Description
A fresh and vibrant Olive Garden-inspired salad featuring crisp lettuce, shredded cabbage, juicy tomatoes, and a zesty homemade Italian dressing, perfect for a light meal or a flavorful side dish.
Ingredients
Salad Ingredients
- 8 cups chopped Lettuce
- ¼ cup red cabbage (shredded)
- ¼ cup Carrots (julienne)
- ¼ cup Red onion (sliced)
- ½ cup black olives
- 2 roma tomatoes (sliced)
- 1/3 cup pepperoncinis
- 1 cup croutons
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Dressing Ingredients
- 3/4 cup extra virgin olive oil (smooth preferred)
- 1 (.7 oz.) packet Zesty Italian Dressing Mix
- 1/3 cup white vinegar
- ¼ cup water
- 1 tablespoon grated Romano cheese (or Parmesan)
- 3 teaspoons sugar
- 1 ½ teaspoons mayo (not miracle whip)
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
Instructions
- Prepare the dressing: Combine the extra virgin olive oil, Zesty Italian Dressing mix, white vinegar, water, grated Romano cheese, sugar, mayo, Dijon mustard, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and garlic powder in a mini food processor or a jar with a tight-fitting lid. Blend or shake vigorously until the dressing is well emulsified. Cover and place in the refrigerator to chill.
- Prep salad vegetables: Chop the lettuce, shred the red cabbage, julienne the carrots, slice the red onion, black olives, roma tomatoes, and pepperoncinis. Use a paper towel to blot the sliced tomatoes, removing any excess moisture to maintain the salad’s crispness and freshness.
- Combine salad ingredients: In a large bowl, mix together the chopped lettuce, red cabbage, carrots, red onion, black olives, sliced tomatoes, and pepperoncinis, reserving the croutons and grated Parmesan cheese for later.
- Toss salad with dressing: Drizzle the desired amount of chilled dressing over the salad mixture, tossing gently to ensure even coating. Avoid using all the dressing at once to prevent sogginess.
- Serve with toppings: Sprinkle the salad with croutons and grated Parmesan cheese just before serving to maintain texture and flavor.
Notes
- Adjust the amount of dressing based on personal taste to avoid overdressing the salad.
- Blotting the tomatoes with a paper towel is key to keeping the salad crisp and fresh.
- The homemade dressing can be stored in the refrigerator for up to one week.
- This salad pairs exceptionally well with creamy dishes like Olive Garden Alfredo.
- You can substitute Romano cheese with Parmesan if preferred.
