THIS MESS IS OURS
As a child of the 80's, I LOVE the iconic Olive Garden salad! It's a staple at the restaurant, often stealing the show even before the pasta dishes arrive. But what if you could recreate this famous salad at home and make it even better? My copycat Olive Garden salad is not only delicious but also a bit healthier and skips all the added preservatives and sugar.
Making Olive Garden salad at home allows you to enjoy all the flavors you love while controlling the quality of the ingredients. You can choose the freshest ingredients, adjust the flavors to your liking, and even make it a bit healthier, too. Plus, it's incredibly fun and satisfying to recreate your favorite restaurant classics at home.
The foundation of a great copycat Olive Garden salad is fresh, crisp lettuce. While the restaurant uses a mix of iceberg lettuce and red cabbage, feel free to add your favorite leafy greens. The key is to ensure they're fresh, cold, and crunchy.
Adding a variety of fresh vegetables gives the salad its signature taste. Use Roma tomatoes for their juicy, sweet flavor, and don't forget the red onion slices for a bit of sharpness. Black olives and pepperoncini peppers provide a tangy, briny contrast that balances the salad perfectly.
Romano cheese is the classic choice for this salad, but you can also use Parmesan cheese for a slightly different flavor. Making homemade croutons is always a great option. They add a delightful crunch and can be seasoned to your liking. Plus, you can choose how much oil and spice to use. Simply cube some bread, toss it with a bit of olive oil and Italian seasoning, and bake until crispy.
One of the easiest ways to make Olive Garden salad healthier is by making your own dressing. The classic dressing is a zesty Italian dressing that you can easily replicate with a few simple ingredients. By making it at home, you can control the amount of sugar, salt, and preservatives.
Boost the nutritional value of your salad by adding more vegetables. Increasing the amount of red cabbage and carrots in the recipe is a great place to start. Cucumbers are great additions that add color, crunch, and nutrients. The more variety, the healthier, and more delicious your salad will be.
Recreating the famous Olive Garden salad at home is easier than you might think. With fresh ingredients, a few simple steps, and my homemade dressing, you can enjoy a delicious and healthier version of this restaurant favorite. Swipe up to see how to make this recipe!
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