Craving that signature texas roadhouse house salad you enjoy at the restaurant? Now you can recreate this beloved copycat texas roadhouse house salad recipe right in your own kitchen!
This restaurant style house salad recipe features crisp Romaine lettuce, fresh vegetables, crunchy croutons, and Parmesan cheese, delivering the same satisfying crunch and flavor you love from the steakhouse.
Whether you’re looking for a healthy steakhouse salad recipe to accompany your favorite protein or want to learn how to make texas roadhouse house salad at home, this simple yet delicious house salad recipe brings restaurant-quality freshness to your dinner table. Let’s dive into creating the best texas roadhouse house salad recipe that rivals the original!
What is Texas Roadhouse House Salad and How Does It Taste?
The texas roadhouse house salad is a classic American steakhouse salad that serves as the perfect accompaniment to hearty entrées. This house salad texas roadhouse features a foundation of crisp, cold Romaine lettuce topped with fresh vegetables including tomatoes, bell peppers, carrots, onions, and celery, finished with crunchy croutons and savory Parmesan cheese.
The taste is refreshingly light yet satisfying, with a delightful mix of textures from the crispy lettuce, crunchy vegetables, and toasted croutons. The steakhouse salad offers clean, garden-fresh flavors with a subtle sweetness from the bell peppers and carrots, balanced by the tangy bite of marinated onions and the salty, umami richness of Parmesan.
This texas roadhouse salad is wonderfully versatile and pairs beautifully with everything from grilled steaks to roasted chicken, making it an essential part of any steakhouse-style meal.
Texas Roadhouse House Salad Recipe Ingredients
For the Salad:
- 1 large head Romaine lettuce (or 2 smaller heads)
- 1 medium white onion, thinly sliced (red onion can be substituted)
- 2 medium tomatoes, sliced
- 2 medium carrots, cut into sticks on the bias
- 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced into strips (green bell pepper can be substituted)
- 2-3 stalks celery, finely chopped (include a small piece of the stalk for extra flavor)
- Optional: Small piece of green Scotch Bonnet pepper, finely minced
- 1 cup croutons (store-bought or homemade)
- ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
For Marinating the Onions:
- Pinch of salt
- Pinch of sugar
- 2 tablespoons vinegar (white or apple cider vinegar)
Washing the Lettuce:
- 1 tablespoon baking soda
- Ice cubes
- Cold water
Kitchen Utensils Needed
- Large mixing bowl
- Small bowl (for marinating onions)
- Salad spinner or clean kitchen towels
- Sharp knife
- Cutting board
- Vegetable peeler (optional, for carrots)
- Box grater or microplane (for Parmesan)
- Serving bowl or platter
Preparation and Cooking Time
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Marinating Time: 5-10 minutes
Total Time: 20-25 minutes
Servings: 4-6 servings as a side salad
Copycat Texas Roadhouse House Salad Recipe
Step 1: Prepare and Marinate the Onions
Begin by thinly slicing the white onion into rings or half-moons, depending on your preference. Place the sliced onions in a small bowl and add a generous pinch of salt, a pinch of sugar, and 2 tablespoons of vinegar. Mix well with your hands or a spoon to separate the onion rings and ensure the seasoning coats each piece evenly. Let the onions sit for 5-10 minutes while you prepare the other vegetables. This quick marinating process mellows the sharp, pungent bite of raw onions and adds a pleasant tangy sweetness that’s characteristic of the texas roadhouse house salad copycat recipe.
Step 2: Wash the Romaine Lettuce Thoroughly
Fill a large bowl or your clean sink with cold water. Add 1 tablespoon of baking soda and a handful of ice cubes to the water-the baking soda helps remove dirt and pesticides without wilting the lettuce like salt would, while the ice keeps everything crisp and cold. Separate the Romaine lettuce leaves and submerge them completely in the cold water, paying special attention to the core area where dirt often hides. Gently agitate the leaves to release any trapped debris. Drain the water and repeat the washing process once more with fresh cold water if the lettuce was particularly dirty. After washing, use a salad spinner to remove excess water, or gently pat the leaves dry with clean kitchen towels. Tear or chop the Romaine into bite-sized pieces, keeping them substantial enough to maintain texture-avoid shredding them too finely for this restaurant style house salad recipe.
