At Carrabba’s Italian Grill, every dish tells a story one of Italian heritage, fresh ingredients, and a passion for flavor. Among the many standout dishes, one that perfectly captures the essence of the Mediterranean is the Johnny Rocco Salad Carrabba’s.
Bursting with vibrant colors, textures, and bold flavors, this salad combines the richness of seafood with the freshness of crisp greens and a zesty vinaigrette. It’s not just a side it’s a satisfying, protein-packed meal that balances indulgence with nutrition. Whether you’re a seafood lover, a salad enthusiast, or simply exploring Carrabba’s menu, the Johnny Rocco Salad offers something extraordinary.
In this comprehensive blog, we’ll explore the origins of the dish, its signature ingredients, nutritional value, pairings, and even how to recreate it at home.
The Story Behind the Johnny Rocco Salad Carrabba’s
The Johnny Rocco Salad is a testament to Carrabba’s philosophy: combining traditional Italian flavors with American creativity. Named after one of the founders’ close family inspirations, this salad reflects the brand’s focus on celebrating family recipes, warmth, and authenticity.
At its heart, the Johnny Rocco Salad Carrabba’s embraces the coastal flavors of Italy fresh shrimp, scallops, and mixed greens dressed in a tangy Italian vinaigrette. It’s the kind of dish that feels equally at home on a seaside patio in Sicily or at a cozy American dinner table.
Carrabba’s chefs designed it for guests who wanted something lighter but still filling a main-course salad that delivers flavor, protein, and elegance all in one bowl.
What Makes the Johnny Rocco Salad Unique
Unlike your average garden salad, the Johnny Rocco Salad Carrabba’s is a sophisticated blend of seafood and greens. It brings together the delicate sweetness of shrimp and scallops with the savory punch of olives, roasted red peppers, and crumbled cheese.
Here’s what sets it apart:
- Premium seafood: Carrabba’s uses perfectly seasoned, grilled shrimp and tender scallops.
- Mediterranean essence: Ingredients like Kalamata olives and roasted red peppers add depth.
- Zesty vinaigrette: The house-made Italian dressing ties everything together.
- High-protein meal: Balanced and satisfying without being heavy.
It’s a dish that embodies the Mediterranean diet full of lean proteins, healthy fats, and fresh produce.
Johnny Rocco Salad Carrabba’s: Ingredients Breakdown
Let’s take a closer look at what goes into this flavorful masterpiece.
Core Ingredients
- Mixed Greens: A blend of romaine, arugula, and spring mix for freshness and crunch.
- Grilled Shrimp: Juicy, lightly seasoned shrimp bring a coastal touch.
- Sea Scallops: Tender, buttery scallops grilled to perfection.
- Kalamata Olives: Add a salty, briny note that complements the seafood.
- Roasted Red Peppers: Sweet and smoky, enhancing the salad’s depth.
- Crumbled Ricotta Salata or Romano Cheese: Adds creaminess and a mild tang.
- Italian Vinaigrette: A homemade dressing made with olive oil, vinegar, herbs, and lemon.
Optional Add-Ons
- Avocado slices for creaminess
- Cherry tomatoes for color and sweetness
- Grated Parmesan for an extra Italian twist
The Johnny Rocco Salad Carrabba’s manages to feel indulgent while remaining light a perfect balance that keeps guests coming back.
Carrabba’s Signature Italian Vinaigrette
A star element of this salad is Carrabba’s signature Italian vinaigrette. It’s not your typical bottled dressing it’s freshly prepared in-house with premium olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, and a blend of Italian herbs.
Flavor profile: tangy, garlicky, and slightly sweet with hints of oregano and basil.
This vinaigrette enhances every bite of seafood and greens, giving the salad that unmistakable Carrabba’s flair.
How to Make Johnny Rocco Salad at Home
You don’t need to dine out to enjoy this delicious creation you can easily recreate the Johnny Rocco Salad Carrabba’s experience in your own kitchen!
Ingredients:
- 6 large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 4 medium sea scallops
- 4 cups mixed greens (romaine, arugula, spinach)
- 1/4 cup roasted red peppers (sliced)
- 2 tbsp Kalamata olives (sliced)
- 2 tbsp crumbled ricotta salata or Romano cheese
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tbsp red wine vinegar
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1 clove garlic (minced)
- Salt & black pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Grill the Seafood:
Season shrimp and scallops with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Grill them for 2–3 minutes per side until cooked through. - Prepare the Dressing:
In a bowl, whisk together olive oil, vinegar, Dijon mustard, garlic, and herbs until smooth. Adjust seasoning. - Assemble the Salad:
In a large bowl, toss mixed greens with roasted red peppers and olives. - Add the Protein:
Top with grilled shrimp and scallops. - Finish:
Drizzle with vinaigrette and sprinkle cheese over the top. Serve immediately.
