A good steakhouse salad does not need to be complicated to be memorable. This House of Prime Rib salad recipe combines crisp romaine, refreshing iceberg lettuce, tender spinach, earthy beets, chopped hard-boiled eggs, juicy tomatoes, and crunchy sourdough croutons. What really brings everything together, though, is the signature-style dressing.
The dressing has a wonderfully balanced flavor from apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, applesauce, dry sherry, seasoned salt, paprika, garlic, and just a few drops of Tabasco. The vegetable oil gives it a smooth, rich texture without making the salad feel too heavy.
After a couple of hours in the refrigerator, the dressing becomes even more flavorful. Toss it with the chilled salad ingredients just before serving, and you have a crisp, colorful salad that makes a lovely starter or side dish for a classic steakhouse-style dinner.
What Is House of Prime Rib Salad?
The House of Prime Rib salad is a classic steakhouse-style green salad served with a flavorful homemade dressing. It is known for combining several fresh salad greens with colorful toppings such as beets, hard-boiled eggs, tomatoes, and crunchy croutons.
One of the most distinctive parts is the garlic dressing. Rather than using a simple vinaigrette, this version combines tangy apple cider vinegar with Worcestershire sauce, applesauce, dry sherry, seasoned salt, spices, a little sugar, and Tabasco. The result is tangy, savory, slightly sweet, and gently spicy.
The combination makes this salad especially satisfying alongside prime rib, steak bowl, roasted meats, or other hearty main dishes.
House of Prime Rib Salad Recipe San Francisco
The House of Prime Rib salad recipe San Francisco is inspired by the classic steakhouse-style salad associated with House of Prime Rib, a well-known San Francisco dining institution. The salad is a refreshing complement to a rich prime rib dinner, pairing crisp romaine and iceberg lettuce with fresh spinach, earthy beets, hard-boiled eggs, juicy tomatoes, and crunchy sourdough croutons.
What makes this salad especially memorable is its flavorful homemade dressing. A combination of apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, applesauce, dry sherry, seasoned salt, paprika, garlic, sugar, and a few drops of Tabasco creates a dressing that is tangy, savory, slightly sweet, and gently spicy.
For the best flavor, prepare the dressing at least two hours before serving and refrigerate it. This gives the ingredients time to blend together and creates the rich, balanced taste that makes this San Francisco-inspired salad such a wonderful pairing with prime rib and other hearty meals.
House of Prime Rib Salad Ingredients
For the Homemade Salad Dressing
- 6 tablespoons apple cider vinegar – Provides the bright acidity that forms the base of the dressing.
- 6 tablespoons water – Helps balance the vinegar and keeps the dressing from becoming too sharp.
- 4 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce – Adds savory, umami-rich flavor.
- 1 tablespoon dry sherry – Gives the dressing a subtle depth and classic steakhouse-style character.
- 4 tablespoons applesauce – Adds a gentle sweetness and helps give the dressing body.
- 1 tablespoon seasoned salt – Lawry’s or another seasoned salt works well and adds several layers of seasoning at once.
- 2 teaspoons granulated sugar – Balances the acidity of the vinegar.
- 1 teaspoon paprika – Adds mild spice and warm color.
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder – Brings a savory garlic note without overpowering the dressing.
- 2 pinches dried parsley flakes – Adds a light herbal flavor.
- 4–5 drops Tabasco sauce – Provides a small amount of heat and extra tang.
- 1 cup vegetable oil – Creates the smooth, rich texture of the dressing.
For the Salad
- 8 ounces romaine lettuce, chopped – Provides crispness and a sturdy base.
- 2 ounces iceberg lettuce, chopped – Adds extra crunch and freshness.
- 2 ounces fresh spinach – Brings a tender texture and mild leafy flavor.
- 4 ounces cooked beets, chopped – Adds earthy sweetness and beautiful color.
- 4 ounces hard-boiled eggs, roughly chopped – Gives the salad richness and satisfying texture.
- Grape tomatoes, as needed – Add juicy freshness and a touch of sweetness.
- Sourdough croutons, as needed – Provide a crunchy contrast to the fresh vegetables.
