A fresh, low carb salad you can make in minutes for lunch or dinner.
introduction
This Low Carb Copycat Olive Garden Salad is simple and tasty. It uses crisp greens, olives, and a low carb dressing. If you want a fuller salad with protein, try the low carb feta chicken broccoli salad for another easy option.
why make this recipe
Make this salad because it is quick, low in carbs, and full of familiar flavors. It is good for a light meal or a side. You will like how it tastes like the Olive Garden version but with fewer carbs. If you enjoy copycat dishes, you may also like the Chick-fil-A copycat chicken salad for a different take.
how to make Low Carb Copycat Olive Garden Salad
Ingredients :
1 head of romaine lettuce, chopped, 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved, 1/2 cucumber, sliced, 1/4 red onion, thinly sliced, 1/2 cup black olives, sliced, 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled, 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated, Low carb croutons (store-bought or homemade), Olive Garden salad dressing (low carb version)
Directions :
- In a large bowl, combine the chopped romaine lettuce, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, and black olives.
- Add the feta cheese and Parmesan cheese on top.
- Toss the salad gently to mix all the ingredients.
- Top with low carb croutons.
- Drizzle the low carb Olive Garden dressing over the salad and toss again before serving.
how to serve Low Carb Copycat Olive Garden Salad
Serve cold on a plate or in a bowl. Offer extra dressing on the side. Add grilled chicken or shrimp if you want more protein.
how to store Low Carb Copycat Olive Garden Salad
Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Keep croutons separate and add them when you serve so they stay crunchy.
tips to make Low Carb Copycat Olive Garden Salad
Use fresh romaine for the best crunch. Cut vegetables to similar sizes so every fork gets a mix. If you want extra flavor, chill the dressing before you use it. For more low carb meal ideas, check the hearty low carb sausage cauliflower soup recipe.
variation (if any)
- Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or turkey for a main dish salad.
- Swap feta for blue cheese or goat cheese.
- Use different low carb croutons like seasoned almond flour croutons.
FAQs
Q: Can I make the salad ahead?
A: Yes. Chop the vegetables and store them separately. Toss and add croutons just before serving.
Q: What if I cannot find low carb croutons?
A: Leave out croutons or make them at home with low carb bread or nuts.
Q: Is the dressing store-bought low carb?
A: You can buy a low carb Olive Garden-style dressing or make a simple oil and vinegar mix with Italian seasoning.
Conclusion
For another take on the Olive Garden salad that keeps carbs low, you can read the detailed copycat version at Low Carb Olive Garden Salad on Low Carb Nomad.
Print
Low Carb Copycat Olive Garden Salad
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Carb
Description
A fresh, low carb salad inspired by Olive Garden, perfect for a quick lunch or dinner.
Ingredients
- 1 head of romaine lettuce, chopped
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cucumber, sliced
- 1/4 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup black olives, sliced
- 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- Low carb croutons (store-bought or homemade)
- Olive Garden salad dressing (low carb version)
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine the chopped romaine lettuce, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, and black olives.
- Add the feta cheese and Parmesan cheese on top.
- Toss the salad gently to mix all the ingredients.
- Top with low carb croutons.
- Drizzle the low carb Olive Garden dressing over the salad and toss again before serving.
Notes
Serve cold on a plate or in a bowl. Offer extra dressing on the side. Add grilled chicken or shrimp for more protein.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: low carb, salad, Olive Garden, quick meal, healthy