Copycat Olive Garden House Salad with Homemade Dressing

If you’re anything like me, the real reason you say yes to Olive Garden isn’t just the breadsticks—it’s that iconic house salad. Crisp, tangy, refreshing, and bursting with simple ingredients, this Copycat Olive Garden House Salad brings the restaurant vibes home—minus the wait. With crunchy croutons, fresh lettuce, juicy tomatoes, zesty pepperoncini, and a bold homemade Italian dressing, this easy salad is the perfect starter or weeknight side! Dairy-free, Add-on and Swap options.

I don't know about you, but a s good simple salad is truly the best salad when it comes to serving a multi-coarse meal or an easy lunch on a lazy day. It's like re-creating a restaurant-like experience a home. Anyway, when it comes to this Copycat Olive Garden House Salad with Homemade Dressing specifically------I won't deny how delicious it is although it only uses a handful of ingredients. I just love how fresh the flavors are and the ability to add-on or swap any ingredients that you aren't a major fan of is incredible.

If you're a fan of simple yet flavorful like I am, then you'll love my previous creations like Morning Glory Pesto Egg Avocado Toast, Southern-Style Bacon Grilled Cheese Sandwich, The Perfect Veggie Frittata, One-Pot Chickpeas and White Beans, Southern Black Eyed Peas, and Peach Cobbler Milkshake which are still huge hits for the entire family. This salad can be enjoyed by adults/kids, + used for meal prepping, and more. It's perfect for all occasions, especially year-round during any of the months.

The slight spiciness delivers just the right amount of kick, and with no cook time, this easy house salad is a lifesaver for those hectic weeknight dinners or lunch moments. The homemade dressing added as garnish is with flavor, making it a love-at-first-bite experience you won't forget----even without the meat! It's packed with texture that adds both depth to your dishes and a completeness to a simple salad. So, if you're looking for something that balances ease and flavor, this house salad has got you covered!

Why You’ll Love This Copycat Olive Garden Salad

• Restaurant-style at home – Get that famous flavor in under 15 minutes.
• Homemade dressing = major upgrade – No additives or preservatives, just fresh bold ingredients.
• Customizable – Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas to make it a full meal.
• Perfect for meal prep – Store dressing and ingredients separately for easy assembly.

How to Make the Olive Garden Salad

Step 1: Make the dressing. Whisk together all dressing ingredients in a bowl or shake in a mason jar until smooth and emulsified. Taste and adjust the seasoning.

Step 2: Prep the salad base. Combine chopped or whole romaine and iceberg lettuce in a large mixing bowl.

Step 3: Add the toppings. Layer on tomatoes, red onions, olives, pepperoncini, and croutons.

Step 4: Toss and serve. Drizzle with dressing just before serving and top with freshly grated Parmesan. Serve immediately!

Ingredients for Olive Garden House Salad

For the salad:

Here’s what you’ll need to make this classic salad at home:

• Lettuce. You can keep things traditional by enjoying the lettuce (combination of romaine and iceberg) in whole leaves or chopping them well into bite-sized pieces. If you prefer a different leafy green, you can use spinach, kale, butter lettuce, or another favorite salad base. See further below on great greens options for this salad.
• Tomatoes. You use your favorite type of tomatoes and simple slice them. Again, choose a mix of large (like heirlooms or beefsteak), roma, grapes, and cherries, if desired.
• Onion. Substitute with yellow, white or red works.
• Pepperoncini. You can keep things traditional with pepperoncini peppers or substitute with other options like jalapeños, etc. See further below for options.
• Olives. You'll need black olives which are whole and pitted. You can substitute with capers, dill pickles, etc. See further below for great swap options.
• Croutons. You can use premium store-bought croutons or easily whip together your own homemade version using a handful of ingredients. See my Homemade Croutons recipe.
• Parmesan. I love freshly-grated or to "shave" (using a veggie peeler) my cheese, however, you can grab it premade by my faves: BelGioioso. Can also use your favorite dairy-free shredded brand from my go-to brand Violife cheese---which tastes great.

