Feel free to add other vegetables like cucumbers or peppers.
- This salad pairs well with any Italian meal.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
Keywords: olive garden house salad, salad recipe, Italian salad