Olive Garden Salad Menu & Prices (2025 Full Guide)

There’s something timeless about Olive Garden’s salad. For me, it’s not just a starter — it’s part of the ritual. I can still picture sitting at a corner booth with my family, that big chilled bowl arriving at the table, tongs ready. Everyone has a favorite part — maybe it’s the pepperoncini, maybe the croutons that soak just enough of that tangy dressing. Mine? It’s always been the contrast: crisp lettuce against creamy Italian dressing.

That simple bowl brings back years of memories — celebrations, quiet lunches, even solo dinners when I needed comfort food that felt fresh and familiar. If you’ve ever craved that same feeling, this guide to the Olive Garden Salad Menu is for you. I’ve broken down every salad on the menu, updated the prices for 2025, and added insights only someone who’s been ordering these for years can share.

What Makes Olive Garden Salads So Popular?

It’s not just hype — Olive Garden salads are popular because they deliver a balance of flavor, freshness, and tradition. They’re not overly complex, but they hit all the right notes. And when you’re dining in, the fact that they’re bottomless doesn’t hurt either.

The Signature Olive Garden House Salad

The House Salad is a staple — not just at Olive Garden, but in casual dining overall. It’s always cold, always fresh, and it hits every time. It includes:

• Crisp iceberg and romaine lettuce
  
• Juicy tomato slices
  
• Red onions
  
• Black olives
  
• Pepperoncini peppers
  
• Shaved Parmesan
  
• Crunchy croutons
  
• Drenched in the house’s signature creamy Italian dressing
  

If I’m being honest, I’ve gone to Olive Garden just for this salad before. And I know I’m not the only one.

Freshness, Flavor, and Customization

Another big reason Olive Garden’s salads stand out? You can make them your own. Whether you’re trying to eat healthier or just have specific preferences, the kitchen is usually flexible. Here’s what I often do — and what you can ask for:

• Dressing on the side (especially if you’re watching calories)
  
• No croutons or cheese for a dairy-free or gluten-conscious option
  
• Add protein like grilled chicken or shrimp to make it a meal
  

That level of customization makes it a go-to option when you want something satisfying but not heavy.

Complete Olive Garden Salad Menu With Updated Prices (2025)

Now let’s get into the current Olive Garden Salad Menu, with all the updated prices for 2025. Whether you’re dining in or ordering online, this table will help you decide which salad suits your taste and budget best.

2025 Olive Garden Salad Menu and Prices

Each of these salads has its own appeal — now let’s break them down individually.

Garden-Fresh House Salad

Price: $7.99 (standalone) | Free with most entrées

This is the Olive Garden icon. Fresh lettuce, juicy tomatoes, tangy pepperoncini, olives, red onions, shaved cheese, and those golden croutons — all tossed in their house Italian dressing. It’s simple, but packed with flavor. The best part? It’s unlimited when you dine in. That means you can easily make a meal of it, especially with a bowl of soup or an appetizer.

Classic Caesar Salad

Price: $8.99

Romaine lettuce, Caesar dressing, Romano cheese, and crunchy croutons — it’s as classic as it gets. I’ve always appreciated how Olive Garden’s Caesar isn’t soggy, and the dressing leans more creamy than sharp. Great as a side, but also filling on its own if you’re keeping lunch light.

Caprese Salad with Balsamic Glaze

Price: $9.99

Looking for something cool and fresh? This Caprese salad delivers. You get slices of mozzarella layered with tomatoes and basil, all drizzled with a thick balsamic glaze. I like this one in the summer, especially if I’m not in the mood for something too heavy. It’s elegant but still approachable.

Italian Antipasto Salad

Price: $11.49

This one’s a meal in itself. It takes the basic salad formula and adds bold extras: sliced salami, provolone cheese, olives, banana peppers, and loads of veggies. It’s tossed in a light Italian vinaigrette, so you get a zippy flavor throughout. If you’re hungry but don’t want pasta, this is your pick.

