Steakhouse Salad
by Sommer Collier — last updated on Apr 9, 2026 
My steakhouse salad recipe is a crisp, fresh side I always make when I’m craving bold restaurant-style flavor. I toss simple greens with a zesty Worcestershire and lemon dressing for a salad that’s bright, savory, and satisfying. With just six ingredients, this easy recipe is perfect for pairing with steak or any hearty meal.
I love a filling and delicious salad, and thanks to my husband, whom I lovingly call Lieutenant Dan, this steakhouse salad has become a regular on our weekly dinner rota. He whips up this salad all the time, when friends come over for game night, birthday celebrations, to surprise me with dinner, and even when I’m out of town, and he’s feeding the kids. This is the kind of salad that makes you feel like you’re dining at a fancy steakhouse, where they make the salad table-side. It starts off with a basic crunchy romaine salad that’s generously coated in a Worcestershire dressing with really good olive oil, fresh lemon juice, garlic, and shaved parmesan sauce. We always top it off with some juicy steak for a complete meal, and if you’re not feeling the Worcestershire sauce, you can always swap it with my balsamic vinaigrette recipe for a slightly tangier twist.
Denise – ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ I have lost count of the times I have made this salad over the years. It’s a staple on Sundays with a side of filet. Thanks!
Table of Contents
Sommer’s Recipe Highlights
Only 6-Ingredients – This salad is so much more than just a pile of greens. It’s incredibly delicious, ridiculously easy to make, and my favorite part is that it only requires six easy-to-find ingredients… I bet you already have most (or all) of them.
Simple and Refreshing – There’s nothing better than a restaurant-style meal at home, and this fresh and crunchy side dish is just that, without the hefty price tag!
Versatile – Of course, this steakhouse tossed romaine is traditionally served with a juicy piece of steak, preferrably kissed with my steak seasoning recipe. However, I also love it with some grilled salmon, shrimp, or a really well-seasoned chicken fillet!
Key Ingredients and Tips
- Romaine lettuce hearts – Crunchy and fresh romaine lettuce hearts are the base of this salad. I love using these because they generally don’t get soggy, and they hold their shape and texture well.
- Worcestershire sauce – For that signature steakhouse dressing, you cannot skip the Worcestershire! It packs seriously delicious, bold, and savory flavors, all in one condiment.
- Olive oil – To make the best version of this dressing, I definitely recommend using a really good extra-virgin olive oil, cold-pressed if possible, with a light grassy note.
- Lemon juice – Freshly squeezed lemon juice adds just the right amount of tanginess to the dressing without being overpowering. Don’t juice the bottled stuff.
- Garlic – Just a little bit of fresh minced garlic goes a really long way and adds a ton of depth.
- Parmesan cheese – I love to top off this salad with shaved parmesan cheese because it adds richness and nuttiness. You can also use pecorino, if you prefer.
How To Make
Find the full recipe with ingredient proportions, detailed instructions, and a video tutorial in the printable form at the bottom of the post.
Chop – To get started, I wash, dry, and chop up the romaine lettuce hearts into coarse pieces. Then I place them in a big bowl.
Make the dressing – In a small jar, I whisk together the Worcestershire sauce, olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, salt, and pepper. Or I screw the lid on tight and shake it vigorously to work out my daily aggressions. *wink*
Pour and toss – Then, I pour that delicious dressing all over the chopped lettuce and toss it together so that every leaf is well coated. This helps the cheese stick to the pieces of lettuce.
Sprinkle with cheese – And finally, I top off the greens with a heaping pile of shaved Parmesan cheese. Then toss, toss, toss so every bite is coated in cheesy goodness.
Expert Tips
I believe the fresher the ingredients, the better the taste and texture of any dish. Use the freshest lettuce, Parmesan, lemon, and garlic you can find. Then toss the greens right before serving, like they would at a fancy restaurant.
Recipe Variations
- Bacon – Sometimes I toss in some cooked and crumbled bacon for a smoky crunch in every forkful.
- Eggs – Sprinkle on sliced boiled eggs for added richness and protein.
- Tomatoes – Add in diced tomatoes for a pop of color and freshness.
- Avocado – I love to mix in some avocado for added creaminess.
- Cheese – Swap the parmesan cheese with blue cheese or feta.
When hosting, I often make the salad and lay out small bowls of all these fabulous add-ons so my guests can customize it!
Serving Suggestions
This classic steakhouse salad makes a satisfying main or perfect side dish. Here are some of my favorite ways to enjoy this restaurant-quality salad at home:
- With a juicy ribeye steak or bavette steak to complete the steakhouse feeling at home.
- With a simple grilled blackened chicken breast.
- With a fillet of oven baked salmon.
- With an indulgent potato dish like duchess potatoes.
- With a side of quick garlic knots.
Storing
Store leftover steakhouse salad in an airtight container for up to 1 day. If you keep it any longer, the salad will wilt. If making ahead, keep the salad dressing separate from the romaine until you are ready to serve.
Frequently Asked Questions
It’s important to wash it, then dry it thoroughly before chilling it in the fridge. When lettuce has moisture on it, it starts to wilt quickly.
Of course you can. However, freshly minced garlic has a much bolder flavor. I always prefer mincing it fresh when I can.
Yes, you can add a little mayonnaise to the dressing before whisking. Or consider my Caesar salad dressing instead!
More Delicious Salads
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Steakhouse Salad
Video
Ingredients
- 8 ounces romaine lettuce hearts
- 3 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic, fresh or from jar
- 1/2 cup shaved Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper
Instructions
- Chop the romaine lettuce and place in a large salad bowl.
- Pour the Worcestershire sauce, olive oil, and lemon juice in a small jar. Add in the minced garlic, 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon cracked black pepper. Whisk well.
- Pour the dressing over the lettuce and toss well to coat.
- Sprinkle the Parmesan cheese over the top and lightly toss. Serve immediately!
I have lost count of the times I have made this salad over the years. It’s a staple on Sundays with a side of filet. Thanks!
Now why in the world would someone have to diss a recipe that obviously came from her family. In the South, first thing you learn is “If you don’t have something good to say, keep it to yourself!”
Just ok. But it’s all about personal taste. I have other dressings I would rather use. Wouldn’t make it again.
This salad was delicious! I served it with a rich beef stew and it was the perfect pairing. This salad is light and crisp. Very good.
Nice simple recipe, my husband is a huge fan of Caesar salads liked this as a healthy alternative