Olive Garden-Inspired Soup, Salad, and Breadsticks: A Delicious Trio

Bring the flavors of Olive Garden to your table with this classic trio: hearty soup, fresh salad, and warm breadsticks.

This meal is perfect for a cozy dinner or a special lunch, offering a taste of the Italian-American favorite right at home.

Part 1: Zuppa Toscana Soup

Preparation Time:

• Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes

Ingredients:

• 1 pound Italian sausage (mild or spicy)
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 4 cups kale, chopped
• 3-4 medium potatoes, sliced thin
• 1 small onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Cook the Sausage: In a large pot, cook the Italian sausage over medium heat until browned. Remove the sausage and set aside, leaving the drippings in the pot.
2. Sauté the Onion and Garlic: In the same pot, add the diced onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute.
3. Add Potatoes and Broth: Add the sliced potatoes to the pot, along with the chicken broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer until the potatoes are tender, about 15 minutes.
4. Finish the Soup: Stir in the cooked sausage, chopped kale, and heavy cream. Let the soup simmer for another 5 minutes until the kale is wilted and the soup is heated through. Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes to taste.
5. Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and enjoy hot.

Part 2: Olive Garden-Style Salad

Preparation Time:

• Total Time: 10 minutes

Ingredients:

• 1 bag of romaine or mixed salad greens
• 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/4 red onion, thinly sliced
• 1/4 cup black olives, sliced
• 1/4 cup pepperoncini peppers
• 1/2 cup croutons
• 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• Olive Garden Italian dressing (store-bought or homemade)

Instructions:

1. Assemble the Salad: In a large salad bowl, combine the salad greens, cherry tomatoes, red onion, black olives, and pepperoncini peppers.
2. Toss with Dressing: Drizzle with Olive Garden Italian dressing and toss to coat the salad evenly.
3. Add Toppings: Top the salad with croutons and grated Parmesan cheese.
4. Serve: Serve the salad alongside the soup and breadsticks.

Part 3: Homemade Breadsticks

Preparation Time:

• Total Time: 2 hours (including rising time)
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cups warm water (110°F)
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 1 tablespoon active dry yeast
• 4-5 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 1 tablespoon salt
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted (for brushing)
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon dried parsley

Instructions:

1. Make the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for 5 minutes until frothy. Add the melted butter, salt, and 3 cups of flour. Mix until a soft dough forms, adding more flour as needed.
2. Knead the Dough: Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead for about 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
3. Let It Rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
4. Shape the Breadsticks: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Punch down the dough and divide it into 12-16 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a 7-inch breadstick shape and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
5. Bake: Bake the breadsticks for 12-15 minutes, or until golden brown.
6. Brush with Butter: While the breadsticks are still warm, brush them with melted butter and sprinkle with garlic powder and dried parsley.
7. Serve: Serve the warm breadsticks alongside the soup and salad.

Nutritional Benefits

• Hearty and Filling: The Zuppa Toscana is rich in protein and fiber from the sausage, kale, and potatoes, making it a satisfying soup.
• Fresh and Crisp: The salad provides a fresh contrast to the rich soup, offering vitamins and fiber from the fresh vegetables.
• Homemade Comfort: The breadsticks are a perfect comfort food, offering a warm, buttery taste.

Possible Additions or Upgrades

• Make It Vegetarian: Use plant-based sausage and vegetable broth in the soup, and a vegan dressing for the salad.
• Add Protein: Grilled chicken or shrimp can be added to the salad for extra protein.
• Spice It Up: Add more crushed red pepper flakes to the soup or garlic powder to the breadsticks for extra flavor.

Questions and Answers

Can I make these dishes ahead of time?

Yes, the soup can be made a day in advance and reheated before serving. The salad is best prepared fresh, and the breadsticks can be made ahead and warmed before serving.

How do I store leftovers?

Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The salad should be stored without dressing to prevent wilting, and the breadsticks can be kept in a breadbox or wrapped in foil.

Can I freeze the breadsticks?

Yes, you can freeze the baked breadsticks. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven before serving.

What should I serve with this meal?

This meal is complete on its own, but you can add a dessert like tiramisu or a fruit salad to round out the meal.

Is this meal gluten-free?

To make this meal gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta for the soup, gluten-free flour for the breadsticks, and ensure the dressing is gluten-free.

Enjoy this Olive Garden-inspired soup, salad, and breadsticks meal at home, perfect for a cozy and comforting dining experience!