Last Updated on March 3, 2023 by Lauren Beck
If you’re a fan of Olive Garden’s famous Soup Salad and Breadsticks, you’ll be delighted to know that you can recreate this classic Italian-American meal in the comfort of your own home.
Olive Garden’s Soup Salad and Breadsticks recipe is a delicious combination of flavors and textures that will satisfy your cravings and impress your guests. Let’s dive into the recipe and some helpful tips and tricks to ensure your meal turns out perfectly.
Ingredients:
For the Salad:
- Romaine lettuce
- Red onion
- Pepperoncini peppers
- Black olives
- Cherry tomatoes
- Olive Garden Salad Dressing
- Parmesan cheese
For the Soup:
- Chicken broth
- Heavy cream
- Italian sausage
- Russet potatoes
- Kale
- Salt and pepper
For the Breadsticks:
- Bread flour
- Yeast
- Salt
- Sugar
- Olive oil
- Garlic powder
- Butter
- Parmesan cheese
Instructions:
To make the salad, you’ll need Romaine lettuce, red onion, pepperoncini peppers, black olives, cherry tomatoes, Olive Garden Salad Dressing, and Parmesan cheese. Chop the lettuce and onion and add them to a large bowl. Slice the pepperoncini peppers and add them to the bowl, along with the olives and tomatoes. Toss everything together with the salad dressing and top with grated Parmesan cheese.
For the soup, you’ll need chicken broth, heavy cream, Italian sausage, Russet potatoes, kale, salt, and pepper. In a large pot, cook the sausage over medium heat until browned, then add the chicken broth and diced potatoes. Simmer until the potatoes are tender, then add the kale and heavy cream. Cook for a few more minutes until the kale is wilted and the soup is heated through. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Finally, for the breadsticks, you’ll need bread flour, yeast, salt, sugar, olive oil, garlic powder, butter, and Parmesan cheese. In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, yeast, salt, and sugar. Add the olive oil and water and stir until a dough forms. Knead the dough for a few minutes, then let it rise until doubled in size. Roll the dough into sticks, brush with garlic butter, and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese. Bake until golden brown and serve warm.
Tips and Tricks:
- Use quality ingredients. The fresher your ingredients, the better your meal will taste.
- Don’t overcook the kale in the soup. To ensure the kale retains its texture and doesn’t become mushy, add it to the soup in the last 5-10 minutes of cooking.
- Make sure the breadsticks are well-risen before baking. This will help them achieve that light and airy texture that Olive Garden’s breadsticks are known for.
- For a spicier soup, use hot Italian sausage instead of mild.
- If you prefer a creamier soup, you can add more heavy cream to the recipe.
Breadstick Substitutes:
If you’re unable to find bread flour or simply want to switch up the recipe, there are a few substitutes you can use for the breadsticks. Consider using:
- All-purpose flour
- Whole wheat flour
- Gluten-free flour blend
Make-Ahead Tips and Storing:
- The salad can be made ahead of time, but wait to dress it until just before serving.
- The soup can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator or freezer. To reheat, simply warm it up on the stove over low heat.
- The breadsticks are best served fresh, but you can store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for a few days.
What to Serve with Olive Garden Soup Salad and Breadsticks?
This meal is filling and satisfying on its own, but if you want to add a little something extra, consider serving:
- Bruschetta
- Grilled chicken or shrimp
- Grilled vegetables
- Italian-style green beans
Can Breadsticks be Frozen?
Yes, you can freeze the breadsticks! Simply let them cool completely after baking, then store them in an airtight container in the freezer for up to a month. To reheat, let them thaw at room temperature for a few hours, then pop them in the oven at 350°F for 5-10 minutes.
What Sauces to Serve with Breadsticks?
If you want to elevate your breadstick game, consider serving them with a dipping sauce. Some delicious options include:
- Marinara sauce
- Alfredo sauce
- Balsamic vinegar and olive oil
- Garlic butter
Why is Olive Garden’s Salad so good?
The secret to Olive Garden’s salad [1] is in the dressing. The dressing is made with a blend of herbs and spices, including oregano, garlic, and pepper, which give it a distinctive flavor.
The dressing also contains sugar, which helps balance out the acidity of the vinegar and lemon juice. Finally, the addition of grated Parmesan cheese adds a nutty and salty flavor that brings everything together.
Another reason why the salad is so good is the variety of textures and flavors in the ingredients. The crispness of the lettuce, the sweetness of the cherry tomatoes, the tanginess of the red onion, and the saltiness of the olives and Parmesan cheese create a perfectly balanced salad.
Can I use Bagged Lettuce to Make the Salad?
Yes, you can use bagged lettuce to make the salad, but keep in mind that the texture and flavor may not be as good as if you were to use fresh Romaine lettuce. If you do use bagged lettuce, consider adding some extra toppings or ingredients to help boost the flavor and texture.
Conclusion
Recreating Olive Garden’s Soup Salad and Breadsticks at home is a fun and easy way to enjoy a delicious meal with family and friends. With a few tips and tricks, you can make sure your meal turns out perfectly, from the well-risen breadsticks to the perfectly dressed salad. Whether you’re looking to impress your guests or simply satisfy your cravings, this recipe is sure to hit the spot. So gather your ingredients and get cooking!
Reference:
- https://www.mashed.com/322164/this-is-why-olive-gardens-salad-is-so-delicious/
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