The Classic Italian Side Salad: A Love Story.
You will never make a more gorgeous side salad than this stunner right here. It’s so simple, but so absolutely delicious and completely craveable. If you’ve just discovered this Italian salad recipe for the first time, congratulations! You’ve finally found that perfect simple house salad to accompany all your Italian pasta, chicken or fish dinners! Want more of a main-dish Italian salad? Try our classic Panzanella.
Read on to discover for yourself how quickly this riff of the Olive Garden Italian salad recipe comes together and how to make our super simple homemade Italian salad dressing that you’re going to want to put on everything!
What Goes Into This Italian Side Salad?
We're not gonna lie, we definitely grew up going to Olive Garden and have always had a special place in our hearts for that unlimited salad. So, when we were on the hunt for the perfect Italian salad recipe, naturally we looked to that copycat Olive Garden recipe for inspiration.
Our Version of the Copycat Olive Garden Italian Salad Recipe Has:
- Bright, leafy, green romaine. We love its crunch.
- Red onions and cherry tomatoes. Both optional, but highly recommended!
- Pepperoncinis and olives (an absolute must in our honest opinion, for that authentic Italian salad taste).
- Grated parmesan...as much as you want, of course! (Just like with the Olive Garden salad.)
- Croutons for extra crunch. Keep it simple with store bought or go all the way with homemade if you have the time!
What is Italian Salad Dressing Made Of?
Have you ever looked up the ingredient list of one of your favorite products and immediately wished you hadn’t? Been there, done that. We hate to ruin it for you, but we thought you should see a comparison of what’s in Olive Garden’s Italian dressing verses our own version of the beloved Italian vinaigrette.
From the Olive Garden Website:
Olive Garden salad dressing ingredients: Water, Soybean Oil, Distilled Vinegar, High Fructose Corn Syrup, Salt, Egg, Romano Cheese (Milk, Salt, Cultures, Enzymes), Dehydrated Garlic, Sugar, Spices, Xanthan Gum, Dextrose, Calcium Disodium EDTA added to protect flavor, Annatto Color, Natural Flavors.
Our Cleaned-Up Italian Salad Dressing Ingredients:
- Garlic powder
- Dried oregano
- Dried basil
- Salt
- Extra virgin olive oil
- Red wine vinegar
- ...and that’s it!
What Kind of Salads Do Italians Eat?
We're no expert when it comes to Italian cuisine, but with a little research we've put together a short list of popular “Italian” salad styles.
1. Chopped: This is our favorite version of Chopped Italian Salad. We love that it’s full of so many goodies!
2. Pasta: We first had this Summer Tortelloni Pasta Salad while vacationing in Italy and have loved it ever since.
3. Tossed: This is a classic for good reason and what the Italian salad recipe we’re sharing today is all about.
How To Make The Best Italian Salad Recipe:
This simple Italian salad recipe comes together quickly and is the perfect copycat Olive Garden recipe (for when you’re craving it, but can’t possibly leave your house, or are just looking for a healthier option)!
- Grab a jar. Add the dressing ingredients, secure the lid, and shake away! Congratulations you just made homemade Italian salad dressing!
- Roughly chop the romaine lettuce and throw it in a nice big bowl.
- Add the olives, pepperoncinis, onions, and tomatoes.
- Toss the salad with the dressing! You’re almost done.
- Put as much parmesan cheese and as many croutons as you’d like on your perfect Italian side salad! No skimping please.
Tools You Will Need:
Looking For More Things To Serve This Side Salad With?
- This simple Italian salad pairs perfectly with our Salami, Jalapeño & Olive Pizza with Honey!
- Our Sheet Pan Olive Bar Chicken Dinner is so happy with this bright and vinegary Italian salad as its accompaniment.
- And obviously, it goes perfectly with all the PASTA, like this Pasta with Tomato Cream Sauce, Easy Stuffed Pasta Shells or this Baked Penne Alla Vodka.
Make, Post, Eat, Repeat!
Did you try out this simple Italian salad and love it as much as we do? The next time you make it, snap a pic before gobbling it all down and post it to Instagram tagging @themodernproper and #themodernproper so we can admire your handiwork. Happy eating!
