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Texas Roadhouse Italian Salad

Category: Fresh and Flavorful Salads for Every Season

Texas Roadhouse Italian Salad brings together crisp romaine, juicy cherry tomatoes, red onion, garlic croutons, and crunchy bacon, all balanced with a creamy, zesty Italian dressing. The Parmesan adds a sharp, nutty finish, while the seasoned croutons lend an herby crunch. The homemade dressing features mayonnaise, olive oil, lemon juice, and a blend of Italian herbs for a tangy, rich flavor. Chill the dressing before tossing everything together for maximum taste. Perfect as a refreshing side or a hearty main by adding grilled chicken or shrimp.

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Loura is a chef and she is standing in front of a table full of fruits and vegetables.
Updated on Thu, 19 Jun 2025 19:56:04 GMT
A bowl of salad with cheese drizzled on top. Save
A bowl of salad with cheese drizzled on top. | recipesfoodyummy.com

This tangy Texas Roadhouse Italian Salad is everything I crave in a crisp salad bowl. Juicy tomatoes burst with sweetness while bold Parmesan and a creamy Italian dressing tie every bite together. My favorite part is those crunchy croutons soaking up the rich flavors

After making this salad for a birthday dinner at home the crunchy bacon and bold dressing were gone before anything else. Now I sneak a double batch of croutons just so there’s enough for seconds

Ingredients

  • Romaine lettuce: gives the perfect crunch and holds up to creamy dressing choose fresh green heads without wilt
  • Cherry tomatoes: offer juicy tang and pop of color the firmer the better when picking
  • Red onion: adds zippy bite slice as thin as possible for balance
  • Croutons: lend crunch and soak up the dressing garlic or herbed ones taste best look for golden and airy sorts
  • Crumbled bacon: brings smoky salt and deep savor crisp it up until golden and drain well
  • Parmesan cheese: layers on savory richness grate fresh for best flavor and texture
  • Freshly ground black pepper: delivers a zingy kick so grind over the top just before serving
  • Mayonnaise: forms the creamy base of the dressing pick a full fat option for best texture
  • Olive oil: brings smooth body and a hint of fruitiness use extra virgin for rich flavor
  • White wine vinegar: adds brightness read labels to avoid harsh bite
  • Lemon juice: perks up every ingredient always use fresh squeezed
  • Sugar: tames acidity and balances zesty notes a pinch is enough
  • Garlic: infuses depth and punch mince it fresh for real zing
  • Italian seasoning: creates that signature herby blend check the freshness and scent before using
  • Onion powder: delivers just a touch of sweet savor opt for fine powder not granules
  • Salt and black pepper: deepen all the flavors use fine sea salt and freshly cracked pepper if possible
  • Milk or water: helps thin the dressing if needed cold works best for smooth blending

Step-by-Step Instructions

Make the Creamy Italian Dressing:
In a medium mixing bowl or sturdy jar whisk together mayonnaise olive oil white wine vinegar lemon juice and sugar until fully combined and smooth. Take your time whisking for a silky base since well blended dressing clings best to crisp lettuce
Add Flavors to the Dressing:
Mix in grated Parmesan minced garlic Italian seasoning onion powder salt and black pepper. Stir well until everything disappears into a creamy speckled sauce. Taste and add a splash of milk or a bit of water for a thinner texture if you like a pourable consistency
Chill the Dressing:
Cover and let the dressing rest in the fridge for at least twenty minutes. This little pause lets the garlic and herbs bloom and the flavors meld so the dressing tastes bright and balanced instead of sharp
Toss the Salad Base:
In a large serving bowl combine the chopped romaine the halved cherry tomatoes thinly sliced red onion and half of the croutons. Toss gently to mingle all the textures
Dress and Mix the Salad:
Drizzle all or most of the chilled creamy Italian dressing over the bowl. Use clean hands or salad tongs to toss well so every bit of lettuce and vegetable is lightly coated. The salad should glisten but not drip with dressing
Top and Serve:
Scatter the remaining croutons crisp bacon and plenty of shaved or grated Parmesan over the top. Finish with a fresh twist of black pepper and serve right away for the best crunch and color
A bowl of salad with cheese drizzled on top. Save
A bowl of salad with cheese drizzled on top. | recipesfoodyummy.com

The Parmesan is my top pick here. I love how its salty sharp flavor plays so nicely with the creamy dressing. Last summer I tried my first block of real Parmesan for this salad and now I can never go back to the pre-grated kind

Storage Tips

Keep extra creamy Italian dressing in a sealed jar for up to seven days in the refrigerator

Wait to toss the salad until just before serving so your lettuce stays crisp and your croutons hold their crunch

Any leftover salad is best eaten the same day since it wilts quickly after dressing

