Olive Garden Night at Home: Zuppa

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup Mayonnaise (Used as the base for the distinctive creamy texture of the Olive Garden dressing.)
• 1/3 cup White Vinegar (Adds the signature tang; white wine vinegar is best for a mild flavor.)
• 1 teaspoon Vegetable Oil (Use a neutral oil like canola or soybean; helps emulsify the dressing.)
• 2 tablespoons Corn Syrup (Adds subtle sweetness and smooth texture.)
• 2 tablespoons Grated Parmesan Cheese (Adds a salty, nutty flavor.)
• 2 tablespoons Grated Romano Cheese (Adds a pungent, sharp flavor.)
• 1/4 teaspoon Garlic Salt (For garlic flavor; substitute 1 minced clove garlic if preferred.)
• 1/2 teaspoon Italian Seasoning (Key blend of herbs replicating Italian flavor.)
• 1/2 teaspoon Dried Parsley Flakes (Adds subtle herbal notes.)
• 1 tablespoon Lemon Juice (Brightens and balances the flavors.)
• Sugar (Optional, to taste. Balances the tang if desired.)
• 1 bag Dole American Blend Salad ((10-12 oz) or mixture of iceberg, romaine, carrots, and red cabbage.)
• 4-5 slices Red Onion (Thinly sliced.)
• 4-6 Black Olives (Pitted and halved.)
• 2-4 Pepperoncini (Adjust to your spice preference.)
• 1/2 cup Croutons (Store-bought or homemade.)
• 1 small Tomato (Quartered or use cherry tomatoes.)
• Freshly Grated Romano Cheese (For garnish.)

Instructions

1. **Make the Dressing:** Combine all dressing ingredients (mayonnaise, white vinegar, vegetable oil, corn syrup, Parmesan cheese, Romano cheese, garlic salt, Italian seasoning, parsley flakes, lemon juice, and sugar, if using) in a blender.
2. Blend on medium until very smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust seasonings if needed, adding more sugar for sweetness, or lemon juice for tang.
3. Refrigerate the dressing for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
4. **Assemble the Salad:** Chill a large salad bowl in the freezer for 30 minutes.
5. Add the salad mix to the chilled bowl.
6. Top with the red onion slices, halved black olives, and pepperoncini peppers.
7. Add the quartered tomatoes and croutons.
8. Grate fresh Romano cheese over the top.
9. Just before serving, add the chilled dressing and toss gently to combine.
10. Serve immediately.