Homemade Olive Garden Salad

People are strongly opinionated when it comes to Olive Garden, but one thing that most can agree on - their signature salad is really, really good.

So, I present to you a homemade version of this classic dish that tastes just like the real thing! And it's easy to make it vegan if you so desire!

PS - Meal prep this at the beginning of the week and you have a ready to go salad dressing all week long! It will go with pretty much any salad toppings you have on hand.

Bon Appetit!

Ingredients:

Salad - (I don't give exact amounts for your salad ingredients. Use what you have on hand/add more or less to meet your preferences)

• 2 (9-ounce) bags salad mix of choice, or 2 heads of chopped lettuce

• Tomatoes, halved

• Pepperoncinis

• Sliced black olives

• Thinly sliced red onion

• Shredded or shaved Parmesan cheese (can use vegan alternative if desired)

• Croutons of choice

Dressing -

• 4 Tbsp EVOO

• 3 Tbsp apple cider vinegar

• Juice of 1/2 lemon

• 2 Tbsp sour cream (can also use plain Greek yogurt or veganaisse)

• 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning

• 1 tsp Dijon mustard

• 1/8 tsp garlic powder

• 1 tsp honey (can sub sugar or maple syrup)

• 1/4 teaspoon salt

Directions:

• In a small bowl, whisk together dressing ingredients. You can also use an emersion blender if you have one.

• In a large bowl, combine all salad ingredients.

• Pour desired amount of dressing over salad and toss gently to combine.

We have served this with just about everything, but here are a few ideas:

• This Maryland Crab Cake recipe and tons of breadsticks (just like Olive Garden!)

• Some simple grilled chicken

• Extra Crispy Air Fryer Tofu