For the Copycat Italian Dressing:

When it comes to the dressing, you can keep things traditional by using my Homemade Italian Dressing or other great creamy options or you make a copycat version that is often served with this delicious house salad:

• ½ cup olive oil
• ¼ cup white wine vinegar
• 1 tablespoon mayonnaise
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon sugar (or honey)
• ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• Optional: 1 tablespoon grated Parmesan for extra richness

Tips for the Best Copycat Olive Garden Salad

• Chill your bowl + ingredients: Just like the restaurant, keep your lettuce and serving bowl cold for that refreshing crunch.
• Toss right before serving: To avoid soggy croutons, always dress the salad last-minute.
• Make it a meal: Add grilled protein like shrimp, lemon chicken, or even chickpeas for a filling lunch.

Ingredient Swaps + Add-Ins

• Dairy-free? Skip the cheese or use vegan Parmesan like Violife.
• No mayo? Use Greek yogurt or skip for a lighter dressing.
• Gluten-free? Use GF croutons or toasted nuts for crunch.
• Love spice? Add red pepper flakes to your dressing or swap in spicy pepperoncini.

Best Greens to Use for Copycat Olive Garden Salad

One of the reasons this salad is so satisfying is the mix of crisp, refreshing greens. You can easily stick with the classic combo or mix things up based on texture, taste, or what’s in your fridge:

Classic Base:

• Romaine Lettuce – Crunchy, mild, and sturdy. It holds dressing well without getting soggy.
• Iceberg Lettuce – Ultra-crisp and cool with a neutral flavor that enhances the overall freshness.

Great Mix-and-Match Options:

• Green Leaf Lettuce – Slightly softer than romaine with a more delicate texture.
• Baby Spinach – Adds a nutrient-rich layer and a subtle earthy flavor.
• Arugula – Peppery and bold, perfect if you want a bit of bite to contrast with the sweet + tangy dressing.
• Radicchio – Adds color and slight bitterness, which balances rich dressings well.
• Butter Lettuce (Boston or Bibb) – Tender and smooth with a sweet, mellow taste.

Pro Tip:

Combine at least two types of greens for a more dimensional texture and flavor. A good mix could be romaine + spinach for crunch and nutrients, or iceberg + arugula for that classic-meets-bold feel.

SHOP MY FAVORITE TOOLS FOR COOKING, ESPECIALLY FOR THIS SALAD!

Here, I’ve curated a list of baking essentials that I use to achieve my favorite baked goods, especially with this Copycat Olive Garden House Salad recipe. Everything from my fave skillet pans, wooden spoons, parchment paper, and more. SEE THEM HERE!

Best Substitutes for Olives and Pepperoncini Peppers

Not a fan of olives or pepperoncini? No worries—there are plenty of flavorful alternatives that still give you that zingy, salty bite Olive Garden’s house salad is known for.

If You Don’t Like Olives:

• Capers – Tiny and briny with a bright flavor; a little goes a long way!
• Chopped dill pickles – Crunchy, tangy, and easy to find.
• Sun-dried tomatoes – Sweet, chewy, and savory—great for extra umami.
• Roasted red peppers – Soft and slightly sweet with a hint of smokiness.

If You’re Not Into Pepperoncini:

• Banana peppers – Mildly tangy and sweet, very similar to pepperoncini but slightly less heat.
• Jalapeño slices (pickled) – Spicier option for a bold twist.
• Pickled red onions – A sharp, tangy substitute with beautiful color.
• Giardiniera – Italian pickled veggie mix (cauliflower, carrots, peppers) for a briny, crunchy bite.

Pro Tip:

Mix and match based on your flavor preference! If you love heat, go for pickled jalapeños. If you want a kid-friendly version, banana peppers and roasted red peppers are mild crowd-pleasers.

How to Make Homemade Croutons

This House Salad is easy to throw together, but if you'd love additional texture + crunch croutons are a great addition! While you might think that it's so hard to make----I'm here to show you just how easy it is, using the following ingredients:

• Rustic bread, cubed into ¾ inches
• Extra Virgin Olive Oil
• Italian seasoning
• Garlic powder
• Dried parsley
• Salt + Black pepper

What to Serve with Olive Garden Salad

You can enjoy this Copycat Olive Garden House Salad on its own as a nice lunch or re-create a multi-course dinner by serving it with other dishes. Or, if you'd like to add additional protein to round out your meal, add crispy tofu or nuts to keep things plant-based. If you're not vegetarian or vegan, you can add seared or roasted salmon, Crispy Baked Chicken Tenders or Jamaican Spicy 'Pepper' Shrimp or leftover shredded chicken. Pair this salad with:

