Heart-Healthy Olive Garden Salad

Elevate your salad game with this **Heart-Healthy Olive Garden Salad**, a fresh and flavorful take on the classic restaurant favorite. Packed with crisp Romaine lettuce, juicy cherry tomatoes, crunchy cucumber slices, zesty pepperoncini peppers, and briny black olives, this vibrant dish is as nutritious as it is delicious. Whole wheat croutons add a wholesome crunch, while a tangy homemade dressing made from extra-virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar, and Dijon mustard keeps it light and heart-smart. A sprinkle of Parmesan cheese serves as the perfect savory finishing touch. Ready in just 20 minutes and loaded with Mediterranean-inspired flavors, this salad is ideal for a healthy lunch, dinner side, or even as a centerpiece for any gathering. Your taste buds and your heart will thank you!

Nutriscore Rating: 71/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:0 mins

Total Time:20 mins

Servings: 4

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

Directions

Step 1

In a large mixing bowl, tear the Romaine lettuce into bite-sized pieces and place them in the bowl.

Step 2

Halve the cherry tomatoes and add them to the bowl.

Step 3

Slice the cucumber into thin rounds and add to the salad.

Step 4

Thinly slice half of a red onion and add to the bowl.

Step 5

Add the pepperoncini peppers and black olives to the salad.

Step 6

Sprinkle the whole wheat croutons over the top of the salad.

Step 7

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.

Step 8

Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine all the ingredients and coat with dressing.

Step 9

Serve the salad in individual bowls or a large serving bowl, and top with freshly grated Parmesan cheese.

Step 10

Enjoy your heart-healthy Olive Garden salad immediately!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	1011.3 grams (1011.3g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1423

Total Fat 87.60g	112%
Saturated Fat 16.10g	81%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.50g
Cholesterol 22mg	7%
Sodium 2911mg	127%
Total Carbohydrate 134.20g	49%
Dietary Fiber 19.60g	70%
Total Sugars 18.60g
Protein 30.40g	61%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 532mg	41%
Iron 11mg	63%
Potassium 1564mg	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.

Source of Calories

Fat: 54.5%

Protein: 8.4%

Carbs: 37.1%