North Woods Inn–Style Blue Cheese Salad
In my book, a great steakhouse has to nail every dish throughout the meal, and that includes the side salad. I want a refreshing crunch and memorable flavor! A restaurant that really gets this right is the North Woods Inn. Their salad is all about the homemade dressing and sure to have diners asking, “What’s in this!?” We set out to make that famous salad at home and, we’ve gotta say, the results are pretty darn tasty. If you’re looking for a new side salad recipe, this is the one.
Ingredients
1 large head iceberg lettuce, chopped
Dressing
1/2 cup buttermilk
1/2 cup mayo
4 oz gorgonzola crumbles
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon onion powder
1/4 teaspoon white pepper
1/4 teaspoon salt
Preparation
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Preparation
1️⃣ Make the Dressing
In a small bowl, combine:
Buttermilk
Mayonnaise
Gorgonzola crumbles
Garlic powder
Onion powder
White pepper
Salt
Mix until smooth.
For a smoother dressing, mash the gorgonzola with a fork while stirring. If you prefer more texture, leave small crumbles intact.
2️⃣ Dress the Salad
Place chopped iceberg lettuce in a large bowl.
Pour dressing over the lettuce just before serving and toss until evenly coated.
3️⃣ Serve Immediately
This salad is best served cold and fresh, while the lettuce is extra crisp.
Why It Works
Iceberg lettuce delivers unbeatable crunch.
Buttermilk adds tang and thins the dressing perfectly.
Gorgonzola provides bold, savory depth.
Simple seasonings balance everything beautifully.
It’s rich without being heavy and pairs perfectly with grilled steaks, prime rib, burgers, or even barbecue.
Pro Tips
Chill the lettuce before serving for maximum crispness.
Make the dressing 1–2 hours ahead to let flavors meld.
Add sliced red onion or cherry tomatoes for variation.
Serve alongside warm bread and a perfectly cooked steak for the full steakhouse experience.
Cool, creamy, crunchy, and packed with flavor — this is steakhouse salad done right.
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