Vegetarian Olive Garden Salad

Here’s a delicious Vegetarian Olive Garden Salad recipe that captures the essence of the classic restaurant dish. This version is easy to prepare and can be made vegan by using plant-based ingredients.

Vegetarian Olive Garden Salad Recipe

Ingredients

For the Salad:

• 6 cups chopped iceberg lettuce (or a mix of iceberg and romaine)
• 4 medium Roma tomatoes, sliced
• 1 cup whole pitted black olives, drained
• 1/2 cup thinly sliced red onion
• 6 whole pepperoncini peppers
• 1 cup seasoned croutons
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (or vegan Parmesan for a dairy-free option)

For the Dressing:

• 2/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
• 1/3 cup white wine vinegar
• 3 tablespoons water
• 2 tablespoons mayonnaise (or vegan mayonnaise)
• 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
• 2 teaspoons fresh minced garlic
• 2 teaspoons lemon juice
• 1 1/2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/2 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for heat)

Instructions

Prepare the Salad:

• In a large salad bowl, combine the chopped lettuce, sliced tomatoes, black olives, red onion, and croutons. Toss gently to mix.

Add Pepperoncini:

• Top the salad with whole pepperoncini peppers and sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese.

Make the Dressing:

• In a small mixing bowl or mason jar, whisk together the olive oil, white wine vinegar, water, mayonnaise, sugar, minced garlic, lemon juice, Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes until well combined.

Dress the Salad:

• Pour the dressing over the salad just before serving and toss gently to coat all ingredients evenly.

Serve Immediately:

• Enjoy your homemade Olive Garden salad as a side dish or a light meal!

Tips:

• Make Ahead: You can prepare the salad ingredients in advance but wait to add the dressing and croutons until just before serving to keep everything fresh.
• Customization: Feel free to add other ingredients like shredded carrots or cucumbers for extra crunch and color.
• Vegan Option: To make this salad vegan, use vegan mayonnaise and omit or replace the Parmesan cheese with a dairy-free alternative.

Good Vegetarian Protein Options to Add to the Salad

1. Chickpeas: These can be added whole or mashed for creaminess.
2. Tofu: Firm or marinated tofu cubes can provide a protein boost.
3. Edamame: Shelled edamame adds a nice crunch and is high in protein.
4. Tempeh: Marinated and baked tempeh can add a hearty texture.
5. Nuts and Seeds: Almonds, walnuts, or sunflower seeds can contribute protein and crunch.

Can I Use a Different Type of Cheese Instead of Parmesan?

You can use different types of cheese:

• Feta Cheese: Adds a tangy flavor that pairs well with the salad.
• Goat Cheese: Provides creaminess and a distinct taste.
• Vegan Cheese: Plant-based alternatives like cashew cheese or nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor without dairy.

How Can I Make the Croutons from Scratch?

To make croutons from scratch:

1. Ingredients:
   • 4 slices of bread (your choice, such as sourdough or whole grain)
   • 2 tablespoons olive oil
   • Salt and pepper to taste
   • Optional: garlic powder, Italian seasoning, or herbs for flavor.
2. Instructions:
   • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
   • Cut the bread into cubes.
   • Toss the bread cubes with olive oil, salt, pepper, and any additional seasonings.
   • Spread them on a baking sheet in a single layer.
   • Bake for 10-15 minutes, stirring halfway through, until golden brown and crispy.

What’s a Good Vegan Substitute for Mayonnaise?

1. Aquafaba: The liquid from canned chickpeas can be blended with oil and seasonings to create a creamy dressing.
2. Silken Tofu: Blended silken tofu can be used as a creamy base in dressings.
3. Cashew Cream: Soaked and blended cashews with water create a rich and creamy texture.
4. Vegan Mayo: Brands like Just Mayo or Vegenaise are excellent substitutes.

Can I Use a Different Type of Vinegar in the Dressing?

You can substitute different types of vinegar:

• Red Wine Vinegar: Offers a robust flavor similar to white wine vinegar.
• Apple Cider Vinegar: Adds sweetness and acidity to the dressing.
• Balsamic Vinegar: Provides a sweeter taste that complements salads well.

This vegetarian Olive Garden salad is fresh, flavorful, and perfect for any occasion! Enjoy!