• Roasted Carrot Soup + Cheesy Croutons
• Southern Baked Maple Citrus Chicken Legs
• Easy Roasted Butternut Squash Soup
• Southern Hot Honey Fried Chicken
• Creamy Jamaican Rasta Pasta
• Southern-Style Bacon Grilled Cheese Sandwich
• Homemade Roasted Garlic Bread
• Cheesy Kale Garlic Bread
• Creamy Blackened Chicken with Tortellini
• BBQ Pulled Chicken Sandwich
• Creamy Blackened Chicken Tortellini Soup

Common Copycat Olive Garden House Salad Q + A's

More Restaurant-Style Recipes to Try:

Now that you're on a vibrant, flavorful twist with this house salad recipe, give these recipes that your entire family will love a try for the best restaurant-style home dinner experience:

• Creamy Roasted Garlic Tomato Soup 
• Authentic Jamaican Curry Chicken
• Creamy Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Soup
• Pan Seared Steak
• Weeknight Creamy Chicken Alfredo
• Plant-based Sesame ‘Chicken' + Noodles
• My Fave Birria Tacos
• Southern Chicken and Waffles
• Creamy Tuscan Lobster Pasta
• Hubby’s Date Night Vodka Ravioli
• Chicken Parmesan with Vodka Sauce

MADE OUR RECIPE(S)?

If you tried this Copycat Olive Garden House Salad with Homemade Dressing recipe or any other recipe on my website, please please leave a 🌟 star rating and let me know how you go in the 📝 comments below. And don't forget to tag @shanikagrahamwhite on Instagram. I love hearing from you!

Copycat Olive Garden House Salad with Homemade Dressing

June 21, 2025 •

By Shanika

No ratings yet

Crisp, tangy, refreshing, and bursting with simple ingredients, this Copycat Olive Garden House Salad brings the restaurant vibes home—minus the wait.

Prep Time: 15 minutes mins

Total Time: 15 minutes mins

Serves: 8 servings

Units:

US Customary|Metric

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Ingredients

SALAD:

• 6 cups lettuce (You can use iceberg and romaine heart leaves as a great mix----half and half; See Post for more alternatives)
• 1 cup whole pitted black olives, drained (You'll be slicing them in half)
• 1 red onion, sliced thin
• 6 jalapeños, halved or chopped (You can keep things traditional with Pepperoncini peppers instead)
• 2 cups halved grape tomatoes (You can substitute with roma or heirloom tomatoes, if desired)
• 1 cup croutons, store-bought or homemade (You can add additional croutons, if desired)
• ½ cup grated or shaved parmesan
• Your fave salad dressing (I recommend Homemade Italian Dressing, Caesar Dressing, or Creamy Lemon Garlic Dressing)

Instructions

TO MAKE THE CROUTONS:

• Follow my recipe on How to Make Homemade Croutons using a handful of simple ingredients that taste better than the store-bought version you're use to enjoying!

PREP + CHOP INGREDIENTS:

• You can leave the lettuce leaves whole or chop them for a better bite. Also, slice and chop all other ingredients: olives, tomatoes, onions, and jalapeños.

ASSEMBLE SALAD:

• In a bowl, add the lettuce, croutons, tomatoes, onions, jalapeños, and olives, tossing everything together.
• To serve, add tossed salad to a platter, top with parmesan, and drizzle your favorite dressings atop [this Homemade Italian Dressing, Caesar Dressing, and Creamy Lemon Garlic Dressing go great with this salad]. Enjoy!
• Bon Appetit!

Tips & Tricks

• STORAGE: Store undressed salad and dressing separately in airtight containers. The salad will stay crisp for up to 2 days. The dressing lasts up to 1 week in the fridge. Always determine the ingredients in your salad and keep it no longer than the shelf life of your fastest-spoiling ingredient.
• HERB ROASTED TOMATOES: For an additional topping, see the recipe: tap this link.
• ADD-ONS + SWAPS: See post for details on the best ingredients that you can add or swap in this house salad.

Nutrition

Calories: 14kcal | Carbohydrates: 3g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 0.1g | Saturated Fat: 0.02g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 0.01g | Sodium: 7mg | Potassium: 164mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 581IU | Vitamin C: 7mg | Calcium: 13mg | Iron: 0.3mg

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