Heart-Healthy Olive Garden Salad
Brighten up your table with this Heart-Healthy Olive Garden Salad, a lighter take on the classic Italian-inspired favorite. Packed with vibrant romaine lettuce, juicy cherry tomatoes, crisp cucumber, tangy pepperoncini peppers, and savory black olives, this salad is a perfect balance of fresh flavors and wholesome ingredients. Whole wheat croutons add a satisfying crunch, while a zesty homemade vinaigrette made with extra-virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar, and lemon juice ties it all together. Topped with just a touch of Parmesan cheese, this dish is deliciously satisfying without sacrificing heart-healthy intentions. Ready in just 20 minutes, it’s a nutritious and flavorful side or light meal that’s sure to please! Perfect for those looking for healthy Olive Garden-inspired recipes or quick and easy salads.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 6 cups Romaine lettuce
- 1 cup Cherry tomatoes
- 1 medium Cucumber
- 0.5 small Red onion
- 0.25 cup Pepperoncini peppers
- 0.25 cup Black olives
- 1 cup Whole wheat croutons
- 0.25 cup Parmesan cheese
- 0.25 cup Extra-virgin olive oil
- 3 tablespoons Red wine vinegar
- 1 tablespoon Lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 0.5 teaspoon Garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Dried oregano
- 0.25 teaspoon Salt
- 0.25 teaspoon Freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
In a large mixing bowl, tear the Romaine lettuce into bite-sized pieces and place them in the bowl.
Halve the cherry tomatoes and add them to the bowl.
Slice the cucumber into thin rounds and add to the salad.
Thinly slice half of a red onion and add to the bowl.
Add the pepperoncini peppers and black olives to the salad.
Sprinkle the whole wheat croutons over the top of the salad.
In a separate small bowl or a jar with a lid, prepare the dressing by combining extra-virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Whisk or shake well until all ingredients are fully emulsified.
Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine all the ingredients and coat with dressing.
Serve the salad in individual bowls or a large serving bowl, and top with freshly grated Parmesan cheese.
Enjoy your heart-healthy Olive Garden salad immediately!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
1423 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 87.6 g | 112% | |
| Saturated Fat | 16.1 g | 80% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.5 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 22 mg | 7% | |
| Sodium | 2911 mg | 127% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 134.2 g | 49% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 19.6 g | 70% | |
| Total Sugars | 18.6 g | ||
| Protein | 30.4 g | 61% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 532 mg | 41% | |
| Iron | 11.3 mg | 63% | |
| Potassium | 1564 mg | 33% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
