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Close up of Copycat Olive Garden Salad showing translucent red onion rings and glossy dressing. (Copycat Olive Garden Salad)

Copycat Olive Garden Salad: The Ultimate Restaurant-Style Italian House Salad

Recreate the iconic Copycat Olive Garden Salad at home with crisp iceberg and romaine, translucent red onions, waxy pepperoncini, and a signature glossy Italian vinaigrette. A forensic approach to the perfect restaurant-style salad experience.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 6 people
Course: Salad, Side Dish
Cuisine: Italian-American
Calories: 150
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 4 cups (300g) Iceberg Lettuce Torn into bite-sized pieces
  • 4 cups (300g) Romaine Lettuce Torn into bite-sized pieces
  • 1/2 Red Onion Sliced into thin, translucent rings
  • 4 Roma Tomatoes Cut into thick wedges
  • 1 Cucumber Sliced into 1/4-inch rounds
  • 1/2 cup (75g) Black Olives Whole and matte
  • 6-8 Pepperoncini Whole and waxy light green
  • 1 cup (60g) Croutons Large, cubic, herb-seasoned
  • 1/4 cup (25g) Parmesan Cheese Fine powdery grated
  • 1/2 cup (120ml) Italian Vinaigrette Glossy and emulsified

Equipment

  • 1 Large Glass Salad Bowl To showcase the vibrant layers.
  • 1 Mandoline slicer For paper-thin onion rings.
  • 1 Salad Spinner To ensure greens are perfectly dry.

Method
 

Prepare the Vegetables
  1. Wash the torn iceberg and romaine in cold water, then use a salad spinner until they are completely dry.
  2. Use a mandoline to slice the red onion into translucent rings; separate them by hand.
  3. Wedge the Roma tomatoes and slice the cucumbers into rounds.
Assembly
  1. In a clear glass bowl, combine the lettuce. Add the onion rings, tomato wedges, and cucumber slices in visible layers.
  2. Place whole matte black olives and waxy pepperoncini on top, followed by the large herb croutons.
  3. Drizzle with glossy Italian vinaigrette and toss gently. Finish with a heavy dusting of powdery parmesan cheese.

Notes

Use room temperature tomatoes for the best flavor.
Ensure lettuce is bone-dry so the dressing clings effectively.