Italian Garden Salad Delight
Experience the vibrant flavors of Italy with this Italian Garden Salad Delight, a beloved copycat of Olive Garden's iconic salad. The perfect blend of fresh iceberg lettuce, crisp vegetables, and zesty olives creates a refreshing medley that's ideal for any occasion. Tossed with a tangy Italian dressing and crowned with freshly grated Parmesan cheese, this salad is sure to be a hit with your family and friends. Whether served as a side dish or a light main course, this salad brings a taste of Italian cuisine right to your table.
6
Servings
75
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
Iceberg garden salad mix
12 ounces (bagged, no preparation needed)
Red onion
1/4 small (sliced paper-thin)
Pitted black olives
6-12 (halved or left whole, as preferred)
Mild pepperoncini peppers
6 (whole)
Roma tomato
1-2 small (sliced)
Croutons
1/2 cup (store-bought or homemade)
Italian dressing
to taste (bottle or homemade)
Freshly grated Parmesan cheese
to taste (freshly grated)
Fresh ground black pepper
to taste (ground)
Instructions
1
In a large glass or wooden salad bowl, begin by combining the iceberg garden salad mix, thinly sliced red onions, pitted black olives, mild pepperoncini peppers, and sliced roma tomatoes.
2
Gently toss the ingredients together using salad tongs to ensure an even distribution of flavors.
3
Add croutons for a delightful crunch, followed by your choice of Italian dressing. Toss again until the salad is well-coated with the dressing.
4
Serve the salad in individual bowls, garnished with a generous sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese and a dash of freshly ground black pepper according to taste.
Nutrition Information
4g
Fat
6g
Carbs
2g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Italian Garden Salad Delight?
This is a vibrant salad recipe that serves as a copycat of the iconic Olive Garden garden salad, featuring fresh greens, vegetables, and Italian dressing.
How many servings does this salad recipe make?
The recipe is designed to yield 6 servings.
What are the calorie counts for a serving of this salad?
Each serving contains approximately 75 calories.
How much fat is in each serving?
There are 4 grams of fat per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in this Italian garden salad?
The salad contains 6 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
What is the protein content of the salad?
Each serving provides 2 grams of protein.
What type of lettuce should I use?
The recipe calls for a 12-ounce bag of iceberg garden salad mix.
How should the red onions be prepared?
The red onions should be sliced paper-thin for the best texture and flavor.
How many olives are recommended for the salad?
You should use between 6 to 12 pitted black olives.
Do I need to slice the black olives?
The olives can be halved or left whole depending on your personal preference.
Are the pepperoncini peppers spicy?
The recipe specifies mild pepperoncini peppers to maintain a zesty rather than spicy profile.
How many pepperoncini peppers are included?
The recipe calls for 6 whole mild pepperoncini peppers.
What kind of tomatoes are best for this salad?
One or two small Roma tomatoes are recommended for this recipe.
How should the Roma tomatoes be prepared?
The Roma tomatoes should be sliced before being added to the salad mix.
What type of croutons can I use?
You can use 1/2 cup of either store-bought or homemade croutons for a delightful crunch.
What type of dressing is used for this copycat recipe?
Italian dressing is used, and it can be either a bottled variety or a homemade version.
What is the recommended garnish for the salad?
The salad is garnished with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and freshly ground black pepper.
Is the Italian Garden Salad Delight vegetarian?
Yes, the recipe is tagged as vegetarian-friendly.
Is this salad considered a healthy option?
Yes, it is tagged as a healthy choice, particularly as an appetizer or side dish.
What type of bowl should I use for mixing?
A large glass or wooden salad bowl is recommended for combining the ingredients.
How do I ensure the dressing is applied evenly?
Gently toss the ingredients using salad tongs after adding the dressing until the salad is well-coated.
When should I add the Parmesan cheese?
The Parmesan cheese should be sprinkled generously over the individual bowls just before serving.
Can this salad be served as a main course?
Yes, it can be served as either a refreshing side dish or a light main course.
How many total ingredients are required?
There are 9 ingredients listed in the recipe instructions.
What is the first step in making the salad?
The first step is combining the lettuce mix, onions, olives, peppers, and tomatoes in a large bowl.
Does the recipe include fiber or sodium data?
The nutritional data for fiber, sugar, sodium, and cholesterol is not specified in the current record.
What kind of texture does the croutons add?
The croutons provide a delightful crunch to the soft greens and vegetables.
Is there any preparation needed for the lettuce mix?
No, the recipe suggests using a bagged mix so no additional preparation is needed for the lettuce.
What makes this salad a copycat of Olive Garden?
The combination of iceberg lettuce, whole pepperoncini, black olives, and Italian dressing mimics their iconic house salad.
How much Italian dressing should I add?
The amount of Italian dressing used is to taste, allowing you to control the level of tanginess.