Description
This Crispy Olive Garden Salad is a quick lunch, easy side dish, and fresh dinner idea packed with crisp romaine, juicy tomatoes, olives, red onion, Parmesan, and crunchy croutons tossed in a creamy Italian dressing. It is one of my favorite easy recipe options for busy days when I want simple food ideas, quick salad recipes, and restaurant-style flavor at home.
Ingredients
6 cups romaine lettuce, chopped
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1/2 cup black olives, sliced or whole
1/4 cup pepperoncini slices
1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
1 cup croutons
1/3 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
1/2 cup creamy Italian dressing
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
1. Wash the romaine lettuce well, dry it completely, and chop it into bite-sized pieces.
2. Halve the cherry tomatoes, thinly slice the red onion, and drain the olives and pepperoncini.
3. Add the romaine, tomatoes, olives, pepperoncini, and red onion to a large serving bowl.
4. Sprinkle in the croutons and grated Parmesan cheese.
5. Pour the creamy Italian dressing over the salad and toss gently until everything is evenly coated.
6. Finish with salt and black pepper, then serve immediately for the best crunch.
Notes
Do not dress the salad until right before serving, or the lettuce and croutons will lose their crisp texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 side serving
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 17g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
Keywords: crispy olive garden salad, olive garden salad copycat, easy salad recipe, quick lunch, easy side dish, dinner ideas, food ideas, restaurant style salad