Kitchen Utensils and Equipment
You will need:
- Blender or food processor
- Large salad bowl
- Measuring spoons and cups
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife
- Container or jar with a lid
- Small saucepan or pot for boiling eggs
- Salad tongs or large serving spoons
Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time & Servings
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: About 10–12 minutes for the hard-boiled eggs
Dressing Chill Time: At least 2 hours
Total Time: About 2 hours 30 minutes
Servings: 4–6
The total time includes chilling the dressing so the flavors have time to develop.
How to Make House of Prime Rib Salad Step-by-Step Instructions
Just follow this simple step by step guideline to make your homemade version of House of Prime Rib Salad in a delicious way.
1. Combine the Dressing Ingredients
Add the apple cider vinegar, water, Worcestershire sauce, dry sherry, applesauce, seasoned salt, sugar, paprika, garlic powder, dried parsley flakes, and Tabasco sauce to a blender or food processor.
Make sure all the ingredients are added before blending so the seasonings distribute evenly.
2. Blend the Dressing
Blend the mixture until smooth and well combined.
With the blender or food processor running, slowly pour in the vegetable oil. Continue blending until the oil is fully incorporated and the dressing looks smooth and creamy.
Adding the oil gradually helps create a better-emulsified dressing.
3. Chill the Salad Dressing
Transfer the finished dressing to a covered container and refrigerate it for at least 2 hours.
This chilling time is important because it allows the different flavors to come together. Keep the prepared salad ingredients chilled as well.
Give the dressing a good stir or shake before using.
4. Prepare the Salad Base
Place the chopped romaine lettuce, chopped iceberg lettuce, and fresh spinach in a large salad bowl.
Gently toss the greens together so the three types of lettuce and spinach are evenly distributed.
5. Add the Salad Toppings
Arrange the chopped beets, roughly chopped hard-boiled eggs, grape tomatoes, and sourdough croutons over the greens.
You can either layer the toppings across the surface for a beautiful presentation or gently mix them into the greens.
6. Toss and Serve
Drizzle the chilled dressing over the salad.
Start with a moderate amount of dressing-you can always add more. Gently toss everything together until the greens are evenly coated without crushing the delicate toppings.
Serve the House of Prime Rib salad immediately while the lettuce and croutons are crisp.
Where to Buy House of Prime Rib Salad Dressing
If you’re wondering where to buy House of Prime Rib salad dressing, the easiest option may be to check the restaurant itself, as availability can vary. Some specialty grocery stores and online retailers may also carry steakhouse-style salad dressings with a similar tangy, savory flavor.
However, if you want the closest homemade version, making the dressing yourself is a great option. This recipe combines apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, applesauce, seasoned salt, dry sherry, paprika, garlic, and a touch of Tabasco.
After blending it with vegetable oil and chilling it for at least two hours, you get a flavorful dressing that pairs beautifully with the crisp greens, beets, eggs, tomatoes, and sourdough croutons in this salad.
Tips, Tricks, and Substitutions for House of Prime Rib Salad
- Chill the dressing: Give the dressing at least two hours in the refrigerator. The flavor becomes more balanced as it rests.
- Add dressing gradually: Avoid soaking the salad. Start with a little dressing and add more as needed.
- Keep the greens cold: Chilled lettuce and spinach make the finished salad especially crisp and refreshing.
- Use fresh lettuce: Crisp romaine and iceberg make a noticeable difference in the texture.
- Make homemade croutons: Leftover sourdough bread can be cubed, seasoned, and toasted until golden for extra flavor.
- Adjust the heat: Add another drop or two of Tabasco if you enjoy a little more spice, or reduce it for a milder dressing.
- Use another neutral oil: Vegetable oil can be replaced with another mild-flavored oil that will not overpower the dressing.
- Prepare ahead: The dressing can be made ahead and refrigerated, making this salad quick to assemble when dinner is ready.
- Don’t dress too early: Toss the salad just before serving to keep the lettuce and croutons crunchy.
Serving Suggestions for House of Prime Rib Salad
This House of Prime Rib salad recipe is especially good alongside hearty main dishes. Serve it as a starter before prime rib, steak, roast beef, grilled chicken, or roasted vegetables.
