If you’re feeling like you’ve reached a salad plateau, it’s time to shake things up. The thrill is gone from your usual greens and veggies. We’re here to help you reignite that passion with a culinary journey through the most mouthwatering restaurant salad recipes out there. Join us as we dive into a world of texture, flavor, and visual appeal that will leave your taste buds singing.
Loaded Restaurant Salad
The Loaded Restaurant Salad is an exceptional culinary experience that combines contrasting textures and flavors. The grated eggs and cheese provide a satisfying crunch to the crisp mix of lettuce, vegetables, and crushed croutons, creating a harmonious balance when paired with a generous helping of ranch dressing, this salad transforms into a delectable meal starter or side dish.
To elevate the experience, customize the vegetable selection to suit your taste preferences and opt for high-quality dressings. As a result, you’ll be able to recreate the authentic flavors of a restaurant-quality salad in the comfort of your own home.
St. Louis Pasta House Salad
The St Louis Pasta House Salad has earned its reputation as a timeless delight, and it’s easy to see why. A harmonious blend of fresh lettuce, artichoke hearts with a tangy bite, sweet red onions adding a touch of warmth, and pimentos providing a satisfying crunch come together in perfect symphony. The dressing, crafted from rich olive oil and bold red wine vinegar, expertly balances the flavors without overpowering them.
A sprinkle of finely grated Parmesan adds a delightful textural element, making this salad a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. It’s essential to dress the salad immediately before serving to prevent the ingredients from wilting. With its winning combination of taste, texture, and presentation, the St Louis Pasta House Salad is an absolute must-try for any self-respecting salad enthusiast.
Portillo’s Chopped Salad
Portillo’s Chopped Salad is an exemplary blend of fresh flavors and textures. The base of the dish comprises a harmonious mix of crisp iceberg and romaine lettuce, with vibrant additions from red cabbage, red onion, green onions, juicy tomatoes, al dente ditalini pasta, crispy bacon, and creamy Gorgonzola cheese. A drizzle of homemade vinaigrette dressing injects a tangy and sweet contrast to the salad’s earthy undertones.
The optional addition of succulent chicken provides an extra layer of protein-packed satisfaction. Overall, Portillo’s Chopped Salad is a delectable and filling option that suits any occasion.
Super Creamy Restaurant Style Egg Salad
Take your average egg salad to unprecedented heights with Super Creamy Restaurant Style Egg Salad. The addition of cream cheese is the secret ingredient that elevates this classic recipe to a level of unbridled creaminess. By combining cream cheese, mayonnaise, and spices, you’ll create a sumptuous dressing that not only coats the chopped hard-boiled eggs but also adds an irresistible richness and depth of flavor.
This versatile egg salad is perfect for sandwiches, wraps, salads, or any other occasion where you want to impress with your culinary prowess. It’s a must-try for anyone seeking a creamy twist on the traditional egg salad.
La Scala Chopped Salad
Inspired by the iconic La Scala restaurant in Beverly Hills, California, the La Scala Chopped Salad is an Italian-inspired culinary masterpiece. This delectable salad boasts an intriguing combination of savory elements like marinated garbanzo beans, cheese, and salami, reminiscent of a flavorful Italian sub transformed into a refreshing greens-based delight. The tangy vinaigrette recipe, dating back to the 1950s, adds an unmistakable zing that elevates the dish’s overall taste experience.
With only a few essential ingredients required, this salad is a must-try for its delightful simplicity and unadulterated flavor.
Copycat Lou Malnati’s Salad
Imagine sinking your teeth into a refreshing and flavorful salad that perfectly recreates the signature house salad from Chicago’s beloved Lou Malnati’s restaurant. This delectable copycat version combines crisp romaine lettuce with juicy grape tomatoes, earthy mushrooms, salty black olives, and tangy blue cheese, all brought together by a sweet Italian dressing that adds a depth of flavor to each bite.
The crowning touch is the addition of crispy salami, which provides a delightful textural contrast that elevates the entire dish. For fans of Lou Malnati’s and salad enthusiasts alike, this recreation is a must-try culinary experience.
Chicken Salad
This beloved deli classic, the Chicken Salad recipe, strikes the perfect balance between simplicity and flavor. By combining white and dark meat chicken, we add a delightful twist to the traditional. The roasting process gives the dish a unique texture and taste that’s hard to resist. A medley of ingredients including celery, mayonnaise, and granulated onion (optional for added depth) come together to create a salad that can be enjoyed on its own or as part of a satisfying sandwich.
As an easy-to-make and thoroughly enjoyable option, this Chicken Salad recipe is sure to become a staple in any kitchen.
