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Fresh Better Than Olive Garden Salad Recipe Easy Homemade Copycat Dressing Guide

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A fresh, crisp salad with a bright, tangy homemade dressing that rivals the Olive Garden classic. Perfect as a quick side or a crowd-pleaser with familiar yet vibrant flavors.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 6 cups romaine lettuce, chopped
  • 2 cups iceberg lettuce, chopped
  • 1/2 cup shredded carrots
  • 1/3 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 cup croutons (homemade or store-bought)
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise (full-fat preferred)
  • 1/4 cup milk (whole or 2%)
  • 2 tablespoons white vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon sugar
  • 1 teaspoon freshly grated onion
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (oregano, basil, parsley blend)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Rinse romaine and iceberg lettuce thoroughly under cold water. Pat dry with paper towels or use a salad spinner. Chop the lettuce into bite-sized pieces (about 6 cups romaine and 2 cups iceberg).
  2. Peel and shred carrots using a box grater or food processor until you have about 1/2 cup. Set aside.
  3. In a small bowl or jar, combine mayonnaise, milk, white vinegar, sugar, grated onion, garlic powder, and dried Italian herbs. Whisk or shake vigorously until smooth and creamy. Taste and add salt and pepper as desired.
  4. In a large bowl, combine chopped lettuce, shredded carrots, and Parmesan cheese. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently but thoroughly to coat every leaf.
  5. Just before serving, sprinkle croutons on top to keep them crunchy. Toss lightly once more if desired.
  6. Serve immediately. If preparing ahead, keep dressing separate and toss just before serving to avoid soggy lettuce.

Notes

Dry lettuce thoroughly to prevent soggy salad. Freshly grated onion adds better flavor than powder. Adjust vinegar and sugar to taste for perfect acidity balance. Dressing can be made ahead and refrigerated for 15-30 minutes to meld flavors. Use Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise for a lighter dressing. Use gluten-free croutons or nuts for gluten-free option. Add croutons just before serving to keep them crunchy.

Nutrition

Keywords: Olive Garden salad copycat, homemade salad dressing, fresh salad recipe, easy salad, copycat dressing, tangy salad dressing, crowd-pleaser salad

Find it online: https://swooshspice.com/fresh-better-than-olive-garden-salad-recipe-easy-homemade-copycat-dressing-guide/