Name: Loaded Italian Salad with a Copycat Olive Garden Italian Salad Dressing
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1-2 heads green leaf lettuce (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); 1 cup green olives with pimento (sliced in half); 1 can chickpeas (drained and rinsed); 1 small jar artichoke hearts (quartered); 1 can whole medium black olives (sliced in half); 1-2 cups mozzarella cheese (grated); 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 vinegar; 1/4 cup water; 1/2 tablespoon mayonnaise

Description

Loaded Italian Salad with a Copycat Olive Garden Italian Salad Dressing is a vibrant and flavorful dish that beautifully captures the essence of Italian cuisine. This salad is not only visually appealing but also packed with fresh ingredients, making it a perfect choice for any occasion, from casual weeknight dinners to festive gatherings. The homemade dressing mimics the classic Olive Garden version and elevates the crispness of the vegetables, ensuring every bite is a burst of flavor. Plus, it’s easy to customize with your favorite proteins and veggies, making it a versatile addition to your meal prep routine.

Ingredients

Scale

1–2 heads green leaf lettuce (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)
1 cup green olives with pimento (sliced in half)
1 can chickpeas (drained and rinsed)
1 small jar artichoke hearts (quartered)
1 can whole medium black olives (sliced in half)
1–2 cups mozzarella cheese (grated)
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 vinegar
1/4 cup water
1/2 tablespoon mayonnaise

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Instructions

Wash and chop the green leaf lettuce into bite-sized pieces, dice the tomatoes, and thinly slice the red onion.
In a large salad bowl, combine all salad ingredients: chopped lettuce, tomatoes, red onion, diced pepperoncini peppers, turkey slices, green olives, chickpeas, artichoke hearts, black olives, and grated mozzarella cheese.
In a separate bowl, whisk together dry Italian dressing mix with oil, vinegar, water, sugar, garlic powder, mayonnaise, salt, and pepper until well blended.
Pour the dressing over the salad mixture and gently toss until everything is evenly coated.
Serve immediately or refrigerate for up to three days.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 bowl (200g)
Calories: 290
Sugar: 3g
Sodium: 560mg
Fat: 20g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Unsaturated Fat: 15g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 22g
Fiber: 6g
Protein: 10g
Cholesterol: 20mg