Name: North Woods Inn Salad (Copycat Recipe)
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 1 h 10 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 large head Iceberg Lettuce, chopped into bite-sized pieces; ½ cup Buttermilk; ½ cup Mayonnaise (full-fat recommended); 4 oz Gorgonzola Crumbles (or blue cheese); ¼ teaspoon Garlic Powder; ¼ teaspoon Onion Powder; ¼ teaspoon White Pepper; ¼ teaspoon Salt

Jump to Recipe

Have you ever dined at the iconic North Woods Inn and found yourself completely obsessed with their unique salad? You know the one—it arrives at the table in a giant chilled bowl, a mountain of crisp iceberg lettuce tossed in a creamy, tangy dressing and generously studded with gorgonzola cheese. It’s a simple salad, yet somehow completely unforgettable.

Contents

Ingredients
Timing
Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Make the Dressing
Step 2: Prepare the Lettuce
Step 3: Toss and Serve

Nutritional Information
Healthier Alternatives
Serving Suggestions
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Storing Tips
Conclusion
FAQs

Q1: Can I use blue cheese instead of gorgonzola?
Q2: Is there a substitute for buttermilk?
Q3: Can I add other toppings?
Q4: Is this dressing gluten-free?

North Woods Inn Salad (Copycat Recipe)

Description
Ingredients

For the Salad:
For the Dressing:

Instructions
Notes
Nutrition
Did you make this recipe?

If you’ve been craving that distinct flavor but can’t make the trip, you’re in luck. This copycat North Woods Inn Salad recipe brings the magic of that legendary steakhouse starter right into your own kitchen. With just a handful of ingredients and 5 minutes of prep, you can recreate the creamy, cheesy, garlic-infused dressing that has won hearts for decades. It’s the perfect side dish for steak night or any hearty dinner!

Ingredients

This recipe relies on simple, bold flavors. The combination of buttermilk and mayo creates the classic creamy base, while the gorgonzola adds that signature punch.

Ingredient	Amount/Quantity	Notes
For the Salad:
Iceberg Lettuce	1 large head	Chopped into bite-sized pieces
For the Dressing:
Buttermilk	½ cup	Shake well before pouring
Mayonnaise	½ cup	Full-fat for best flavor
Gorgonzola Crumbles	4 oz	Or blue cheese crumbles
Garlic Powder	¼ teaspoon
Onion Powder	¼ teaspoon
White Pepper	¼ teaspoon	Essential for the authentic taste
Salt	¼ teaspoon	Adjust to taste

Timing

This salad is incredibly quick to prepare, making it an ideal last-minute side dish.

Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Chilling Time: 1 hour (recommended for dressing)
Total Time: Approximately 1 hour 10 minutes (or 10 mins if serving immediately)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these simple steps to recreate the famous salad at home.

Step 1: Make the Dressing

In a small bowl or jar, combine the buttermilk, mayonnaise, gorgonzola crumbles, garlic powder, onion powder, white pepper, and salt. Whisk or shake vigorously until the mixture is smooth and well combined.

Actionable Tip: For the most authentic flavor, make the dressing at least an hour in advance (or even the day before) and let it chill in the refrigerator. This allows the flavors to meld and the dried spices to hydrate.

Step 2: Prepare the Lettuce

Wash the head of iceberg lettuce thoroughly and pat it dry or spin it in a salad spinner. Chop the lettuce into bite-sized pieces.

Actionable Tip: Iceberg lettuce is classic for this recipe because of its superior crunch. Ensure it is very dry so the dressing clings to the leaves instead of sliding off.

Step 3: Toss and Serve

Place the chopped lettuce in a large serving bowl. Pour the dressing over the lettuce just before you are ready to eat. Toss well until every piece of lettuce is evenly coated in the creamy dressing. Serve immediately on chilled plates for the full restaurant experience!

Nutritional Information

Nutritional information is an estimate per serving (assuming 4 servings).

Calories: Approx. 250-300 kcal
Fat: 25 g
Saturated Fat: 8 g
Protein: 6 g
Carbohydrates: 4 g
Sugar: 2 g
Sodium: 450 mg

Healthier Alternatives

While this is a rich, creamy salad, you can make a few tweaks:

Lighter Dressing: Substitute light mayonnaise and low-fat buttermilk to reduce calories and fat.
Yogurt Swap: Replace half of the mayonnaise with plain Greek yogurt for a tangier, protein-packed version.
More Greens: Mix in some romaine or baby spinach with the iceberg lettuce to boost the nutrient density.

Serving Suggestions

This North Woods Inn Salad pairs perfectly with hearty main courses.

Steak Night: It’s the classic partner for a grilled ribeye or filet mignon.
Cheesy Bread: Serve alongside the famous North Woods Inn Cheese Bread (garlic cheese toast) for the complete experience.
BBQ: The cool, creamy salad is a great contrast to spicy BBQ chicken or ribs.
Cabbage Salad: For the true restaurant experience, serve this green salad alongside their famous Red Cabbage Salad.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

For the best copycat experience, avoid these common pitfalls:

Using Black Pepper: White pepper has a distinct, earthy heat that is key to this recipe’s flavor profile. Black pepper will taste different. Solution: Stick to white pepper if you can find it!
Dressing Too Early: The salt in the dressing will draw moisture out of the lettuce, making it soggy. Solution: Toss the salad right before serving.
Wet Lettuce: Watery lettuce dilutes the dressing. Solution: Use a salad spinner to get the greens as dry as possible.

Storing Tips

This salad is best eaten fresh, but you can prep components ahead.

Dressing: The dressing can be stored in an airtight jar in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. It gets better with time!
Lettuce: Chopped, undressed lettuce can be stored in a zip-top bag with a paper towel for 2-3 days.
Leftovers: Once dressed, the salad will become soggy within a few hours. It does not store well.

Conclusion

This North Woods Inn Salad recipe is proof that sometimes the simplest combinations are the most delicious. With its crisp, refreshing crunch and savory, creamy dressing, it’s a timeless classic that deserves a spot on your table. Whether you’re reliving fond memories of the restaurant or trying it for the first time, this salad is sure to become a requested favorite!

Ready to bring the steakhouse home? Whip up this easy dressing and let us know what you think in the comments below! Don’t forget to rate the recipe and subscribe for more delicious copycat recipes!

FAQs

Q1: Can I use blue cheese instead of gorgonzola?

Yes! Gorgonzola is a type of Italian blue cheese that is generally milder and creamier than other varieties. If you love a stronger funk, feel free to use Roquefort or Danish blue cheese instead.

Q2: Is there a substitute for buttermilk?

If you don’t have buttermilk, you can make a quick substitute: mix ½ cup of milk with ½ tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until it curdles slightly, then use as directed.

Q3: Can I add other toppings?

While the traditional version is just lettuce and dressing, feel free to add croutons, cherry tomatoes, or cucumber slices if you want to bulk it up.

Q4: Is this dressing gluten-free?

Yes, the ingredients listed are naturally gluten-free. However, always double-check the labels on your mayonnaise and blue cheese to be certain.