Loaded Italian Salad with a Copycat Olive Garden Italian Salad Dressing

If you’re looking for a fresh and exciting meal that’s both quick to prepare and delicious, you’ve come to the right place! This Loaded Italian Salad with a Copycat Olive Garden Italian Salad Dressing is one of my absolute favorites. It’s vibrant, packed with flavor, and makes a fantastic dish for busy weeknights or family gatherings. Plus, who doesn’t love having their favorite restaurant dressing right at home?

This salad is not only beautiful to look at but also incredibly filling. It’s perfect for meal prep, so you can enjoy it throughout the week. Trust me; once you try this recipe, it will quickly become a staple in your household!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: This salad comes together in no time, making it perfect for those hectic evenings when you need dinner fast.
• Family-Friendly: The mix of flavors and textures appeals to everyone—kids and adults alike will love digging into this colorful bowl.
• Make Ahead: You can prepare the ingredients in advance and toss them together right before serving. It’s great for meal prep!
• Versatile Ingredients: Feel free to swap out ingredients based on what you have or enjoy most.
• Delicious Flavor: With a copycat version of Olive Garden’s beloved dressing, each bite is bursting with Italian goodness!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering simple and wholesome ingredients is half the fun! Here’s what you’ll need for this Loaded Italian Salad with a Copycat Olive Garden Italian Salad Dressing:

For the Salad

• 1-2 heads green leaf lettuce (Romain lettuce is great too) (chopped, rinsed and spinned)
• 2 medium vine ripened tomatoes (chopped)
• 1/2 red onion (thinly sliced)
• 1/2 cup pepperoncini peppers (diced)
• 1 cup turkey slices (sliced or cubed) (sliced into strips)
• 1 cup green olives with pimento (sliced in half)
• 1 can chick peas (aka garbanzo beans) (drained and rinsed)
• 1 cup turkey pepperoni, sliced rounds (optional)
• 1 small jar artichoke hearts (quartered)
• 1 can whole medium black olives (sliced in half)
• 1-2 cups mozzarella cheese (grated)

For the Dressing

• 1 packet dry Italian dressing mix
• 1/2 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon sugar
• 1/3 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon pepper
• 3/4 cup vegetable oil
• 1/3 cup white vinegar
• 1/4 cup water
• 1/2 tablespoon mayonnaise

Variations

This recipe is wonderfully flexible, allowing you to customize it to your liking! Here are some fun variations to consider:

• Swap the protein: Use grilled chicken or another favorite deli meat instead of turkey slices for a different flavor profile.
• Add more veggies: Toss in some diced cucumbers or bell peppers for extra crunch and freshness.
• Go vegan: Omit the turkey and cheese, and substitute chickpeas with roasted tofu or tempeh for plant-based protein.
• Change up the cheese: Try feta or goat cheese instead of mozzarella for a tangy twist.

How to Make Loaded Italian Salad with a Copycat Olive Garden Italian Salad Dressing

Step 1: Prepare the Vegetables

Start by washing all your fresh produce. Chop your lettuce and tomatoes into bite-sized pieces. Thinly slice your red onion. Preparing these ingredients first ensures they are clean and ready to go when you’re ready to assemble your salad.

Step 2: Mix All Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine all your chopped vegetables along with the turkey slices, olives, chickpeas, artichoke hearts, and cheese. This step creates a colorful medley that looks as good as it tastes!

Step 3: Whisk Together the Dressing

In a separate bowl, whisk together the dry Italian dressing mix, dried Italian seasoning, sugar, garlic powder, salt, pepper, vegetable oil, white vinegar, water, and mayonnaise. This creamy dressing packs all those classic flavors we love from Olive Garden’s version.

Step 4: Combine Everything

Pour your homemade dressing over the salad mixture. Toss everything together gently until all ingredients are well coated in that delicious dressing. This step allows all those flavors to blend beautifully.

Step 5: Serve Immediately or Chill

You can serve your Loaded Italian Salad right away or let it chill in the fridge for about 30 minutes if you prefer a cooler dish. Chilling enhances the flavors even more!

Enjoy every bite of this delightful salad! It’s sure to become a go-to recipe that brings joy to your table!