Ingredient Substitutions

No romaine available Use iceberg for crunch or try a baby spinach and arugula mix for a peppery touch

Skip the bacon for a vegetarian version or swap in chickpeas or roasted red peppers for smoky sweetness

Vegan mayo and a dairy free Parmesan style cheese work as swaps for a dairy free version

Serving Suggestions

Enjoy this salad as a side to your favorite pasta chicken parmesan or even grilled steak

Top with warm grilled chicken or shrimp and it becomes a hearty satisfying meal

It is always a hit at picnics and potlucks since the dressing can be made ahead

Cultural and Historical Context

The zesty creamy dressing is a twist on classic Italian American flavors bolded up with Texas style bacon and Parmesan. This salad combines that old school Italian deli vibe with the over the top style that Texas Roadhouse is famous for. It is a bridge between big flavors and comfort food roots

Recipe FAQs

→ Can the creamy Italian dressing be made ahead?

Yes, the dressing keeps well chilled in a sealed jar for up to one week. Give it a quick shake before using.

→ Which type of lettuce is best?

Romaine delivers the ideal crunch and fresh flavor, but you can substitute or combine with iceberg for more variety.

→ How do you make this salad dairy-free?

Choose vegan mayonnaise and omit the Parmesan or use a plant-based Parmesan substitute for a dairy-free version.

→ What can I add to make it a meal?

Grilled chicken or shrimp makes the salad heartier and turns it into a satisfying main course.

→ How can I boost the dressing flavor?

For extra tang, whisk in a teaspoon of Dijon mustard or finish with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice.

Texas Roadhouse Italian Salad

Crisp romaine, tomatoes, Parmesan, crunchy croutons, bacon, and creamy dressing create a flavorful Italian-style salad.

Prep Time
15 mins
Cooking Time
~
Total Duration
15 mins
By: Loura

Recipe Type: Salads

Skill Level: Beginner-Friendly

Cuisine: American

Portions Yielded: 4 Serving Size (1 large salad (serves 4))

Dietary Preferences: ~

What You'll Need

→ Salad

01 4 cups chopped romaine lettuce
02 120 g cherry tomatoes, halved
03 35 g red onion, thinly sliced
04 30 g seasoned croutons
05 25 g cooked crispy bacon, crumbled
06 20 g Parmesan cheese, grated or shredded
07 Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

→ Creamy Italian Dressing

08 120 g mayonnaise
09 60 ml extra virgin olive oil
10 45 ml white wine vinegar
11 15 ml fresh lemon juice
12 10 g Parmesan cheese, finely grated
13 5 g granulated sugar
14 1 garlic clove, minced
15 2 g Italian seasoning
16 1 g onion powder
17 1 g salt
18 1 g ground black pepper
19 15 ml milk or water (optional, for thinning)

Steps To Follow

Step 01

In a mixing bowl or jar, combine mayonnaise, olive oil, white wine vinegar, lemon juice, and sugar. Whisk until fully emulsified.

Step 02

Add grated Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir to integrate all ingredients evenly.

Step 03

If the dressing appears too thick, mix in a small amount of milk or water to reach desired pouring consistency.

Step 04

Refrigerate the dressing for at least 20 minutes, allowing the flavors to blend fully.

Step 05

In a large salad bowl, toss together chopped romaine, cherry tomatoes, red onion, and half of the croutons.

Step 06

Drizzle the chilled Creamy Italian Dressing over the salad mixture and toss gently to coat all vegetables.

Step 07

Top with reserved croutons, crumbled bacon, and grated Parmesan. Season generously with freshly cracked black pepper and serve immediately.

Notes and Tips

  1. Enhance satiety by adding grilled chicken or prawns for a heartier meal.
  2. For intensified flavor, prepare homemade garlic croutons.
  3. Increase dressing tanginess by incorporating 5 ml Dijon mustard.
  4. Dressing remains fresh for up to 1 week when refrigerated in an airtight jar.
  5. Romaine lettuce offers ideal crunch and flavor profile; substitute half with iceberg for a milder blend if preferred.
  6. To adapt for dairy-free diets, use vegan mayonnaise and omit or replace Parmesan with a suitable non-dairy alternative.

Required Equipment

  • Large salad bowl
  • Whisk
  • Mixing bowl or jar
  • Chef's knife
  • Cutting board

Allergy Info

Double-check every ingredient for possible allergens and consult a health professional if you're unsure.
  • Contains dairy (Parmesan cheese)
  • Contains eggs (mayonnaise)
  • Contains gluten (croutons)

Nutritional Info (per serving)

These details are for informational purposes only and shouldn't replace medical advice.
  • Caloric Content: 355
  • Fats: 30 g
  • Carbohydrates: 13 g
  • Proteins: 9 g