Are you tired of the same old boring salads? Looking for fresh, exciting flavors that will tantalize your taste buds? Look no further! In this blog post, we will explore the best restaurant salad recipes that are sure to wow your senses.
From crisp greens to vibrant dressings, these salads are a feast for both the eyes and the palate. Get ready to discover a whole new world of deliciousness!
1. Loaded Restaurant Salad
The Loaded Restaurant Salad is a delicious blend of flavors and textures. Grated eggs and cheese add a unique and satisfying texture to the crisp lettuce, veggies, and crushed croutons.
Tossed with a generous amount of ranch dressing, this salad is a perfect meal starter or side dish. Customize the veggies to your liking and use high-quality dressing for the best results. Overall, this salad successfully recreates the taste of a restaurant-quality salad at home.
2. St. Louis Pasta House Salad
The St. Louis Pasta House Salad is a classic and delicious salad that stands the test of time. With fresh lettuce, tangy artichoke hearts, sweet red onions, and pimentos, it offers a delightful combination of flavors. The vinaigrette, made with regular olive oil and red wine vinegar, perfectly complements the ingredients without overpowering them.
Topped with finely-grated Parmesan, this salad is a crowd-pleaser. It's important to note that the salad should be dressed and served immediately to prevent wilting. Overall, the St. Louis Pasta House Salad is a must-try for salad lovers.
3. Portillo's Chopped Salad
Portillo's Chopped Salad is a flavorful and refreshing salad that combines a variety of fresh ingredients. The salad features a mix of iceberg and romaine lettuce, red cabbage, red onion, green onions, tomatoes, ditalini pasta, bacon, and Gorgonzola cheese.
The homemade vinaigrette dressing adds a tangy and sweet touch to the salad. Optional chicken can be added for extra protein. Overall, Portillo's Chopped Salad is a delicious and satisfying option for any occasion.
4. Super Creamy Restaurant Style Egg Salad
Super Creamy Restaurant Style Egg Salad is a game-changer in the world of egg salads. With the addition of cream cheese, this recipe takes egg salad to a whole new level of creaminess.
The combination of cream cheese, mayonnaise, and spices creates a rich and flavorful dressing that perfectly coats the chopped hard-boiled eggs. This egg salad is versatile and can be enjoyed in various ways, from sandwiches to wraps to salads. It's a must-try for egg salad lovers looking for a creamy twist.
5. La Scala Chopped Salad
La Scala Chopped Salad is a legendary salad inspired by the famous La Scala restaurant in Beverly Hills, California. Packed with savory ingredients like marinated garbanzo beans, cheese, and salami, this salad is like an Italian sub in salad form.
The tangy vinaigrette, dating back to the 50s, adds a delightful flavor. It's a flavorful and satisfying salad that only requires a handful of ingredients. Whether you're a fan of the Kardashians or not, this salad is a must-try for its delicious taste and simplicity.
6. Copycat Lou Malnati's Salad
The Copycat Lou Malnati's Salad is a delicious recreation of the famous Chicago restaurant's house salad. It features a sweet Italian dressing that perfectly complements the crisp romaine lettuce, grape tomatoes, mushrooms, black olives, and blue cheese.
The addition of crispy salami adds a delightful crunch to the salad. Overall, this salad captures the flavors of Lou Malnati's and is a must-try for salad lovers.
7. Chicken Salad
The Chicken Salad recipe is a classic deli favorite that is simple yet delicious. It combines both white and dark meat chicken for a flavorful twist. The chicken is roasted instead of poached, adding a nice texture and taste.
The salad is made with celery, mayonnaise, and optional granulated onion for added flavor. It can be served as a sandwich or on its own. Overall, this Chicken Salad recipe is a great choice for a satisfying and easy-to-make salad option.
8. Italian Salad
The Italian Salad is a classic dish that perfectly replicates the experience of dining at an Italian restaurant. Made with crisp iceberg lettuce, juicy tomatoes, tangy olives, spicy pepperoncini, and shaved Parmesan, it is a delightful combination of flavors and textures.
The creamy vinaigrette dressing adds a delicious creaminess to the salad. Overall, this salad is a must-try for anyone looking to recreate the taste of their favorite Italian restaurant at home.
9. Chinese Chicken Salad
The Chinese Chicken Salad is a classic restaurant salad that continues to be popular for good reason. It offers a delightful combination of savory and sweet flavors, with plenty of crunch. The salad includes ingredients like cabbage, carrots, cucumber, and onion, along with shredded chicken.
The dressing is creamy and packed with umami flavors, thanks to soy sauce, sesame oil, ginger, and garlic. Optional additions like jicama or kohlrabi, peanuts, and crunchy lo mein noodles or ramen noodles add even more texture. Overall, this salad is a colorful and satisfying dish that will leave you wanting more.
10. Commander's Palace Salad and Dressing
The Commander's Palace Salad and Dressing is a classic New Orleans dish that lives up to its reputation. This salad combines crisp greens, bacon, Parmesan cheese, and croutons, all tossed in a creamy dressing.
The vinaigrette, fortified with fresh egg yolk, adds a rich and tangy flavor to the salad. It's a perfect start to any meal and a must-try for salad lovers.
11. Pear Balsamic Salad
The Pear Balsamic Salad is a delightful combination of flavors and textures. The mixed greens provide a fresh base, while the tender pear adds a sweet element. The dried cherries add a slight tartness, and the candied walnuts bring a satisfying crunch.
Tossed in a tangy balsamic vinaigrette, this salad is a perfect balance of sweet and savory. It can be enjoyed as a filling entrée or as a side dish. Overall, the Pear Balsamic Salad is a delicious and refreshing option for those looking for a healthy yet satisfying meal.