Step 3: Prepare the Other Fresh Vegetables
Using a sharp knife and cutting board, prepare all the remaining vegetables for your house salad texas roadhouse. Peel the carrots if desired, then cut them into thin sticks using diagonal cuts (on the bias)-this creates attractive, easy-to-eat pieces that aren’t too thick. Slice the yellow bell pepper in half, remove the seeds and membrane, then cut into thin strips. Slice the tomatoes into wedges or rounds, depending on your presentation preference. Finely chop the celery stalks, and if available, include a small piece of the celery stalk for extra aromatic flavor. If you’re adding a touch of heat for an authentic twist, finely mince just a tiny piece of green Scotch Bonnet pepper-use this very sparingly as it’s quite spicy, or omit entirely if you prefer a milder texas roadhouse salad recipe.
Step 4: Assemble the Salad Components
In a large mixing bowl, add the prepared Romaine lettuce as your base layer. Drain the marinated onions, discarding the excess vinegar liquid (though you can leave a little for added flavor). Add the marinated onions, carrot sticks, sliced tomatoes, bell pepper strips, chopped celery, and optional Scotch Bonnet pepper to the bowl with the lettuce. Using clean hands or salad tongs, gently toss all the ingredients together to distribute the colorful vegetables evenly throughout the lettuce. Be careful not to toss too vigorously, as you want to combine everything without bruising or wilting the delicate Romaine leaves. This gentle mixing ensures every bite of your copycat texas roadhouse house salad recipe has a perfect balance of greens and vegetables.
Step 5: Plate and Add Final Toppings
Transfer the tossed salad from your mixing bowl to a clean, attractive serving bowl or platter for presentation-this elevates the dish and makes it feel more restaurant-style. Generously top the salad with croutons, distributing them evenly across the surface so each serving gets plenty of crunch. Finally, use a box grater or microplane to grate fresh Parmesan cheese directly over the top of the salad. The freshly grated Parmesan adds a nutty, salty richness that ties all the flavors together in this steakhouse salad.
Step 6: Serve Immediately
Serve your texas roadhouse house salad immediately while the lettuce is still cold and crisp, and the vegetables are at peak freshness. This healthy steakhouse salad recipe pairs wonderfully with hearty mains like grilled steaks, lasagna, roast beef, jerk chicken, barbecue ribs, or any protein-centered dish. For the complete texas roadhouse salad experience, serve with your choice of dressing on the side-ranch, blue cheese, honey mustard, or Italian vinaigrette all work beautifully.
Customization and Pairing Ideas for Serving
1. Classic Steakhouse Pairing
Serve your texas roadhouse house salad alongside a perfectly grilled ribeye steak, loaded baked potato, and sautéed mushrooms for an authentic steakhouse dinner experience. The fresh, crisp salad provides a refreshing contrast to the rich, savory steak and creamy potato, cleansing the palate between bites of the heavier entrée.
2. Protein-Packed Salad Bowl
Transform this house salad recipe into a complete meal by topping it with your choice of grilled chicken breast, blackened shrimp, or sliced flank steak. Add additional toppings like hard-boiled eggs, avocado slices, bacon bits, and shredded cheddar cheese to create a hearty, satisfying main-course salad that’s perfect for lunch or a lighter dinner.
3. Mediterranean Twist
Give your copycat restaurant salad recipes a Mediterranean flair by adding Kalamata olives, cucumber slices, crumbled feta cheese instead of Parmesan, and chickpeas for protein. Serve with a lemon-herb vinaigrette and warm pita bread on the side for a fresh take on the classic restaurant style house salad recipe.
4. Tex-Mex Fusion
Add Southwestern elements to your texas roadhouse salad recipe by incorporating black beans, corn kernels, sliced jalapeños, and tortilla strips instead of croutons. Top with grilled fajita-style chicken or steak, pepper jack cheese, and serve with chipotle ranch or cilantro-lime dressing for a delicious fusion creation.
5. Italian-Style Enhancement
Elevate this classic house salad recipe with Italian ingredients like marinated artichoke hearts, roasted red peppers, fresh mozzarella pearls, and pepperoncini peppers. Replace the croutons with garlic-herb crostini and serve alongside pasta dishes like lasagna, chicken parmesan, or spaghetti carbonara for an Italian-American feast.
