Better Than Olive Garden Salad

 

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This salad is a restaurant-quality classic that’s quick and easy to make at home. With its perfect balance of crisp greens, tangy vegetables, and a flavorful homemade Italian dressing, it’s a crowd-pleaser every time. Ready in just 15 minutes, it’s a great option for busy weeknights or when you want a fresh, zesty starter.

Ingredients

For the Salad:

• 1 bag Fresh Express Salad Kit (American variety, includes lettuce mix and croutons)
• ½ cup green olives, sliced (reserve 1 Tbsp olive juice)
• ½ cup banana pepper rings (reserve 2 Tbsp pepper juice)
• 1 small red onion, sliced thin
• 8-10 pepperoncini peppers, whole or halved
• ¼ cup powdered Parmesan cheese (plus 2 Tbsp for topping)
• 1 chunk Parmesan cheese (for shaving over salad)
• ½ Tbsp dried parsley

For the Dressing:

• 1 bottle Wishbone Zesty Robusto Italian Dressing
• 1 tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp celery seed
• 2 tsp dried oregano
• 2 tsp tomato powder (optional)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Method

1. Prep the Vegetables & Olives

• Empty the salad kit into a large bowl.
• Add the sliced red onion, green olives (with 1 Tbsp reserved juice), banana pepper rings (with 2 Tbsp reserved juice), and the pepperoncini peppers.

2. Make the Dressing

• In a small bowl or measuring cup, combine the Wishbone Zesty Robusto Italian dressing with the reserved olive and pepper juices.
• Whisk in black pepper, celery seed, dried oregano, tomato powder (if using), and the ¼ cup powdered Parmesan until well blended.

3. Toss the Salad

• Pour the dressing over the salad ingredients and toss gently until everything is evenly coated.

4. Finish & Serve

• Shave the chunk of Parmesan cheese over the top using a vegetable peeler.
• Sprinkle with the remaining 2 Tbsp powdered Parmesan and dried parsley.
• Serve immediately alongside breadsticks or as a refreshing starter.

Notes

• For extra crispness, chill all ingredients ahead of time.
• Adjust the heat by varying the amount of reserved pepper juice.
• This salad holds well for up to 1 hour in the fridge—just give it a quick toss before serving again.
• Add a handful of cherry tomatoes or cucumber slices for more color and crunch.

Servings and Timing

This recipe serves 4 people and takes approximately:

• Prep time: 15 minutes
• Total time: 15 minutes

Variations

1. Extra Veggies: Add some sliced cucumbers or cherry tomatoes for added crunch and freshness.
2. Make it Heartier: Add some grilled chicken or Italian sausage for a more filling meal.
3. Vegan Option: Skip the Parmesan and use nutritional yeast or a vegan cheese alternative for a dairy-free version.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 day. The salad can soften slightly, but a quick toss will bring it back to life.
• Reheating: This salad is best served cold and doesn’t require reheating.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different brand of Italian dressing?

Yes! Feel free to use any Italian dressing of your choice, but Wishbone Zesty Robusto adds a great tangy flavor that works well in this recipe.

2. Can I skip the croutons?

Yes, you can skip the croutons if you prefer a lighter salad or use gluten-free croutons for a gluten-free version.

3. How can I make this salad spicier?

You can increase the amount of pepperoncini peppers or add a few dashes of hot sauce or red pepper flakes to the dressing.

4. Can I prepare this salad ahead of time?

You can prepare everything except the dressing and toppings ahead of time. Just toss the dressing in right before serving to keep the salad crisp.

5. How can I make the dressing from scratch?

You can make your own Italian dressing by combining olive oil, vinegar, lemon juice, garlic, dried herbs (oregano, basil, thyme), and salt and pepper to taste.

6. Can I add meat to this salad?

Yes, grilled chicken, shrimp, or even some pepperoni would make great additions to this salad for extra protein.

7. Can I use a different type of cheese?

Yes, you can substitute Parmesan with Pecorino Romano or another hard cheese of your choice.

8. How do I make this salad more filling?

You can add grains like quinoa or couscous or top with some roasted vegetables for a heartier version.

9. Can I skip the olives?

Yes, if you’re not a fan of olives, you can leave them out or substitute them with another ingredient like artichoke hearts or roasted red peppers.

10. Can I make this salad gluten-free?

Yes, to make this salad gluten-free, just ensure the croutons are gluten-free or skip them altogether.

Conclusion

This Better Than Olive Garden Salad is the perfect addition to any meal, offering a fresh and flavorful combination of crispy veggies, tangy dressing, and savory Parmesan. Easy to make and full of vibrant ingredients, this salad is a crowd-pleaser that will elevate your next dinner or potluck. Enjoy the crunch and the zesty flavors!

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