Grilled Chicken Caesar Salad

Price: $13.99

The Grilled Chicken Caesar is the best of both worlds: hearty and fresh. The grilled chicken breast is always tender (at least in my experience), and when paired with romaine, Caesar dressing, and cheese, it becomes a full entrée that doesn’t leave you feeling weighed down. It’s one of my personal go-tos when I want something with protein but still on the lighter side.

Olive Garden Salad Dressings and Toppings Explained

When it comes to Olive Garden salads, the flavor isn’t just in the greens — it’s in the dressing and the toppings that bring everything together. Whether you’re a fan of creamy richness or crisp textures, the right combination can elevate even a basic bowl of lettuce into something unforgettable.

Famous Italian Dressing

This is the dressing that made Olive Garden’s House Salad so famous. Creamy, tangy, and slightly sweet, it’s made with a blend of:

• Vinegar
  
• Garlic
  
• Romano cheese
  
• Oil and spices
  

It’s so popular that Olive Garden bottles and sells it nationwide. I’ve bought it myself to try and recreate the experience at home — and honestly, it’s pretty close to what you get in the restaurant. It’s gluten-free and vegetarian, but contains eggs and dairy, so it’s not vegan.

There are also alternative dressings available at most locations upon request:

• Low-fat Italian
  
• Oil & Vinegar
  
• Ranch or Caesar (for Caesar salads)
  
• Balsamic Vinaigrette (paired with Caprese or vegan options)
  

Just ask your server if you want to swap — they’re usually happy to customize.

Parmesan, Croutons, and More

Now let’s talk toppings. The House Salad and other Olive Garden salad options include more than just lettuce. Here’s a breakdown of the most common toppings and what they bring to the table:

You can always request to remove or double any topping — the staff usually accommodates without hesitation.

Olive Garden Salad Nutrition Breakdown

Let’s be real: sometimes, salad sounds like the healthiest choice on the menu — and often, it is. But depending on your dressing, toppings, and portion size, those calories and sodium levels can creep up quickly. The good news? Olive Garden makes it relatively easy to stay informed and in control.

Calories in Popular Salads

Here’s a quick breakdown of approximate calorie counts for Olive Garden’s most popular salads (without added protein):

Keep in mind that the dressing plays a major role — the House Italian dressing alone is about 80–90 calories per 2-tablespoon serving.

Low-Carb and Low-Sodium Options

If you’re managing carbs or sodium, you still have some good choices. Here’s what I’ve found works best for me when I’m watching what I eat:

Low-Carb Tips:

• Ask for no croutons
  
• Choose balsamic vinaigrette or oil & vinegar instead of creamy dressing
  
• Add grilled chicken or shrimp to stay fuller, longer
  

Low-Sodium Tips:

• Skip cheese and cured meats like salami
  
• Request light dressing or ask for it on the side
  
• Avoid antipasto salads if sodium is a concern
  

These small tweaks can make a big difference — and the kitchen is typically willing to help if you ask politely.

Nutritional Customization Tips

Olive Garden doesn’t always advertise it, but you can personalize your salad in several healthy ways:

• Dressing on the side: Helps control calories and flavor intensity
  
• Half portion requests: Especially useful for entrée-sized salads
  
• Double veggies: Load up on lettuce, tomatoes, onions — it costs nothing extra
  
• Add grilled protein: Chicken, shrimp, or even salmon at some locations
  

I’ve done this often, especially when I want to stay light before a main meal. It’s an easy way to make the Olive Garden Salad Menu work for your goals without giving up flavor.

Does Olive Garden Offer Vegan or Vegetarian Salads?

Absolutely — though you’ll need to customize your order a bit. The Olive Garden Salad Menu does include several vegetarian-friendly options by default, but for vegan diners, a few changes are needed. That said, I’ve dined here with vegan friends and never had trouble getting them something solid and satisfying.

