Homemade Outback House Salad: Crunchy, Creamy, & Quick

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Copycat House Salad Recipe

This Outback Copycat House Salad is an absolute treat with its rich, creamy ranch dressing and garlicky croutons. It’s the perfect side dish to any meal, just like in the restaurant, but made at home in under 30 minutes. Homemade Outback House Salad: Crunchy, Creamy, & Quick With crisp greens, vibrant vegetables, and a delightful crunch in every bite, it truly mimics the taste of the real thing. The ranch dressing adds a flavorful kick, and the croutons bring it to the next level.

What makes this salad a crowd-pleaser is its versatility—it pairs wonderfully with any main course, from steaks to ribs. Plus, the homemade ranch dressing, with a blend of spices, buttermilk, and mayonnaise, makes it extra special. You can enjoy this delicious dish any day of the week!

One of the best things about dining at Outback is their signature house salad, which is a fan favorite for many. While going to the restaurant can be a treat, there’s nothing like making a copycat version at home that delivers the same creamy ranch dressing, crunchy croutons, and fresh greens. This homemade recipe brings the steakhouse experience to your table in less than 30 minutes, with a blend of vibrant vegetables that take it to the next level. Whether you’re pairing it as a side with steaks or ribs, or serving it as a light meal, this salad fits right in.

What makes this house salad stand out is the real depth of flavors. It’s more than just lettuce; it’s the blend of spices, the perfectly seasoned and buttery croutons, and the rich ranch dressing that sets it apart. The crisp greens, combined with vibrant vegetables, deliver a refreshing crunch in every bite. If you’re looking to make it feel even more like a steakhouse, try garlicky croutons for that extra punch, making it an entree on its own or a standout side dish.

This recipe doesn’t just replicate the flavors, but it captures the essence of a steakhouse classic. For those who enjoy diving into a masterful meal, this salad serves as the perfect complement to any main course. And if you’ve ever wondered about the secrets behind your favorite restaurant salads, this cookbook-style approach gives you a glimpse into those tests and techniques, making this a true dupe of the original.

If you’re someone who’s subscribed to email recipes or enjoys trying the latest twists on classics, this house salad fits the bill. From Malone’s to Lexingtonian influences, the chopped and wedge salad variations you can experiment with are endless. This salad can serve as a standalone option or a standard offering at any dinner party.

With fresh lettuce, buttermilk, and a perfect mix of mayonnaise, you can recreate a dish that’s not only full of texture but is also a flavorful and rich addition to your menu. The balance of cheese, toppings, and spices makes this salad a versatile choice. It’s a light yet satisfying dish, a great accompaniment for those who prefer a lighter portion to go with their favorite entrees. Enjoy this classic steakhouse experience right at home!

Personal Experience

I remember the first time I recreated the Outback House Salad for a family dinner. It was a hot summer evening, and I wanted to serve something fresh yet flavorful. As I tossed the crisp lettuce, tomatoes, and cucumbers together with the homemade ranch dressing, the kitchen was filled with the vibrant smell of freshly cut vegetables and buttery croutons. When I placed the bowls on the table, everyone couldn’t wait to dig in. The crunch of the croutons and the creamy dressing had everyone asking for seconds. Now, it’s my go-to side dish for any meal, whether it’s a casual family gathering or when I need to whip up something quick and tasty.

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Necessary Ingredients

Ranch Dressing

1 cup mayonnaise
1 cup buttermilk
¼ teaspoon garlic powder
¼ teaspoon onion powder
¼ teaspoon paprika
¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
¼ teaspoon black pepper
1 to 1 ½ tablespoons ranch dressing mix

Croutons

12-ounce loaf of bread (French, Italian, sourdough, ciabatta, etc.)
½ cup melted salted butter
¾ teaspoon Cajun seasoning (like Tony Chachere’s Creole Seasoning)
2 minced garlic cloves

Salad

Iceberg or Romaine lettuce, chopped
Cherry or grape tomatoes, halved
Cucumber, peeled and chunked
Red onion, thinly sliced
Freshly grated cheddar cheese
Freshly grated Monterey Jack cheese

How To Make Copycat House Salad Recipe

Step-by-Step Preparation

Prepare the Ranch Dressing

In a medium bowl, combine mayonnaise, buttermilk, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, cayenne pepper, black pepper, and ranch dressing mix.
Use a whisk to mix everything until smooth and creamy.
Refrigerate the dressing to allow it to chill and thicken.

Make the Croutons

Preheat the oven to 400°F.
Cut the bread into bite-sized squares and spread them on a sheet pan.
Bake for 12-16 minutes until the croutons are slightly browned.
In a small bowl, melt butter and mix with Cajun seasoning and minced garlic.
Remove the pan from the oven and reduce the temperature to 350°F.
Drizzle the melted butter mixture over the toasted croutons and toss to coat evenly.
Return the croutons to the oven for 6-8 minutes, then let them cool.

Build the Salad

Chop iceberg lettuce or romaine and place it in a large bowl.
Add tomatoes, cucumbers, thinly sliced red onions, and freshly grated cheddar cheese and Monterey Jack cheese.
Gently toss the salad to mix all the ingredients.

Final Touch

Add your croutons to the salad.
Drizzle the homemade ranch dressing on top.
Customize the salad with additional toppings like shredded carrots, dried fruit, nuts, bacon bits, banana peppers, or green onions if desired.
Enjoy your fresh and flavorful side salad!

Note on Serving Size & Ingredients

When serving House Salad (Outback Copycat), it’s ideal to pair it with a hearty steak or ribs for a complete steakhouse experience. Adding a warm slice of bread or a side of garlicky croutons can enhance the meal further. If you’re preparing a larger dinner spread, consider offering other signature steakhouse dishes to complement the house salad. To balance the richness of the creamy ranch dressing and crunchy croutons, a crisp white wine like Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc would pair beautifully with the salad’s vibrant vegetables and buttery flavors.

For those who enjoy red wine, something light and fruity like Pinot Noir or Gamay would be a delightful match. These wines have the right level of acidity to cut through the rich and creamy textures without overpowering the fresh greens and seasoned croutons. Whether you’re enjoying the house salad as a side dish or a lighter main course, these thoughtful pairings will elevate your meal and bring out the best in each bite.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why You’ll Love this Recipe
You’ll love this Outback House Salad because it’s a perfect balance of flavors and textures. With fresh, crisp greens, vibrant vegetables like tomatoes, cucumbers, and red onions, topped with crunchy croutons and a rich, homemade ranch dressing, it’s a great side for any meal. Plus, it’s easy to make at home in under 30 minutes!

Is a Side Salad and House Salad the same thing?
While both terms are often used interchangeably, they aren’t exactly the same. A side salad is typically a smaller portion served as a complement to the main dish, while a house salad is usually a larger, signature offering on a restaurant’s menu. Outback combines the two, calling it a “House Side Salad.”

What is in the house salad at Outback?
The Outback House Salad includes iceberg or romaine lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers, red onions, shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese, and croutons, all topped with their signature ranch dressing.

What is in a traditional house salad?
A traditional house salad generally includes a base of fresh greens like lettuce, with toppings such as tomatoes, cucumbers, onions, and possibly cheese or croutons. The specific ingredients can vary depending on the restaurant.

What dressing is on Outback chopped salad?
Outback’s chopped salad is typically served with a tangy blue cheese vinaigrette or ranch dressing, but you can request other options.

What salad dressings does Outback have?
Outback Steakhouse offers several salad dressings, including Ranch, Blue Cheese, Honey Mustard, Thousand Island, Caesar, Tangy Tomato, and Blue Cheese Vinaigrette.