6. Lighter Summer Version
For a lighter, more refreshing summer variation of this healthy steakhouse salad recipe, add cucumber slices, radish rounds, fresh herbs like basil and mint, and swap the Parmesan for crumbled goat cheese. Serve with grilled fish or shrimp and a light lemon vinaigrette for a perfect warm-weather meal that won’t weigh you down.
7. Hearty Winter Comfort Pairing
During colder months, pair your house salad texas roadhouse with comfort foods like slow-roasted prime rib, beef stew, pot roast, or braised short ribs. The cold, crisp salad provides a welcome textural and temperature contrast to the warm, tender meat dishes, and the fresh vegetables add brightness to rich, hearty winter meals.
Essential Tips for the Best Texas Roadhouse House Salad
1. Use Ice-Cold Ingredients for Maximum Crispness
The secret to achieving that restaurant-quality crunch in your best texas roadhouse house salad recipe is keeping everything ice cold. Store your Romaine lettuce, vegetables, and even your serving bowl in the refrigerator until you’re ready to assemble. The cold temperature keeps the lettuce cells firm and crisp, preventing wilting. For extra crispness, you can even chill your washed lettuce in the refrigerator for 30 minutes wrapped in damp paper towels before assembling the salad.
2. Don’t Skip the Onion Marinating Step
While it might be tempting to skip marinating the onions, this crucial step transforms harsh, pungent raw onions into sweet, tangy, mellow additions that enhance rather than overpower your texas roadhouse house salad. The combination of salt, sugar, and vinegar not only reduces the sharp sulfur compounds in raw onions but also adds a pickled quality that brightens the entire salad. If you have extra time, let them marinate for 20-30 minutes for even better results.
3. Cut Vegetables Uniformly for Even Distribution
When preparing vegetables for your copycat texas roadhouse house salad recipe, aim for uniform sizes so each forkful contains a balanced mix of ingredients. Cut carrots into similar-sized sticks, slice bell peppers into consistent strips, and keep tomato pieces roughly the same size. This attention to detail ensures every serving of your steakhouse salad has the same great taste and texture, just like the restaurant version.
4. Wash Lettuce with Baking Soda, Not Salt
Traditional wisdom suggests washing lettuce in salt water, but salt actually draws moisture out of lettuce cells through osmosis, leading to wilted, limp leaves. Instead, use baking soda in cold water to clean your Romaine thoroughly without compromising texture. The baking soda effectively removes pesticides, dirt, and bacteria while maintaining the crisp integrity of the lettuce that makes this restaurant style house salad recipe so satisfying.
5. Grate Fresh Parmesan for Superior Flavor
Pre-shredded Parmesan cheese contains anti-caking agents and preservatives that prevent clumping but also diminish flavor and texture. For the most authentic texas roadhouse house salad copycat, always grate Parmesan fresh from a block using a box grater or microplane. Freshly grated cheese melts slightly from the heat of your hand, creating little pockets of nutty, savory flavor throughout the salad that pre-shredded versions simply can’t match.
6. Toss Gently to Preserve Texture
When combining all the elements of your house salad recipe, use a light touch. Aggressive tossing bruises lettuce leaves, causing them to wilt and turn brown at the edges. Instead, use clean hands or salad servers to gently lift and turn the ingredients, allowing them to fall naturally and mix without crushing. This gentle technique keeps your texas roadhouse salad recipe looking fresh and vibrant from the first serving to the last.
7. Dress Just Before Serving or Serve Dressing on the Side
To maintain the signature crispness of this classic house salad recipe, never dress the salad more than a few minutes before serving, as dressing will quickly wilt the lettuce. For the best results, serve your favorite dressing (ranch, honey mustard, or Italian) on the side, allowing diners to add their preferred amount. This keeps the salad crisp throughout the meal and accommodates different taste preferences, just like Texas Roadhouse does at their restaurants.
Storage and Reheating Guidance
Store salad components separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the washed, dried lettuce wrapped in paper towels in a sealed container, and store chopped vegetables separately. Assemble and dress portions only as needed to maintain maximum freshness and crispness.