Pro Tips for Making Loaded Italian Salad with a Copycat Olive Garden Italian Salad Dressing

Creating a delicious Loaded Italian Salad is all about the little details, and I’m here to help you make it perfect!

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Opt for fresh, high-quality vegetables and meats as they will enhance the overall flavor of your salad. Crisp greens and ripe tomatoes are key to making your dish vibrant and tasty.

• Customize to Taste: Feel free to swap out ingredients based on your preferences or what you have at home. This salad is versatile – try adding bell peppers or cucumbers for extra crunch!

• Chill Before Serving: Letting the salad chill in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes before serving allows the flavors to meld together beautifully, making each bite more flavorful.

• Make Extra Dressing: If you love the dressing (and who wouldn’t?), consider making a double batch. It stores well in an airtight container in the fridge and can be used for other salads throughout the week!

• Toss Gently: When mixing together the salad, do it gently to avoid bruising the greens. You want everything well combined without turning your lettuce into mush!

How to Serve Loaded Italian Salad with a Copycat Olive Garden Italian Salad Dressing

Serving your Loaded Italian Salad is just as important as making it! Presentation can elevate your meal from ordinary to extraordinary.

Garnishes

• Fresh Basil: A sprinkle of freshly chopped basil on top adds a burst of flavor and a beautiful pop of color.
• Parmesan Cheese: Grated Parmesan cheese can add an extra layer of richness that complements the tangy dressing beautifully.

Side Dishes

• Garlic Bread: Crunchy garlic bread is a classic pairing that’s perfect for soaking up leftover dressing and adds a comforting touch.
• Vegetable Soup: A light vegetable soup can complement the salad nicely, providing warmth and heartiness without overwhelming your palate.
• Caprese Skewers: Easy-to-make Caprese skewers with cherry tomatoes, mozzarella balls, and fresh basil are delightful finger foods that echo Italian flavors.
• Pasta Salad: A refreshing pasta salad tossed in olive oil and herbs pairs nicely with the loaded salad, creating a balanced meal that’s great for any occasion.

Now you’re ready to enjoy this delightful dish! Your friends and family will love this vibrant Loaded Italian Salad with its homemade dressing that brings all those wonderful Italian flavors right to your table. Happy cooking!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Loaded Italian Salad is perfect for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy delicious, fresh flavors throughout the week. Preparing this salad ahead of time not only saves you cooking time but also ensures you have healthy options ready to go!

Storing Leftovers

• Store any leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
• Keep the salad dressing separate until you’re ready to serve to maintain freshness.
• Consume within 3-5 days for the best taste and quality.

Freezing

• This salad is not ideal for freezing due to the fresh ingredients, particularly the greens.
• If desired, you can freeze some of the meat or beans separately and add them back when serving.

Reheating

• If you’ve stored components separately, simply mix them together before serving.
• There’s no need to reheat; enjoy your salad cold for a refreshing meal!

FAQs

Here are some common questions about this delicious recipe:

Can I make Loaded Italian Salad with a Copycat Olive Garden Italian Salad Dressing ahead of time?

Absolutely! This salad is great for meal prep. Just keep the dressing separate until you’re ready to eat.

How do I store leftovers from Loaded Italian Salad with a Copycat Olive Garden Italian Salad Dressing?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. For best results, keep dressing separate until serving.

What can I substitute for turkey pepperoni in this recipe?

You can use any other deli-style turkey meat or just skip it altogether if you prefer a lighter salad.

How do I enhance the flavor of my Loaded Italian Salad?

Consider adding extra herbs or spices like basil or oregano, or even some crushed red pepper for a little kick!

Is this salad healthy?

Yes! With plenty of vegetables, healthy fats from olives, and lean protein from turkey, it’s a nutritious option that’s both filling and satisfying.

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making this Loaded Italian Salad with a Copycat Olive Garden Italian Salad Dressing as much as I do! It’s not just a meal; it’s an experience filled with vibrant flavors and textures that bring joy to your table. Whether it’s for a busy weeknight dinner or a gathering with friends, this salad is sure to impress. Enjoy every bite and feel free to make it your own—after all, cooking is about sharing love through food!