Healthy Homemade Olive Garden Salad
This healthier homemade Olive Garden salad combines crisp romaine, red onion, black olives, pepperoncini, parmesan, and crunchy croutons with a creamy Italian dressing made with extra virgin olive oil, Dijon, parmesan, lemon, and a touch of honey. Fresh, vibrant, and ready in 15 minutes!
Ingredients
Salad Ingredients
- 1 large head romaine lettuce, washed, thoroughly dried, and chopped
- ¼ small red onion, thinly sliced soaked in cold water 10 mins if too sharp
- ⅓ cup black olives, drained
- ⅓ cup pepperoncini peppers whole or sliced
- 1 cup croutons (homemade or favorite store-bought)
- ¼ cup freshly grated or shaved parmesan cheese or vegan parmesan
- 1 medium Roma tomato, sliced optional
Healthier Olive Oil Italian Dressing
- ½ cup extra virgin olive oil
- 3 tbsp white wine vinegar
- 1 tbsp red wine vinegar
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 ½ tbsp mayonnaise (or vegan mayo)
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1 ½ tsp honey (or pure maple syrup for vegan)
- 2 tbsp finely grated parmesan cheese or vegan parmesan
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 small garlic clove, finely minced (or 1/2 tsp garlic powder)
- ½ tsp salt or to taste
- ¼ tsp freshly ground black pepper
- 1 - 2 tbsp cold water (optional, to thin dressing) as needed
Instructions
Step 1: Make the Homemade Italian Dressing
- Add the white wine vinegar, red wine vinegar, fresh lemon juice, Dijon mustard, honey (or maple syrup), mayonnaise, grated parmesan, Italian seasoning, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper to a small blender or immersion blender cup.
- Blend briefly on low speed until combined, then stream in the extra virgin olive oil until smooth and emulsified. (Avoid over-blending at high speed to maintain the delicate fruity flavor of the olive oil).
- If the dressing feels too thick, blend in 1–2 tablespoons of cold water until pourable. Taste and adjust salt, sweetness, or vinegar as desired. Chill for 15–20 minutes before serving if time allows.
Step 2: Assemble the Salad
- Wash and thoroughly dry the chopped romaine lettuce using a salad spinner or clean kitchen towels (dry leaves ensure the dressing clings perfectly without becoming watery).
- Place the chopped romaine in a large salad bowl. Top with the thinly sliced red onion, drained black olives, pepperoncini, sliced tomatoes (if using), parmesan cheese, and crunchy croutons.
Step 3: Toss and Serve
- Just before serving, drizzle with about half of the homemade Italian dressing. Toss gently to coat all the greens evenly.
- Taste and add more dressing as desired. Top with extra freshly shaved parmesan and cracked black pepper, and serve immediately while crisp.
Notes
Fresh Olive Oil Base
Unlike commercial restaurant dressings made with soybean or canola oil and high fructose corn syrup, this homemade dressing uses heart-healthy extra virgin olive oil and touches of pure honey or maple syrup. Keeping Romaine Super Crisp
Dry your chopped romaine thoroughly with a salad spinner. Excess water prevents the dressing from clinging to the leaves and creates a soggy salad bowl. Vegan Adaptation
Make this salad 100% plant-based by using vegan mayonnaise, dairy-free parmesan (or nutritional yeast), and pure maple syrup instead of honey. Nutrition Assumption
Nutrition is calculated per side-salad serving based on 6 servings tossed with the homemade Italian dressing. Nutritional information is approximate values and can vary significantly depending on the specific brands of ingredients used. Disclaimer: This information is for general guidance only and should not be considered professional nutritional advice.
Unlike commercial restaurant dressings made with soybean or canola oil and high fructose corn syrup, this homemade dressing uses heart-healthy extra virgin olive oil and touches of pure honey or maple syrup. Keeping Romaine Super Crisp
Dry your chopped romaine thoroughly with a salad spinner. Excess water prevents the dressing from clinging to the leaves and creates a soggy salad bowl. Vegan Adaptation
Make this salad 100% plant-based by using vegan mayonnaise, dairy-free parmesan (or nutritional yeast), and pure maple syrup instead of honey. Nutrition Assumption
Nutrition is calculated per side-salad serving based on 6 servings tossed with the homemade Italian dressing. Nutritional information is approximate values and can vary significantly depending on the specific brands of ingredients used. Disclaimer: This information is for general guidance only and should not be considered professional nutritional advice.
Nutrition
Serving: 115g | Calories: 261kcal | Carbohydrates: 9g | Protein: 3.5g | Fat: 23.5g | Saturated Fat: 3.8g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 7g | Monounsaturated Fat: 13g | Sodium: 490mg | Potassium: 365mg | Fiber: 2.5g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 232IU | Vitamin C: 7mg | Calcium: 123mg | Iron: 2mg
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