Texas Roadhouse House Salad Recipe
Craving that signature texas roadhouse house salad you enjoy at the restaurant? Now you can recreate this beloved copycat texas roadhouse house salad recipe right in your own kitchen! This restaurant style house salad recipe features crisp Romaine lettuce, fresh vegetables, crunchy croutons, and Parmesan cheese, delivering the same satisfying crunch and flavor you love from the steakhouse.
Ingredients
- 1 large head Romaine lettuce (or 2 smaller heads)
- 1 medium white onion, thinly sliced (red onion can be substituted)
- 2 medium tomatoes, sliced
- 2 medium carrots, cut into sticks on the bias
- 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced into strips (green bell pepper can be substituted)
- 2-3 stalks celery, finely chopped (include a small piece of the stalk for extra flavor)
- Optional: Small piece of green Scotch Bonnet pepper, finely minced
- 1 cup croutons (store-bought or homemade)
- ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- Pinch of salt
- Pinch of sugar
- 2 tablespoons vinegar (white or apple cider vinegar)
- 1 tablespoon baking soda
- Ice cubes
- Cold water
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare and Marinate the Onions
Begin by thinly slicing the white onion into rings or half-moons, depending on your preference. Place the sliced onions in a small bowl and add a generous pinch of salt, a pinch of sugar, and 2 tablespoons of vinegar. Mix well with your hands or a spoon to separate the onion rings and ensure the seasoning coats each piece evenly. Let the onions sit for 5-10 minutes while you prepare the other vegetables. This quick marinating process mellows the sharp, pungent bite of raw onions and adds a pleasant tangy sweetness that’s characteristic of the texas roadhouse house salad copycat recipe.
Step 2: Wash the Romaine Lettuce Thoroughly
Fill a large bowl or your clean sink with cold water. Add 1 tablespoon of baking soda and a handful of ice cubes to the water-the baking soda helps remove dirt and pesticides without wilting the lettuce like salt would, while the ice keeps everything crisp and cold. Separate the Romaine lettuce leaves and submerge them completely in the cold water, paying special attention to the core area where dirt often hides. Gently agitate the leaves to release any trapped debris. Drain the water and repeat the washing process once more with fresh cold water if the lettuce was particularly dirty. After washing, use a salad spinner to remove excess water, or gently pat the leaves dry with clean kitchen towels. Tear or chop the Romaine into bite-sized pieces, keeping them substantial enough to maintain texture-avoid shredding them too finely for this restaurant style house salad recipe.
Step 3: Prepare the Other Fresh Vegetables
Using a sharp knife and cutting board, prepare all the remaining vegetables for your house salad texas roadhouse. Peel the carrots if desired, then cut them into thin sticks using diagonal cuts (on the bias)-this creates attractive, easy-to-eat pieces that aren’t too thick. Slice the yellow bell pepper in half, remove the seeds and membrane, then cut into thin strips. Slice the tomatoes into wedges or rounds, depending on your presentation preference. Finely chop the celery stalks, and if available, include a small piece of the celery stalk for extra aromatic flavor. If you’re adding a touch of heat for an authentic twist, finely mince just a tiny piece of green Scotch Bonnet pepper-use this very sparingly as it’s quite spicy, or omit entirely if you prefer a milder texas roadhouse salad recipe.
Step 4: Assemble the Salad Components
In a large mixing bowl, add the prepared Romaine lettuce as your base layer. Drain the marinated onions, discarding the excess vinegar liquid (though you can leave a little for added flavor). Add the marinated onions, carrot sticks, sliced tomatoes, bell pepper strips, chopped celery, and optional Scotch Bonnet pepper to the bowl with the lettuce. Using clean hands or salad tongs, gently toss all the ingredients together to distribute the colorful vegetables evenly throughout the lettuce. Be careful not to toss too vigorously, as you want to combine everything without bruising or wilting the delicate Romaine leaves. This gentle mixing ensures every bite of your copycat texas roadhouse house salad recipe has a perfect balance of greens and vegetables.
Step 5: Plate and Add Final Toppings
Transfer the tossed salad from your mixing bowl to a clean, attractive serving bowl or platter for presentation-this elevates the dish and makes it feel more restaurant-style. Generously top the salad with croutons, distributing them evenly across the surface so each serving gets plenty of crunch. Finally, use a box grater or microplane to grate fresh Parmesan cheese directly over the top of the salad. The freshly grated Parmesan adds a nutty, salty richness that ties all the flavors together in this steakhouse salad.