12. Classic Caesar Salad
The Classic Caesar Salad is a restaurant-style dish that brings together the perfect balance of flavors. With its light and savory combination of fresh lettuce, tangy lemon vinaigrette, grated Parmesan cheese, and anchovy, this salad is a true masterpiece. Tossed with homemade olive oil sourdough croutons and served in a garlic-scented wooden bowl, it is a beautiful and delicious creation.
This recipe stays true to the traditional Caesar Salad, avoiding the common additions of grilled chicken and processed dressings. It is a reminder of the salad's glory days before it was commercialized and mass-produced. A must-try for salad enthusiasts looking for an authentic Caesar experience.
13. Taco Salad
Taco Salad is a healthy and satisfying salad that brings all the flavors of a taco into a nutritious package. It features taco-seasoned ground turkey, crisp romaine lettuce, black beans, corn, cherry tomatoes, avocado, cilantro, and shredded cheese.
The salad is topped with crispy tortilla strips and a homemade yogurt and salsa dressing. This salad is a great option for those looking for a wholesome and filling meal.
14. Copycat Olive Garden Salad
Copycat Olive Garden Salad is a vibrant and addictive restaurant-style salad that can now be enjoyed at home. With its crisp and fresh ingredients, including Roma tomatoes, pepperoncini, red onion, black olives, croutons, and shredded Parmesan cheese, this salad offers a unique combination of flavors.
Tossed with the homemade Olive Garden salad dressing, it is a go-to option for any occasion. Perfectly complementing various main dishes, this salad is a crowd-pleaser that adds a burst of flavor, texture, and color to any meal.
15. Olive Garden Salad and Dressing Copycat
The Olive Garden Salad and Dressing Copycat recipe is a must-try for salad lovers. This recipe perfectly captures the addictive flavors of Olive Garden's famous salad and dressing. With a combination of fresh greens, tomatoes, onions, olives, and shredded carrots, topped with parmesan, croutons, and pepperoncinis, this salad offers a delightful mix of textures and flavors.
The dressing, made with a zesty Italian dressing mix, adds a tangy and slightly sweet element to the salad. Overall, this copycat recipe is a winner and a great way to enjoy Olive Garden's salad at home.
16. Chicken & Pecan Salad
The Chicken & Pecan Salad is a delicious and refreshing salad that closely resembles the popular menu item at Arby's. The salad features tender chicken chunks, red grapes, chopped apples, celery, and pecans, all tossed in a creamy mixture of mayonnaise and low-fat yogurt.
The combination of flavors and textures, from the crunch of the celery and apples to the sweetness of the grapes, make this salad a delightful choice. Whether served on bread, lettuce, or in a wrap, this homemade version of Arby's Chicken & Pecan Salad is a must-try for salad lovers.
17. My Maggiano's Salad
My Maggiano's Salad is a delicious recreation of the popular restaurant's house salad. The combination of crispy prosciutto, tangy gorgonzola cheese, and a slightly sweet dressing creates a perfect balance of flavors.
The salad is made with chopped iceberg or romaine lettuce, thinly sliced red onions, and a homemade dressing that includes red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, sugar, garlic, and oregano. The prosciutto is cooked until crispy and adds a salty element to the dish. Overall, this salad is a delightful mix of textures and flavors that is sure to satisfy.
18. Southwest Salad with Creamy Avocado Salsa Dressing
The Southwest Salad with Creamy Avocado Salsa Dressing is a delicious and satisfying salad bursting with flavors. It features black beans, red bell peppers, tomatoes, fresh sweet corn, pepitas, and Pepper Jack cheese, all tossed in a creamy avocado salsa dressing.
The dressing alone is worth trying this salad recipe. It can be customized with additional ingredients like chicken, shrimp, beef, pork, avocado, mangos, bacon, or rice to make it even more flavorful. Overall, this Southwest Salad is a must-try for salad lovers looking for a hearty and refreshing option.
19. Olive Garden Salad Dressing
The Olive Garden Salad Dressing is a delicious and versatile dressing that can be easily made at home. With ingredients like olive oil, white wine vinegar, parmesan cheese, mayonnaise, lemon juice, garlic salt, and Italian seasoning, this dressing is packed with flavor.
It works well as a dressing for salads, a marinade for chicken, or even as a dressing for pasta salad. It can be stored in the fridge for up to a month, making it convenient to have on hand. Overall, the Olive Garden Salad Dressing is a must-try for salad lovers looking to recreate the flavors of their favorite restaurant at home.
20. Ruby Tuesday Apple Salad
Ruby Tuesday Apple Salad is a crisp and refreshing salad bursting with fresh flavors. It features a combination of Granny Smith and Fuji apples, dried cranberries, celery, and pecans.
The salad is served on butter lettuce leaves and dressed with a tangy sour cream and mayonnaise dressing. It's a simple and delicious salad that can be enjoyed for lunch or a light dinner.
21. Jason's Deli Chicken Salad
Jason's Deli Chicken Salad is a simple and delicious recipe that stands out with its unique ingredient – crushed pineapple. The addition of almonds provides a satisfying crunch.
This chicken salad takes only 10 minutes to make and can be enjoyed on its own, with crackers, or in a sandwich. It can be served cold or hot, making it versatile for any occasion.
22. Japanese Restaurant Salad Dressing
If you've ever tried the orange, thick, and gingery dressing at a Japanese restaurant, you'll love this recipe.
Made with sweet carrots, fresh ginger, and a touch of miso paste, this dressing is a flavorful and versatile addition to any salad or vegetable dish. It's a full serving of vegetables before it even hits the salad. A must-try for fans of Asian cuisine.