Italian Salad
Experience the authentic taste of Italy in the comfort of your own kitchen with the Italian Salad, a culinary masterpiece that combines the freshest ingredients and a tangy dressing. The foundation of this salad is crisp iceberg lettuce, providing a delightful crunch, while juicy tomatoes add natural sweetness and spicy pepperoncini bring a kick.
Tangy olives and shaved Parmesan cheese add depth and richness to the dish, all tied together by a creamy vinaigrette that brings the flavors together in perfect harmony. This salad is a must-try for anyone seeking to recreate the essence of their favorite Italian restaurant at home.
Chinese Chicken Salad
The Chinese Chicken Salad is a beloved restaurant staple that remains a crowd-pleaser due to its harmonious blend of savory and sweet flavors, accompanied by an appealing crunch. At its core, the salad consists of an assortment of vegetables like cabbage, carrots, cucumber, and onion, all complemented by shredded chicken.
What truly elevates this dish is the rich and savory dressing, crafted with a thoughtful balance of soy sauce, sesame oil, ginger, and garlic, which creates a depth of umami flavor. To further enhance the texture, optional add-ins such as jicama or kohlrabi, peanuts, and crunchy lo mein noodles or ramen noodles can be incorporated, resulting in a vibrant and satisfying dish that is sure to leave you craving another bite.
Commander’s Palace Salad and Dressing
In New Orleans culinary landscape, The Commander’s Palace Salad and Dressing is an iconic dish that consistently impresses. A harmonious blend of crunchy greens, smoky bacon, nutty Parmesan cheese, and crispy croutons is elevated by a rich and tangy dressing. The key to this delightful salad lies in its creamy vinaigrette, which incorporates the richness of fresh egg yolks. Whether served as an appetizer or side dish, it’s a culinary experience that salad enthusiasts won’t soon forget.
Pear Balsamic Salad
The Pear Balsamic Salad offers a harmonious blend of flavors and textures that will tantalize your taste buds. The mixed greens provide a crisp foundation, complemented by the tender pear’s natural sweetness. Dried cherries introduce a subtle tanginess, while candied walnuts add a satisfying crunch. When combined with a tangy balsamic vinaigrette, this salad strikes a perfect balance between sweet and savory notes.
Whether enjoyed as a substantial main course or as a side dish, the Pear Balsamic Salad is an exceptional choice for those seeking a nutritious yet indulgent meal that will leave you feeling satisfied and refreshed.
Classic Caesar Salad
The quintessential Caesar Salad is a harmonious fusion of flavors, reminiscent of the good old days when simplicity reigned supreme. Fresh lettuce, lemon vinaigrette’s tangy zip, and the savory richness of Parmesan cheese converge to create a dish that’s greater than the sum of its parts. The addition of anchovy adds an umami depth, while homemade sourdough croutons and a drizzle of olive oil imbue the salad with a rustic charm.
Served in a garlic-scented wooden bowl, it’s a feast for the eyes as well as the palate. This recipe honors the original Caesar Salad by eschewing modern embellishments like grilled chicken and processed dressings. It’s a love letter to the salad’s golden era, before mass production and commercialization dulled its edges. For those seeking an authentic Caesar experience, this is a must-try.
Taco Salad
Taco Salad is a masterclass in harmonizing flavors and textures, marrying the essence of a taco with the wholesomeness of a nutritious meal. The dish’s foundation lies in seasoned ground turkey, which pairs delightfully with crisp romaine lettuce, black beans, corn, cherry tomatoes, avocado, cilantro, and shredded cheese. What truly elevates this salad is its crowning glory – crispy tortilla strips and a tangy, homemade yogurt and salsa dressing.
This mouthwatering combination makes for an ideal solution for those seeking a satisfying, filling, and wholesome meal that’s just as nutritious as it is delicious.
Copycat Olive Garden Salad
Indulge in the rich flavors and textures of Olive Garden’s signature salad, now replicable at home. This vibrant Copycat Olive Garden Salad boasts an alluring combination of fresh and crisp ingredients – think juicy Roma tomatoes, sweet pepperoncini, tangy red onion, savory black olives, crunchy croutons, and a generous sprinkling of shredded Parmesan cheese.
When tossed with a rich homemade dressing, the salad becomes an irresistible centerpiece for any gathering, effortlessly pairing with an array of main courses to add a pop of color, texture, and flavor to your meal.
Olive Garden Salad and Dressing Copycat
For salad enthusiasts, the Olive Garden Salad and Dressing Copycat recipe is a game-changer. By combining fresh greens with an assortment of vegetables including tomatoes, onions, olives, and shredded carrots, this salad offers a harmonious blend of textures and tastes that perfectly replicates the beloved flavors of Olive Garden’s iconic salad. A generous sprinkling of parmesan, croutons, and pepperoncini adds depth and complexity to each bite.
