The Garden Side Salad at Denny’s is a vegetarian-friendly mix of crisp greens, grape tomatoes, cucumbers, and shredded cheddar cheese.
Served chilled, it’s designed to complement any entrée or stand on its own as a light, refreshing bite. You also get to choose from a variety of dressings, from creamy to vinaigrette-style.
Price and Calories
Item
Price
Calories
Garden Side Salad (Base, no dressing)
$4.19
170
Ranch Dressing
Included
+200
Light Italian Dressing
Included
+20
Balsamic Dressing
Included
+60
Blue Cheese Dressing
Included
+150
Honey Mustard Dressing
Included
+190
Thousand Island Dressing
Included
+180
You can also choose “No Dressing” if desired.
Nutrition Facts
Nutrient
Amount (Approx.)
Total Calories (without dressing)
170
Total Fat
10g
Saturated Fat
4g
Trans Fat
0g
Cholesterol
15mg
Sodium
280mg
Total Carbohydrates
12g
Dietary Fiber
3g
Sugars
4g
Protein
5g
Calories increase depending on the dressing you select.
Allergen Information
Allergen
Contains?
Milk
Yes (cheese, creamy dressings)
Eggs
Yes (some dressings like ranch, blue cheese)
Wheat/Gluten
No (confirm crouton-free)
Soy
Possible in dressings
Fish/Shellfish
No
Peanuts/Tree Nuts
No
Sesame
Possible cross-contact
Ingredients Breakdown
Romaine or iceberg lettuce blend
Grape tomatoes
Sliced cucumbers
Shredded cheddar cheese
Optional dressing (user-selected):
Ranch
Light Italian
Balsamic
Blue Cheese
Honey Mustard
Thousand Island
No Dressing
How to Order the Denny’s Garden Side Salad
Ask for no cheese if you want to make it dairy-free.
Request no dressing or choose Light Italian for a lower-calorie option.
Ask to add croutons or extra vegetables if available at your location.
Use it as a side swap for fries or potatoes in a dinner entrée.
For keto-friendly customization, go for no dressing or ranch with no tomatoes.
Can You Customize the Denny’s Garden Side Salad?
Yes! You can:
Choose from 6 dressings or go with no dressing
Request no cheese for dairy-free diets
Ask to substitute or remove vegetables (varies by location)
Use it as a side swap in meals like steaks, burgers, or chicken dinners
Best Toppings for a Denny’s Garden Side Salad Experience
Dressing Option
Calories
Ranch
200
Blue Cheese
150
Honey Mustard
190
Thousand Island
180
Balsamic
60
Light Italian
20
Best Pairs with Other Denny’s Menu Items
Menu Item
Price
Calories
T-Bone Steak
$18.69
850–1570
Premium Chicken Tenders Dinner
$13.69
1030–1950
Double Cheeseburger
$12.99
1250
Moons Over My Hammy®
$11.99
760
Bacon Avocado Cheeseburger
$13.59
1240
Grand Slamwich®
$12.59
800
Seasoned Fries
$3.99
490
Onion Rings
$4.29
400
Coca-Cola®
$2.99
180
FAQs
What ingredients are in the Garden Side Salad?
It includes lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers, shredded cheddar cheese, and your choice of dressing.
How many calories are in the salad with dressing?
Calories range from 190 (with Light Italian) to 370 (with Ranch) depending on your selection.
Is the Garden Side Salad vegan?
No, but it can be made vegan by removing the cheese and selecting a vegan dressing like balsamic or Italian.
Does it come with croutons?
Typically no, but some locations may offer them—ask your server.
Can I make it dairy-free?
Yes, request no cheese and avoid creamy dressings.
Can I choose no dressing?
Absolutely, you can order the salad with no dressing.
Are the dressings served on the side?
Yes, most Denny’s locations serve dressing on the side by default.
Can I swap this for fries or mashed potatoes?
Yes, it’s a popular side swap for a healthier option.
Is this salad part of any meal combos?
It can be added to meals or swapped in place of higher-calorie sides.
What’s the most low-calorie dressing?
Light Italian at 20 calories is the lightest option.
What’s the most popular dressing?
Ranch is the most commonly chosen dressing by Denny’s guests.
Is this salad gluten-free?
The salad base is gluten-free, but confirm with your server if there’s any cross-contact risk.
Are refills allowed?
No, it’s a single-serve side, not refillable.
Can I add protein like chicken?
Some locations allow you to add grilled chicken to make it an entrée salad.
Is the cheese shredded fresh?
Yes, Denny’s uses shredded cheddar, typically pre-shredded and chilled.
