Introduction
When you think of Outback Steakhouse, one of the most crave-worthy items on the menu is their famous Outback Steakhouse salad. With fresh, crisp vegetables, a perfect blend of crunchy and creamy toppings, and a flavor-packed dressing, it’s hard not to love it! If you’ve been searching for a way to recreate this delectable dish in your own kitchen, you’ve come to the right place.
In this article, we’ll take you through a copycat recipe that mirrors the flavors of the iconic Outback salad. It’s perfect as a side dish for any meal, and with our step-by-step guide, you’ll be able to impress your guests with restaurant-quality salad right at home.
Ingredients for Outback Steakhouse Salad
To recreate the Outback Steakhouse chopped salad at home, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- Mixed greens: 4 cups of a mix of romaine, iceberg lettuce, and spinach.
- Red onion: Thinly sliced, about ¼ cup.
- Carrots: Grated, about 1 medium-sized carrot.
- Cucumbers: Sliced into thin rounds.
- Tomatoes: 1-2 medium tomatoes, chopped.
- Bacon: Crispy bacon bits, about ½ cup.
- Croutons: Store-bought or homemade, for added crunch.
- Cheddar cheese: Shredded, about ½ cup.
- Boiled eggs: 2 large eggs, sliced or chopped.
- Outback’s signature dressing: We’ll cover how to make this next!
Pro Tip: Want that extra Outback crunch? Toast your croutons in bacon fat for an extra burst of flavor!
Preparing the Outback Steakhouse Salad
- Start with the greens: In a large salad bowl, combine your mixed greens. Toss together the romaine, iceberg, and spinach to ensure you have a crisp base for the salad.
- Layer in the veggies: Add the thinly sliced red onions, grated carrots, and cucumber slices to the greens. You can chop these as thin or as chunky as you like, depending on your texture preference.
- Top it off with proteins: Add your crispy bacon bits, boiled eggs, and shredded cheddar cheese on top of the salad.
- Add the croutons: Don’t forget the croutons, which add that crunch to each bite!
The Secret to Outback’s Salad Dressing
Now, the secret to any great salad lies in its dressing. Outback’s dressing is a perfect blend of tangy and creamy. Here’s how to make it at home:
Ingredients for the Dressing:
- Mayonnaise: ½ cup
- Buttermilk: 2 tablespoons
- Vinegar: 1 tablespoon (apple cider vinegar works great)
- Garlic powder: ½ teaspoon
- Paprika: ½ teaspoon
- Black pepper: ¼ teaspoon
- Sugar: 1 tablespoon (optional, for added sweetness)
Instructions:
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together mayonnaise and buttermilk until smooth.
- Add the vinegar, garlic powder, paprika, and black pepper. Whisk until well combined.
- For a touch of sweetness, add sugar and mix it thoroughly. Adjust the seasoning to taste.
- Chill the dressing in the fridge for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to blend.
Additional Toppings
Although this copycat recipe sticks closely to the Outback Steakhouse copycat salad, you can always add your personal twist with additional toppings:
- Avocado: Add slices for a creamy texture.
- Grilled chicken: For those wanting a more filling meal, grilled chicken breast is an excellent addition.
- Nuts or seeds: Almonds or sunflower seeds add a pleasant crunch.
- Dried cranberries: For a touch of sweetness to contrast the tangy dressing.
Serving Suggestions
The Outback Steakhouse chopped salad is a versatile dish that can serve as a main or side. Here are some serving suggestions:
- As a side dish: Serve alongside grilled steak or chicken to balance out a protein-heavy meal.
- As a light lunch: Add more protein like grilled shrimp or chicken and serve it as a standalone meal.
- For a party: This salad is an excellent choice for barbecues and family gatherings. Prepare the salad components ahead of time and toss them together right before serving.
For a full restaurant-style experience, pair the salad with your favorite Outback Steakhouse main courses. For ideas, you can explore similar recipes like Tamale Pie Recipe from Jen Recipes.
Conclusion
There’s something undeniably special about an Outback Steakhouse salad. Whether it’s the balance of textures, the tangy and creamy dressing, or the array of fresh ingredients, it’s a dish that everyone loves. Now, with this copycat recipe, you can bring the taste of Outback right into your kitchen. It’s simple, delicious, and sure to impress at your next gathering.
FAQs
1. Can I make the dressing ahead of time?
Yes! The dressing can be made up to 3 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator.
2. Can I substitute the mayonnaise in the dressing?
If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can substitute the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt.
3. What’s the best way to cook bacon for the salad?
For crispy bacon, cook it on a baking sheet in the oven at 400°F for about 15 minutes.
4. Can I make this salad vegetarian?
Absolutely! Simply omit the bacon and add more veggies or plant-based proteins.
5. How long will the salad last in the fridge?
Once assembled, the salad is best eaten immediately, but components can be stored separately for up to 2 days.
6. What’s the best lettuce to use?
A mix of romaine and iceberg provides the best crunch, but you can use any greens you prefer.
7. Can I add grilled steak to the salad?
Yes! Adding grilled steak will give the salad an extra protein boost, perfect for a hearty meal.
8. Is the Outback Steakhouse salad gluten-free?
Most of the ingredients are gluten-free, but be sure to use gluten-free croutons if needed.
This recipe offers the perfect balance of flavors, and you can easily customize it to your liking. Enjoy making your very own Outback Steakhouse salad at home!