Meanwhile, the dressing – crafted with a zesty Italian dressing mix – injects a tangy and subtly sweet essence into the salad, elevating it to new heights. Overall, this copycat recipe is a resounding success, allowing you to experience the magic of Olive Garden’s salad from the comfort of your own home.
Chicken & Pecan Salad
The Arby’s-inspired Chicken & Pecan Salad is a culinary delight that effortlessly recreates the beloved menu item. The salad’s harmonious blend of textures and flavors is achieved through the thoughtful combination of tender chicken, succulent grapes, crunchy apples, fresh celery, and toasted pecans, all bound together by a creamy mayonnaise-low-fat yogurt dressing.
As you take your first bite, the symphony of sensations unfolds – the satisfying crunch of celery and apples, the natural sweetness of the grapes, and the savory essence of the chicken. Whether served on toasted bread, crisp lettuce leaves, or wrapped in a flavorful tortilla, this homemade rendition of Arby’s Chicken & Pecan Salad is an absolute must-try for any salad enthusiast.
My Maggiano’s Salad
A culinary masterpiece, my Maggiano’s Salad is a scrumptious recreation of the beloved restaurant’s signature house salad. The harmonious union of crunchy prosciutto, pungent gorgonzola cheese, and a subtly sweet dressing yields a symphony of flavors that tantalizes the taste buds.
Crafted with precision, the salad features crisp iceberg or romaine lettuce, thinly sliced red onions, and a bespoke dressing comprising bold notes of red wine vinegar, tangy Dijon mustard, refined sweetness, savory garlic, and a hint of oregano. The crisped prosciutto adds a satisfying salty depth to the dish, while its textures blend seamlessly with the other ingredients. This salad is an unforgettable fusion of sensations that will leave you craving for more.
Southwest Salad with Creamy Avocado Salsa Dressing
This mouthwatering Southwest Salad with Creamy Avocado Salsa Dressing is an explosion of flavors that will leave you craving more. The combination of black beans, red bell peppers, juicy tomatoes, sweet corn kernels, crunchy pepitas, and creamy Pepper Jack cheese creates a harmonious blend that’s both satisfying and refreshing.
And let’s not forget the game-changing dressing – a vibrant fusion of avocado, creaminess, and zest, which can be easily customized to suit your taste by adding protein-packed options like chicken, shrimp, or beef, or even indulgent ingredients like bacon or mango.
Olive Garden Salad Dressing
Indulge in the rich flavors of the Olive Garden Salad Dressing by whipping up your own version at home. This versatile condiment combines a medley of ingredients, including olive oil, white wine vinegar, parmesan cheese, mayonnaise, lemon juice, garlic salt, and Italian seasoning, to create a taste sensation that’s as delightful on salads as it is on chicken or pasta.
With its month-long shelf life in the fridge, this homemade delight is always within reach, making it an ideal addition to your culinary repertoire for salad enthusiasts seeking to recreate the magic of their favorite restaurant.
Ruby Tuesday Apple Salad
Ruby Tuesday Apple Salad is a symphony of textures and flavors, blending the crunch of Granny Smith and Fuji apples, the chewiness of dried cranberries, the freshness of celery, and the earthiness of pecans. This delightful salad takes center stage on a bed of butter lettuce leaves, where it’s brought to life by a creamy sour cream and mayonnaise dressing. With its simplicity and versatility, this salad is perfect for a satisfying lunch or light dinner that’s sure to please.
Jason’s Deli Chicken Salad
Jason’s Deli Chicken Salad stands out from the crowd with its clever combination of juicy chicken, crunchy almonds, and sweet crushed pineapple. This effortless recipe requires only 10 minutes of prep time, making it a perfect solution for busy days or impromptu gatherings. Enjoy it as is, paired with crackers, or nestled within a sandwich – the versatility of this dish knows no bounds, whether served chilled or at a warm temperature.
Japanese Restaurant Salad Dressing
This Japanese-inspired dressing recipe has won over many taste buds with its tangy, sweet, and spicy flavors. If you’ve ever enjoyed the signature orange-hued sauce at a traditional Japanese restaurant, this homemade version is sure to delight. The combination of vibrant carrots, fresh ginger, and savory miso paste creates a rich and adaptable condiment perfect for elevating any salad or vegetable dish.
What’s more, it boasts a generous serving of veggies before even reaching the plate – a bonus for health-conscious foodies and Asian cuisine enthusiasts alike.