This homemade version stays true to Carrabba’s signature freshness while letting you customize portions and flavor intensity.
Perfect Pairings for Johnny Rocco Salad Carrabba’s
The Johnny Rocco Salad Carrabba’s pairs beautifully with a variety of drinks and dishes from the restaurant’s menu. Whether you’re dining in or recreating it at home, these pairings will elevate your meal.
| Menu Item | Price | Calories | Pairing Notes |
| Sicilian Prickly Pear Margarita | 250 cal | The tangy-sweet cocktail complements the briny olives and citrus vinaigrette. | |
| Tuscan-Grilled Pork Chops | $25.99 | 920 cal | The smoky flavors balance the salad’s bright freshness. |
| Chicken Bryan | $24.29 | 690 cal | The creamy goat cheese and lemon butter sauce pair beautifully with seafood. |
| Rigatoni Martino | $22.20 | 1690 cal | A hearty pasta dish that contrasts with the salad’s light texture. |
The Mediterranean Influence
The Johnny Rocco Salad Carrabba’s reflects the essence of the Mediterranean diet one of the healthiest and most flavorful in the world. It’s rich in:
- Olive oil for healthy fats
- Seafood for lean protein and omega-3s
- Fresh produce for fiber and antioxidants
Carrabba’s channels these traditional principles into every dish, making the Johnny Rocco Salad a vibrant tribute to coastal Italian cuisine.
It’s the kind of meal that makes you feel energized, not stuffed perfect for lunch, light dinner, or a summer gathering.
Why the Johnny Rocco Salad Carrabba’s Is So Popular
The Johnny Rocco Salad has earned a loyal following among Carrabba’s diners. Here’s why:
- It’s satisfying without being heavy.
The balance of greens, seafood, and cheese makes it a complete meal. - It’s a seafood lover’s dream.
The grilled shrimp and scallops offer premium flavor and texture. - It looks beautiful.
With its bright colors and artful presentation, it’s Instagram-ready. - It’s refreshing.
The vinaigrette and crisp greens make it a go-to for warm weather dining. - It embodies Carrabba’s culinary philosophy.
Simple ingredients, bold flavors, and Italian soul.
Bring Carrabba’s Flavor Home
If you’re hosting a dinner or looking for a restaurant-quality meal at home, the Johnny Rocco Salad Carrabba’s is a perfect centerpiece. Pair it with:
- Garlic bread or bruschetta
- Carrabba’s Blackberry Sangria
- A bowl of Fettuccine Alfredo
Together, they create a complete Italian-inspired experience elegant, wholesome, and full of character.
Pro Tips for Perfecting Your Salad
- Don’t overcook the seafood.
Shrimp and scallops cook quickly keep them tender and juicy. - Use high-quality olive oil.
The dressing’s flavor depends on it. - Add cheese last.
Keeps it from melting and maintains that crumbly texture. - Toss greens lightly.
Just enough to coat, not drown, the salad. - Serve immediately.
Freshness is key to that Carrabba’s-level quality.
A Toast to Flavor and Simplicity
Every bite of the Johnny Rocco Salad Carrabba’s is a celebration of simplicity done right the perfect balance between land and sea, richness and freshness, indulgence and health.
It captures the Italian love for la buona tavola the good table where meals are shared, flavors shine, and every ingredient has a purpose.
Whether you’re enjoying it at Carrabba’s or in your own kitchen, this salad reminds us that great food doesn’t need to be complicated it just needs to be crafted with care.
Final Thoughts
The Johnny Rocco Salad Carrabba’s is more than a menu item it’s a culinary philosophy in a bowl. Fresh, flavorful, and perfectly balanced, it embodies everything Carrabba’s stands for: Italian tradition, high-quality ingredients, and warm hospitality.
With grilled shrimp and scallops, crisp greens, and a tangy vinaigrette, it’s both luxurious and wholesome an ideal dish for anyone who loves seafood and the Mediterranean lifestyle.
Next time you visit Carrabba’s, treat yourself to this iconic salad, or try the recipe at home for a taste of Italy that’s as refreshing as it is unforgettable.
