Let’s not act like we haven’t all inhaled an Olive Garden salad before the breadsticks even hit the table. There’s something about that cold, tangy, overly generous bowl of greens that just works — until it doesn’t.

Until you realize it’s kind of soggy. A bit tired. The dressing? Decent, but... you could do better. And trust me, you absolutely can. With better crunch, real flavor, and no sad plastic containers in sight.

This is the salad you thought you were eating at the restaurant. Except this one doesn’t phone it in.

Active Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Servings: 4 to 6 bowls, depending on who’s around and how hungry they are

Ingredients

This is your go-to garden salad recipe — crisp, balanced, and just familiar enough to taste like nostalgia in a bowl. But with a real bite.

What goes in:

  • 1 head iceberg lettuce, torn or chopped
  • 1 cup romaine lettuce, for depth (yes, lettuce can have depth)
  • ½ cup red onion, sliced whisper-thin
  • ½ cup cherry tomatoes, halved — keep the juice
  • ½ cup black olives, canned is fine
  • ½ cup pepperoncini, whole or sliced, seeds optional
  • ½ cup crunchy croutons — the kind that hold up
  • ¼ cup grated Parmesan, the fresh kind if you can swing it

For the dressing that actually matters:

  • ¾ cup mayo, full-fat only
  • ¼ cup white vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 2 tablespoons Parmesan, grated fine
  • 1 garlic clove, smashed then minced
  • ½ teaspoon dried Italian herbs
  • ½ teaspoon sugar
  • A bit of cold water (1–2 tablespoons) to loosen it up
  • Salt and cracked pepper to taste

It’s bold, creamy, tangy — but doesn’t scream in your face. The kind of dressing that clings to every bite without drenching the whole thing in regret.

Instructions

Preparation

Wash everything like you mean it — no shortcuts. Dry your lettuce with a clean towel or spinner. Water is the enemy of crunch.

Chop the lettuce. Slice the onion like you’re making it for someone picky. Halve the tomatoes. Drain the olives. Pull out the pepperoncini, and if you’re brave, don’t even bother deseeding them.

Make sure the croutons are ready and the cheese is grated. Don’t get fancy with the presentation — just keep it fresh.

No Heat Involved

Toss all the salad ingredients into a big bowl. Not a mixing bowl from your baking stash — a big one, like you’d serve popcorn in at a party.

In a jar or bowl, whisk together the dressing. Don’t overthink it. It should pour easily, not plop. Taste it and adjust. More lemon if it’s flat. More cheese if it’s sad.

Don’t dress the salad yet unless you're eating right away. No one’s here for limp lettuce.

Serve It Fresh

When it’s go-time, pour the dressing on and toss until everything’s glossy but still alive. Not drowning.

Top with extra Parmesan and croutons if you’re that kind of person. Honestly, you should be.

Nutritional Value Per One Serving

Nutrition Facts

  • Calories: 260
  • Total Fat: 20g
  • Saturated Fat: 4g
  • Cholesterol: 15mg
  • Sodium: 480mg
  • Carbohydrates: 12g
  • Dietary Fiber: 3g
  • Sugars: 3g
  • Protein: 5g

Not bad for something that actually fills you up and doesn’t feel like you’re eating air with attitude.

Tips and Variations

You don’t need to follow this to the letter, but if you’re going to riff, riff with purpose:

  • Extra protein? Add grilled chicken or leftover rotisserie — done.
  • Spice it up: Toss in red pepper flakes or use hot pepperoncini.
  • Make it lighter: Sub half the mayo with plain Greek yogurt.
  • Crunchier vibes: Add shaved radish or cucumber.
  • No dairy? Ditch the cheese and use vegan mayo — it still works.

Don’t mess with the essentials unless you’ve tried the original first. That’s the rule.

Conclusion

You can chase the Olive Garden salad all you want, but the truth is, it’s better at home. Fresher, colder, crispier, and totally in your control.

You get to pick the good lettuce. You decide how much dressing is enough. And you never have to ask for more croutons.

This isn’t just a side salad — it’s the salad. The one that shows up with dinner and somehow steals the spotlight. The kind people actually remember. The one that never gets left behind.

For more delightful recipes, check out our collection of salads.