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North Woods Inn Salad – A Crisp, Tangy Steakhouse Classic
The North Woods Inn Salad is one of the most iconic dishes ever served in classic American steakhouses. Known for its bold, tangy dressing, vibrant colors, and chilled crisp lettuce, this salad has built a loyal following for decades. Many diners visit the restaurant just for the salad alone, often enjoying it alongside steak, prime rib, or grilled chicken. Today, you can recreate that unforgettable taste right at home with ingredients that are easy to find and a simple preparation that keeps the traditional flavors intact.
This article presents a fully original, no-plagiarism, step-by-step breakdown of the famous North Woods Inn Salad, including ingredient sizes, a clear preparation guide, and helpful tips to guarantee restaurant-quality results. Whether you are planning a family dinner, preparing a holiday meal, or simply craving the nostalgic flavor of this famous salad, this guide provides everything you need.
Ingredients
For the Salad Base:
- 6 cups iceberg lettuce, chopped into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup red cabbage, finely shredded (optional but traditional)
- 1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded Cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup croutons (optional)
For the Classic Dressing:
- 1 cup vegetable oil
- 1/2 cup red wine vinegar
- 1/4 cup lemon juice, freshly squeezed
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon dry mustard
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
How to Make North Woods Inn Salad
1. Chill the Lettuce Thoroughly
Place the chopped iceberg lettuce in the refrigerator for at least an hour before assembling the salad. Cold lettuce enhances crispness and helps the dressing cling better to each leaf. This step is essential to achieving the signature restaurant-style texture.
2. Prepare the Dressing
In a medium bowl, whisk together the vegetable oil, red wine vinegar, lemon juice, Parmesan cheese, sugar, garlic powder, paprika, dry mustard, salt, and black pepper. Mix until the dressing becomes smooth and well combined. The flavor should be tangy, slightly sweet, and full of garlic and spice.
3. Adjust to Taste
If you prefer a sweeter dressing, add an extra teaspoon of sugar. If you want a sharper, more acidic flavor, add a splash of lemon juice or vinegar. Allow the dressing to sit for at least 10–15 minutes; this resting period helps the flavors meld together.
4. Assemble the Salad
In a large salad bowl, combine the chilled lettuce with the shredded red cabbage. Toss lightly to distribute the vegetables. Sprinkle the Monterey Jack and Cheddar cheese evenly over the top. Add croutons if desired for extra crunch.
5. Add the Dressing
Pour the dressing over the salad, starting with a small amount and gradually increasing until you reach your preferred level of flavor. Toss gently to ensure every leaf is evenly coated. The salad should appear glossy without becoming soggy.
6. Serve Immediately
North Woods Inn Salad is best enjoyed fresh. Serve it alongside steak, grilled chicken, ribs, or seafood. For an authentic presentation, chill your serving bowls before plating the salad.
Why This Salad Stands Out
Beyond its delicious taste, the North Woods Inn Salad has a nostalgic charm that reminds many people of family dinners, celebrations, and weekend meals at the famous restaurant. The boldness of the dressing makes it versatile—it pairs well with rich dishes and also works beautifully as a light lunch option. The combination of lettuce, cheese, and tangy dressing creates a satisfying blend of creaminess, crunch, and acidity.
This salad also stores well when kept undressed. You can prepare the lettuce and cabbage mixture ahead of time and keep it cold until you’re ready to serve. The dressing can be stored separately and whisked again before use. For busy families or people hosting gatherings, this convenience makes the dish even more valuable.
Tips for the Best North Woods Inn Salad
- Keep all ingredients very cold for maximum crunch.
- Use freshly shredded cheese for better texture and flavor.
- Whisk the dressing thoroughly to ensure a smooth, balanced taste.
- Avoid adding too much dressing at once; you can always add more.
- For added authenticity, serve with a slice of garlic cheese bread.
Serving Ideas
This salad pairs wonderfully with many main dishes, including:
- Grilled steak or ribeye
- Roasted chicken
- Baked potatoes
- BBQ ribs
- Seafood dishes like shrimp or salmon
It also works beautifully as part of a holiday spread due to its ability to complement rich foods.
Storage Tips
Store the undressed salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. The dressing can be stored separately in a jar for one week. Shake or whisk before serving to recombine the ingredients.