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Olive Garden Salad

Olive Garden Salad
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Olive Garden Salad is a refreshing Italian-inspired salad featuring a blend of crisp romaine and iceberg lettuce, juicy cherry tomatoes, tangy red onions, salty Kalamata olives, savory Parmesan cheese, and crunchy toasted croutons, all tossed in a signature zesty Italian dressing. This easy-to-make salad offers a perfect balance of fresh flavors, textures, and nutrients, making it ideal as an appetizer or a light meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Greens

  • 2 cups romaine lettuce, washed and chopped
  • 2 cups iceberg lettuce, washed and chopped

Vegetables & Add-ins

  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • ¼ cup red onions, thinly sliced
  • ¼ cup Kalamata olives, pitted and roughly chopped

Cheese & Crunch

  • ½ cup Parmesan cheese, shaved or grated
  • 1 cup croutons, toasted (homemade or store-bought)

Dressing

  • ½ cup Italian dressing (store-bought or homemade)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the greens: Start by washing and drying your romaine and iceberg lettuce thoroughly using a salad spinner or clean towels to prevent sogginess. Chop or tear the leaves into bite-size pieces that are easy to eat and visually appealing.
  2. Slice and dice: Cut the cherry tomatoes in halves, thinly slice the red onions, and pit and roughly chop the Kalamata olives if needed. Prep your Parmesan cheese by shaving or grating it fresh for maximum flavor.
  3. Assemble the salad: In a large bowl, combine the lettuce, tomatoes, onions, olives, and Parmesan cheese. Toss gently to distribute these vibrant ingredients evenly before adding croutons.
  4. Dress the salad: Pour the signature Italian dressing over the salad just before serving. Toss again carefully to ensure every leaf is coated lightly but thoroughly, maintaining balance between greens and dressing.
  5. Add croutons fresh: Top with crunchy croutons right at the end to keep them crispy and prevent them from getting soggy in the dressing.

Notes

  • Dry your lettuce well using a salad spinner to ensure a crisp, fresh salad.
  • Homemade croutons made by toasting cubed bread with garlic and olive oil add irresistible crunch and flavor.
  • Chill your veggies and dressing beforehand for a refreshing, crisp bite.
  • You can make your own Italian dressing by whisking red wine vinegar, olive oil, Italian herbs, garlic, and a touch of sugar.
  • Serve immediately to maintain the salad’s perfect texture and flavor harmony.

Nutrition

Keywords: Olive Garden Salad, Italian salad, Italian dressing, healthy salad, fresh salad, croutons, Mediterranean salad

Find it online: https://mealsbylina.com/olive-garden-salad/