This copycat Olive Garden salad has the same incredible salad dressing, but it is surprisingly low-carb – even the croutons!
Is Olive Garden Dressing Keto
Honestly, if you tracking your macros very closely, you might be able to enjoy a few tablespoons of Olive Garden dressing – but I still don’t think it is keto-friendly. One of the first ingredients is sugar. However, there are just 2g net carb in 2 tablespoons, so it might not throw you out of ketosis if you are careful.
The best way to enjoy Olive Garden dressing on the keto diet is to make your own. This way, you can make it as sweet or tangy as you want.
Copycat Olive Garden Salad
From the creamy dressing to the crunchy croutons and the crispy lettuce, this salad tastes just like the fan-favorite one from Olive Garden! Salads are naturally keto-friendly, so it isn’t tough to adjust the dressing recipe and make different croutons.
In fact, you can add shredded rotisserie chicken and this becomes an entire meal. I like to recreate a soup and salad lunch by making this and then a bowl of keto creamy Tuscan sausage soup. It’s the perfect way to dine in!
This salad is super budget-friendly. You might even have all the ingredients in your house already!
If you want to use this in your meal prep, I suggest storing all the parts separately. Keep the salad dressing in a mason jar with a lid, and the salad mix in a resealable bag. That way you can just toss the dressing on the salad whenever you want a fresh bowl.
Keto Croutons
Can you have croutons on a keto diet? Yes, you can – especially if you make them with low-carb ingredients. These croutons are gluten-free, because they are made with almond flour, butter, and other baking ingredients.
Another benefit of making your own croutons is that you can make them as large or as tiny as you like. Plus, you can make them taste as strong or as mild as you like too. Even though I know there is garlic powder in Italian seasoning, I added a pinch more, just to enhance the flavors.
I think it turned out delicious!
Olive Garden Dressing Recipe
My salad dressing is completely keto-friendly and it tastes just like the real thing. It’s creamy, thanks to the mayonnaise and avocado oil. I sweetened it with Swerve confectioner’s sugar substitute and the spice comes from an Italian dressing mix.
You just can’t go wrong!
Italian Salad Mix
For the salad itself, I tried to stay true to how Olive Garden makes it. I used a bag of salad mix and then added some red onions, Roma tomatoes, and Pepperoncini peppers. Red onion is very strong, so make sure you slice it really thinly.
The black olives are optional, but they are what really make it an authentic Italian salad.
Finally, don’t forget to top it all with as much freshly grated parmesan cheese as you want! You’re at home, no one is looking. Plus, parmesan cheese is low-carb – so indulge away.
Keto Copycat Olive Garden Salad Recipe
Here’s the list of ingredients to make the recipe for the salad, croutons, and salad dressing. Exact measurements and instructions can be found within the printable recipe card, just a little bit further below.
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 3-5 minutes
Servings: 6
Net Carbs: 4 net carbs per serving
Ingredients:
For the croutons:
Almond flour
Italian seasoning
Garlic powder
Butter melted
Large egg
½ tsp. Baking powder
Pinch of salt
For the dressing:
Italian dressing mix
Olive oil
Avocado or vegetable oil
White vinegar
Mayonnaise
Swerve confectioners sugar substitute
Water
Italian seasoning
Garlic powder
Salt and pepper
For the salad:
Salad mix
Roma tomatoes
Red onion
Black olives
Pepperoncini peppers
Grated parmesan cheese
Instructions:
1. Add the ingredients for the croutons to a well greased ramekin that is microwave safe.
2. Heat for 60 seconds, and set the oven to broil.
3. Cut the bread into cubes, and broil until golden brown and crispy.
4. In a jar, combine the ingredients for the dressing, and shake to combine well.
5. Add the lettuce, tomato, onion, olives and peppers to a large bowl, toss to combine.
6. Drizzle with the dressing, add most of the grated parmesan and the croutons. Toss to coat well.
7. Sprinkle the remaining parmesan cheese and serve.
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Keto Copycat Olive Garden Salad
Equipment
- Ramekin
- Mason Jar
- Large Mixing Bowl
Ingredients
Keto Croutons
- 3 tbsp Almond Flour
- 1/4 tsp Italian Seasoning
- 1/4 tsp Garlic Powder
- 1 tbsp Butter melted
- 1 Large Egg
- 1/2 tsp Baking Powder
Low-Carb Creamy Italian Dressing
- 2 tsp Italian Dressing Mix
- 2 tbsp Olive Oil
- 1/2 cup Avocado Oil
- 2 tbsp White Vinegar
- 2 tsp Mayonnaise
- 1/4 tsp Swerve Confectioner's Sugar Substitute
- 2 tbsp Water
- 1/4 tsp Italian Seasoning
- 1/4 tsp Garlic Powder
Salad Mix
- 1 bag Salad Mix
- 2 Roma tomatoes sliced
- 1/4 Red Onion sliced thinly
- 1/2 cup Black Olives
- 4 Pepperoncini Peppers
- 1/3 cup Grated Parmesan Cheese
Instructions
- Add the ingredients for the croutons to a well greased ramekin that is microwave safe.
- Heat for 60 seconds, and set the oven to broil.
- Cut the bread into cubes, and broil until golden brown and crispy.
- In a jar, combine the ingredients for the dressing, and shake to combine well.
- Add the lettuce, tomato, onion, olives and peppers to a large bowl, toss to combine.
- Drizzle with the dressing, add most of the grated parmesan and the croutons. Toss to coat well.
- Sprinkle the remaining parmesan cheese and serve.
Notes
Net Carbs: 4 Net Carbs Per Serving The nutritional information for this recipe is calculated as a courtesy and is an approximate only. I cannot guarantee the accuracy of the nutritional information for any recipes on this site.
Keto Salad Recipes
If you enjoyed this copycat Olive Garden salad, here are some more low-carb salads you should make next!