Intro

House of Prime Rib Salad is one of those dishes that feels simple at first glance but completely surprises you once you start eating. I still remember the first time I had it. I expected “just a salad,” but what showed up was bold, crunchy, tangy, and deeply satisfying. It’s proof that a salad doesn’t have to be boring to be classic.

This House of Prime Rib Salad Recipe is famous for a reason. It’s crisp, fresh, and tossed in a dressing that’s sharp, slightly sweet, and incredibly balanced. No fancy ingredients. No trendy extras. Just good lettuce, crunchy toppings, and a dressing that pulls everything together beautifully. When done right, this House of Prime Rib Salad Recipe becomes the star of the table, not just a side dish.

I love recreating restaurant classics at home, and this one is especially close to my heart. It feels old-school in the best way, like something you’d happily eat every single time without getting tired of it.

What Is House of Prime Rib Salad?

House of Prime Rib Salad is a classic steakhouse-style salad made with crisp iceberg lettuce, thinly sliced red onions, crunchy croutons, and a bold vinaigrette-style dressing. The dressing is what really defines this salad. It’s tangy, slightly sweet, garlicky, and coats every leaf perfectly without feeling heavy.

This salad is traditionally served before a rich prime rib dinner, which is why it’s light, refreshing, and sharp enough to wake up your palate. It’s not loaded with cheese or creamy dressings. Instead, it relies on contrast, crunch, and balance.

Why This Salad Works So Well

There’s a reason steakhouses have been serving versions of this salad for decades. The crisp iceberg lettuce provides freshness and crunch. The onions add bite. The croutons give texture. And the dressing ties everything together with just the right amount of acidity.

This House of Prime Rib Salad Recipe also works because it knows what it is. It doesn’t try to be trendy or overcomplicated. It’s honest food, and sometimes that’s exactly what we want.

Ingredients

For the Salad

1 large head iceberg lettuce, cold and crisp
½ small red onion, very thinly sliced
1 cup seasoned croutons

For the Dressing

¼ cup red wine vinegar
¼ cup olive oil
1 teaspoon sugar
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1 small garlic clove, finely minced
Salt, to taste
Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

These ingredients may look simple, but together they create something special.

Instructions

Step 1: Prep the Lettuce

Remove the core from the iceberg lettuce and chop or tear it into bite-sized pieces. Wash thoroughly and dry very well. Crisp, dry lettuce makes all the difference in this salad.

Step 2: Slice the Onion

Thinly slice the red onion. If you prefer a milder flavor, soak the slices in cold water for 10 minutes, then drain well.

Step 3: Make the Dressing

In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the red wine vinegar, olive oil, sugar, Dijon mustard, and minced garlic. Season with salt and black pepper. Taste and adjust. The dressing should be tangy with a slight sweetness.

Step 4: Assemble the Salad

Add the lettuce, red onion, and croutons to a large bowl. Drizzle with the dressing and toss gently until everything is evenly coated.

Step 5: Serve Immediately

This salad is best served right away while the lettuce is crisp and the croutons still have crunch.

The Secret Is the Dressing

The dressing in this House of Prime Rib Salad Recipe is what makes it unforgettable. It’s sharp and clean, with just enough oil to smooth things out. The sugar doesn’t make it sweet; it simply balances the acidity of the vinegar. Dijon adds depth, and garlic gives it personality.

If you love bold flavors, this dressing will become a staple in your kitchen.

Tips for the Best Steakhouse-Style Salad

Always use iceberg lettuce. This is not the place for mixed greens or romaine. Chill the lettuce before serving for extra crunch. Use good-quality red wine vinegar, because its flavor really shines here. And don’t overdress the salad. You want everything lightly coated, not soggy.

Optional Add-Ins (If You Want to Switch It Up)

While the classic version is perfect as-is, you can customize it slightly without losing its soul. A sprinkle of grated Parmesan adds a salty touch. Thinly sliced radishes add extra crunch. Some people even add chopped bacon, though that turns it into more of a meal salad.

Still, I recommend trying it the traditional way first. Sometimes simple really is best.

What to Serve With This Salad

This salad pairs beautifully with rich dishes. Prime rib, steak, roasted chicken, or even a hearty pasta dish all work well. The acidity cuts through heavier foods and refreshes your palate.

I also love serving it alongside mashed potatoes or roasted vegetables. It brings balance to the plate.

Make-Ahead Tips

You can prep the lettuce and onions a few hours ahead and keep them chilled. The dressing can be made up to two days in advance and stored in the fridge. Just don’t toss the salad until right before serving.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Using warm lettuce is a big mistake. Skipping the drying step will water down the dressing. And using too much oil in the dressing can overpower the crisp flavors. Keep things light and balanced.

Why This Recipe Feels So Nostalgic

This House of Prime Rib Salad Recipe reminds me of classic dinners, white tablecloths, and the feeling of being taken care of through food. It’s old-fashioned in the best way. No trends. No fuss. Just good ingredients treated with respect.

And honestly, that’s the kind of cooking I love most.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a salad that’s crisp, bold, and timeless, this House of Prime Rib Salad Recipe is the one. It’s quick to make, full of flavor, and pairs beautifully with almost anything. Once you try it, you’ll understand why it’s stayed popular for so long.

Sometimes the simplest recipes are the ones that stick with us the most.