There’s something magical about a steakhouse salad that hits all the right notes — crisp, cold lettuce, a creamy dressing that’s bold without being overpowering, and that refreshing crunch that makes you pause mid-meal and think: “Oh wow… this is good.”
And because so many of you asked for a long-form version of this classic, I’m thrilled to bring you the full, cozy, narrative-style recipe blog you love — complete with tips, substitutions, FAQs, and everything you need to recreate the iconic North Woods Inn Salad at home.
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What This Recipe Is All About
This salad is all about simplicity meeting flavor — a thick, creamy gorgonzola dressing draped over crunchy iceberg lettuce. No complicated prep, no long ingredient lists, and absolutely no fuss. It’s the kind of side dish you can whip up any night of the week, yet it has that nostalgic steakhouse elegance that makes dinner feel a little more special.
Why You’ll Love This Salad
- Ultra-creamy dressing with tangy gorgonzola
- Crisp, refreshing iceberg lettuce that stays crunchy
- 5 minutes of prep (yes, really!)
- Pairs beautifully with steak, burgers, or grilled chicken
- Perfect for potlucks, family dinners, and entertaining
- Simple ingredients that pack big flavor
What Does North Woods Inn Salad Taste Like?
Think of the perfect balance between creamy and fresh. The dressing is rich — thanks to buttermilk, mayo, and crumbly gorgonzola — but white pepper and garlic powder cut through the creaminess with a subtle zing.
Each bite tastes cool, crisp, and satisfying… like the very best steakhouse salads that leave you wondering how something so simple can taste so good.
Benefits of This Recipe
- Foolproof — impossible to mess up
- Make-ahead friendly — dressing keeps beautifully for days
- Great for low-carb or vegetarian diets
- Works with any protein you’re serving
- Uses pantry staples and everyday ingredients
Ingredients
For the Salad
- 1 large head iceberg lettuce, chopped into bite-size pieces
For the Dressing
- ½ cup buttermilk
- ½ cup mayo
- 4 oz gorgonzola crumbles
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon white pepper
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Tools You’ll Need
- Cutting board & knife
- Large salad bowl
- Small mixing bowl
- Whisk or spoon
- Measuring spoons
- Airtight container for storing dressing
Additions & Substitutions
- No gorgonzola? Use blue cheese or feta.
- No buttermilk? Mix ½ cup milk with 1 teaspoon lemon juice or vinegar.
- Add croutons for extra crunch.
- Add tomatoes, cucumbers, or sliced radishes if you want more veggies.
- Use Romaine or butter lettuce if you’re not an iceberg fan.
- Add bacon for a smoky, salty twist.
How to Make North Woods Inn Salad
🥣 Step 1: Make the Dressing
In a small bowl, whisk together:
- buttermilk
- mayo
- gorgonzola
- garlic powder
- onion powder
- white pepper
- salt
Mix until smooth. A few little gorgonzola bits are fine — they add texture!
🥗 Step 2: Prep the Lettuce
Chop the iceberg into bite-size pieces. Rinse, dry well, and add to a large serving bowl.
🥄 Step 3: Toss & Serve
Pour the dressing over the lettuce right before serving.
Toss until every leaf is coated in that luscious, creamy goodness.
Serve immediately.
What to Serve With This Salad
This classic steakhouse salad pairs wonderfully with:
- Ribeye, NY strip, or filet mignon
- Grilled chicken or pork chops
- Burgers of any kind
- Baked potatoes
- Garlic bread
- Pasta dishes
- Salmon or shrimp
Or enjoy it as a light lunch with crusty bread!
Tips for the Best Steakhouse Salad
- Use very cold lettuce — the crispness is unbeatable.
- Dry the lettuce well so the dressing clings.
- Crush the gorgonzola slightly for an extra punch of flavor.
- Serve immediately after tossing to preserve crunch.
- Make the dressing up to 3 days ahead — the flavor gets better!
Storage Instructions
- Dressing: Store in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Lettuce: Store chopped lettuce in an airtight container with paper towels.
- Do not pre-dress the salad — it will wilt.
- Leftover dressed salad: Best eaten within a few hours.
General Information
- Yield: Serves 4–6
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Diet: Vegetarian
- Allergens: Milk
FAQ
Can I use blue cheese instead of gorgonzola?
Yes! Blue cheese works perfectly and delivers a similar tang.
Can I use low-fat mayo and buttermilk?
You can, but the dressing won’t be as rich or creamy.
Can I make this ahead?
The dressing, yes. The chopped lettuce, yes.
But don’t toss until right before serving.
Can I make this for a crowd?
Absolutely — just double or triple the dressing.
Conclusion
This North Woods Inn Salad is proof that the simplest recipes can be the most memorable. With its creamy gorgonzola dressing and crisp iceberg crunch, it brings that nostalgic steakhouse magic right to your dinner table.
It’s fast, unfussy, and endlessly crowd-pleasing — the kind of side dish you’ll find yourself making again and again.
And if you’re looking for more salads with big steakhouse energy, try one of these next:
- Creamy Caesar with Homemade Croutons
- Honey Mustard Chopped Chicken Salad
- Steakhouse Wedge with Bacon & Blue Cheese
Share Your Creations!
Tried this salad? Leave a review!
Or post a photo and tag it on Pinterest — I love seeing your beautiful recreations.
Nutritional Information (Approx. per serving)
- Calories: 170
- Fat: 15g
- Carbs: 4g
- Protein: 4g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sodium: 350mg
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