How to Order Vegan at Olive Garden

If you’re eating plant-based, here’s how to build a proper vegan salad at Olive Garden:

• Start with the House Salad — no croutons, no cheese, no dressing
  
• Ask for Oil & Vinegar or Balsamic Vinaigrette on the side
  
• Double up on vegetables (they won’t charge extra)
  
• Add avocado or grilled veggies if available (check with your server)
  

Note: The signature Italian dressing contains egg and cheese, so it’s not vegan.

Many locations also offer seasonal vegan toppings like roasted red peppers or artichokes — it depends on availability, but it never hurts to ask.

Best Vegetarian Choices on the Salad Menu

Vegetarians have it a bit easier — most salads on the Olive Garden Salad Menu can be enjoyed as-is or with small modifications. Here are your best bets:

• Classic Caesar Salad — just confirm whether the dressing contains anchovies (varies by location)
  
• Caprese Salad — completely vegetarian, rich in flavor
  
• House Salad — skip the pepperoni or meats (if any added), and you’re good
  
• Grilled Chicken Caesar (without chicken) — still hearty with cheese and croutons
  

These salads can also be paired with vegetarian soups like Minestrone, creating a full meal that’s light, warm, and comforting.

Can You Order Olive Garden Salads To-Go or Online?

Absolutely — and I’ve done it more times than I can count. Whether you’re skipping the crowds or just want to enjoy your favorite Olive Garden Salad Menu item at home, takeout and online ordering have never been easier. And yes — you can customize, too.

Pickup and Delivery Options

Olive Garden offers a seamless ordering experience through their website or mobile app. Here’s what you need to know:

• Curbside Pickup: Place your order online, drive up, and they’ll bring it right to your car — no need to leave your seat.
  
• Delivery: Available via Olive Garden directly or through third-party platforms like DoorDash, Uber Eats, and Grubhub.
  
• Family Bundles: You can order larger portions of salad to serve a group, especially useful for parties or work lunches.
  

And don’t worry — the salad is always packed with the dressing on the side, so it stays fresh and crisp until you’re ready to eat.

Customizing Salads for Online Orders

Here’s where Olive Garden really shines: the ability to tailor your salad even when you’re ordering online.

When placing an order, you can typically:

• Remove ingredients (like croutons, cheese, olives, etc.)
  
• Choose a different dressing or request it on the side
  
• Add proteins like grilled chicken or shrimp
  
• Request extra dressing or toppings (often at no extra charge)
  

It’s a system that actually works — and it allows you to make the Olive Garden Salad Menu fit your lifestyle without compromising flavor.

Tips for Choosing the Healthiest Salad at Olive Garden

Just because it’s a salad doesn’t automatically mean it’s healthy — especially at restaurants. But the good news is that with a few simple adjustments, you can absolutely enjoy a nutritious meal from the Olive Garden Salad Menu without regret.

Avoiding Hidden Calories

Here are the sneaky add-ons that often drive up the calories without you realizing:

• Creamy dressings: Especially in large quantities — just 2 tablespoons can add 150+ calories
  
• Croutons: Delicious, yes — but high in carbs, oil, and sodium
  
• Cheese and cured meats: These add flavor, but also saturated fat and salt
  

If you’re trying to stay light, here’s what I suggest:

• Ask for half the usual dressing
  
• Skip the croutons or cheese (or just go light)
  
• Choose lean proteins like grilled chicken or shrimp
  

Smart Dressing Choices

The dressing can make or break the healthiness of your salad. Olive Garden offers a few options — some better than others if you’re watching your intake:

When in doubt, go for the vinaigrettes — they offer balance and brightness without the excess calories.

Olive Garden Salad Recipe You Can Try at Home

One of the most common questions I get is, “Can I make the Olive Garden Salad Menu at home?” And the answer is: yes — shockingly close to the real thing. I’ve recreated the House Salad more times than I can count, and it hits that nostalgic flavor every time.