Step 6: Serve Immediately
Serve your texas roadhouse house salad immediately while the lettuce is still cold and crisp, and the vegetables are at peak freshness. This healthy steakhouse salad recipe pairs wonderfully with hearty mains like grilled steaks, lasagna, roast beef, jerk chicken, barbecue ribs, or any protein-centered dish. For the complete texas roadhouse salad experience, serve with your choice of dressing on the side-ranch, blue cheese, honey mustard, or Italian vinaigrette all work beautifully.
Notes
Store salad components separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the washed, dried lettuce wrapped in paper towels in a sealed container, and store chopped vegetables separately. Assemble and dress portions only as needed to maintain maximum freshness and crispness.
Nutrition Information:
Yield:
4Serving Size:
1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 230
Common Queries and FAQs
When you give this Texas Roadhouse House Salad Recipe a try, you might have a few questions. Don’t worry-we’ve rounded up answers to the most common ones to help you out.
Q: Can I make this texas roadhouse house salad ahead of time?
A: Yes, but with proper technique. Wash and dry the lettuce up to 2 days ahead and store it wrapped in paper towels in a sealed container. Prep and store vegetables separately in airtight containers. Assemble the salad just before serving to ensure maximum crispness and prevent wilting.
Q: What dressing does Texas Roadhouse use on their house salad?
A: Texas Roadhouse typically offers a choice of dressings served on the side, including ranch, honey mustard, blue cheese, Italian, and Thousand Island. Ranch and honey mustard are the most popular choices. This copycat texas roadhouse house salad recipe works beautifully with any of these options.
Q: Can I substitute different vegetables in this house salad texas roadhouse recipe?
A: Absolutely! While the recipe features traditional steakhouse salad vegetables, you can customize it with cucumbers, radishes, red cabbage, shredded cheese, bacon bits, or any vegetables you prefer. The key is maintaining a variety of textures and colors for visual appeal and balanced flavor.
Q: Why use yellow bell pepper instead of green?
A: Yellow bell peppers are sweeter and milder than green peppers, which can sometimes be bitter. They add beautiful color to your restaurant style house salad recipe and provide a more balanced, less assertive flavor that complements rather than dominates the other fresh vegetables.
Q: How do I make my salad as crispy as the restaurant version?
A: The secret to restaurant-level crispness is three-fold: wash lettuce in ice-cold water with baking soda, thoroughly dry the leaves using a salad spinner, and keep all ingredients refrigerated until the moment you assemble. The cold temperature maintains cell structure in the vegetables, keeping them crunchy.
Q: Can I use a different type of lettuce for this texas roadhouse salad recipe?
A: While Romaine is traditional and provides the best crunch and structure, you can use iceberg lettuce for extra crispness, or mix in butter lettuce or spring greens for variety. Avoid delicate greens like arugula or spinach as they don’t provide the same hearty texture characteristic of a steakhouse salad.
Q: What are the best croutons to use for this house salad recipe?
A: Any high-quality croutons work well, but seasoned varieties like garlic, Italian herb, or butter-flavored croutons add extra dimension. You can also make homemade croutons by toasting cubed bread tossed with olive oil, garlic powder, and herbs at 375°F for 10-15 minutes until golden and crispy.
Q: Is this healthy steakhouse salad recipe actually nutritious?
A: Yes! This salad is packed with fiber-rich vegetables, vitamin-rich Romaine lettuce, and provides antioxidants from the colorful peppers and tomatoes. It’s naturally low in calories before dressing. To keep it healthy, choose lighter dressings like vinaigrettes and use them sparingly, or opt for lemon juice and olive oil.
This texas roadhouse house salad recipe brings the beloved steakhouse experience right to your home kitchen with fresh, crisp vegetables and simple preparation. By following these detailed steps and tips, you can create a copycat texas roadhouse house salad that rivals the restaurant original, featuring that signature crunch and garden-fresh flavor everyone loves.
Whether you’re serving it as a side dish for grilled meats or transforming it into a main-course salad with added proteins, this classic house salad recipe is versatile, nutritious, and endlessly customizable. Now that you know how to make texas roadhouse house salad at home, you can enjoy this restaurant style house salad whenever the craving strikes, impressing family and friends with your ability to recreate this steakhouse favorite perfectly!
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