For a steakhouse-inspired dinner at home, pair the salad with a perfectly cooked steak, baked potato, roasted vegetables, and warm sourdough bread.
The salad can also be served on its own as a lighter lunch. The hard-boiled eggs add protein and richness, while the beets, tomatoes, and mixed greens make it colorful and satisfying.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Keep the dressing and salad separate whenever possible.
Store the dressing in a covered container in the refrigerator. Give it a shake or stir before using. Prepared salad greens and toppings should also be refrigerated in a covered container.
Once the salad has been tossed with dressing, it is best eaten right away because the lettuce and croutons will become soft. There is no need to reheat this salad.
House of Prime Rib Salad Recipe
Ingredients
Method
- Add the apple cider vinegar, water, Worcestershire sauce, dry sherry, applesauce, seasoned salt, sugar, paprika, garlic powder, dried parsley flakes, and Tabasco sauce to a blender or food processor. Make sure all the ingredients are added before blending so the seasonings distribute evenly.
- Blend the mixture until smooth and well combined. With the blender or food processor running, slowly pour in the vegetable oil. Continue blending until the oil is fully incorporated and the dressing looks smooth and creamy. Adding the oil gradually helps create a better-emulsified dressing.
- Transfer the finished dressing to a covered container and refrigerate it for at least 2 hours. This chilling time is important because it allows the different flavors to come together. Keep the prepared salad ingredients chilled as well. Give the dressing a good stir or shake before using.
- Place the chopped romaine lettuce, chopped iceberg lettuce, and fresh spinach in a large salad bowl. Gently toss the greens together so the three types of lettuce and spinach are evenly distributed.
- Arrange the chopped beets, roughly chopped hard-boiled eggs, grape tomatoes, and sourdough croutons over the greens. You can either layer the toppings across the surface for a beautiful presentation or gently mix them into the greens.
- Drizzle the chilled dressing over the salad. Start with a moderate amount of dressing-you can always add more. Gently toss everything together until the greens are evenly coated without crushing the delicate toppings. Serve the House of Prime Rib salad immediately while the lettuce and croutons are crisp.
Video
Notes
Common FAQs About House of Prime Rib Salad
When you give this House of Prime Rib 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.
Can I make House of Prime Rib salad dressing ahead of time?
Yes. In fact, making the dressing ahead is recommended. Refrigerating it for at least two hours allows the flavors to blend and develop.
What greens are used in House of Prime Rib salad?
This version uses a combination of romaine lettuce, iceberg lettuce, and fresh spinach. The mixture gives the salad a nice balance of crisp and tender textures.
Can I use store-bought croutons?
Absolutely. Sourdough croutons give the salad a particularly nice flavor, but your favorite store-bought croutons can be used when you want to save time.
Can I prepare this salad ahead of time?
You can prepare the individual components ahead of time, but keep the dressing separate from the greens. Toss everything together just before serving so the lettuce stays crisp.
What makes the House of Prime Rib salad dressing special?
The dressing has a distinctive balance of tangy, savory, slightly sweet, and gently spicy flavors. Apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, applesauce, seasoned salt, dry sherry, and Tabasco all contribute to its layered taste.
How do I keep my salad from getting soggy?
Keep the ingredients cold and dry, and don’t add the dressing until you’re ready to eat. Add the croutons at the very end so they remain crunchy.
Can I make the House of Prime Rib salad vegetarian?
The salad itself can easily be made vegetarian, but Worcestershire sauce may contain anchovies. Check the label and use a vegetarian Worcestershire-style sauce if needed.
This House of Prime Rib salad recipe is a simple combination of crisp greens, colorful vegetables, hard-boiled eggs, and crunchy sourdough croutons brought together with a flavorful homemade dressing. The dressing’s combination of apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, applesauce, spices, and Tabasco gives every bite plenty of character.
The best part is that much of the work can be done ahead of time. Chill the dressing, keep the salad ingredients fresh and cold, then toss everything together just before serving. It is an easy way to bring a little classic steakhouse charm to your own dinner table.
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The applesauce and sherry in the dressing are absolute game-changers.