Ingredients List for House Salad

Here’s what you’ll need to make the classic Olive Garden House Salad for 4 people:

• 6 cups iceberg and romaine lettuce, chopped
  
• 1/2 cup sliced red onions
  
• 1 cup sliced Roma tomatoes
  
• 1/2 cup black olives
  
• 4–6 whole pepperoncini
  
• 1/4 cup shaved Parmesan cheese
  
• 1 cup garlic croutons
  
• 1/2 cup Olive Garden Italian dressing (homemade recipe below or store-bought)
  

Optional add-ins:

• Grilled chicken strips
  
• Extra veggies (like cucumbers or bell peppers)
  

Step-by-Step Salad Assembly

Putting it together is just as easy as eating it:

1. In a large bowl, combine lettuce, tomatoes, onions, olives, and pepperoncini.
   
2. Add the shaved Parmesan and toss gently.
   
3. Top with garlic croutons right before serving to preserve crunch.
   
4. Drizzle the dressing lightly or serve it on the side.
   
5. Toss and enjoy — or personalize with added protein or veggies.
   

Pro Tip: Chill the bowl before serving for that classic cold crunch Olive Garden is known for.

How to Make Olive Garden’s Italian Dressing

If you want the real flavor, skip the bottle and make it fresh. Here’s a homemade version that’s remarkably close:

Homemade Olive Garden Italian Dressing

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  
• 1/3 cup white vinegar
  
• 1 tsp lemon juice
  
• 1 tsp garlic powder
  
• 1/2 tsp onion powder
  
• 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
  
• 1/2 tsp sugar
  
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
  
• 1/4 tsp salt
  
• 1/4 cup olive oil
  
• 2 tbsp Parmesan cheese (optional)
  

Instructions:

1. Whisk mayo, vinegar, lemon juice, and spices in a bowl.
   
2. Slowly stream in olive oil while whisking to emulsify.
   
3. Stir in Parmesan cheese if using.
   
4. Chill for 1–2 hours before serving.

Olive Garden Salad Menu Compared to Competitors

When you stack the Olive Garden Salad Menu against competitors like Panera Bread or Cheesecake Factory, a few key differences stand out — not just in price, but also in experience, portion size, and that unique Olive Garden flavor that keeps people coming back.

Olive Garden vs. Panera Bread

Panera Bread is often seen as a lighter, faster option — and while their salads are fresh and ingredient-forward, they tend to come in smaller portions with higher price tags for protein add-ons. Here’s how they compare:

If you want more flavor per dollar and value having a server refill your salad bowl, Olive Garden edges out as the more satisfying choice — especially for family meals.

Olive Garden vs. Cheesecake Factory

Cheesecake Factory brings size and variety — no doubt. But their salads often feel more like full entrees (which also means higher prices). Here’s what I’ve noticed when comparing the two:

While Cheesecake Factory offers variety, it can feel overwhelming. If you’re looking for simple, consistent, and customizable, the Olive Garden Salad Menu is the more approachable and budget-friendly choice.

Final Thoughts on the Olive Garden Salad Menu

The Olive Garden Salad Menu is more than a list of leafy sides — it’s a part of what makes Olive Garden feel like home to so many of us. Whether it’s the unlimited House Salad with dinner, a protein-packed Grilled Chicken Caesar, or a fresh Caprese Salad on a summer afternoon, these dishes bring balance and flavor to the table.

What really sets Olive Garden apart isn’t just the ingredients — it’s the experience. From the chilled bowl to the warm hospitality, it’s a salad that makes you feel taken care of. And in 2025, with more customization options, easier takeout access, and vegetarian/vegan accommodations, there’s something for everyone.

If you’ve ever doubted whether a salad can be the star of the meal — Olive Garden just might change your mind.

FAQ – Olive Garden Salad Menu With Prices