
This steakhouse signature dressing brings the iconic House of Prime Rib flavor to your own table. A perfect balance of tangy and creamy elements creates a versatile condiment that elevates any salad.
I’ve replicated this classic recipe through careful testing, focusing on the precise ratio of ingredients that makes it unforgettable. The result is a dressing that’s rich without being heavy, with a brightness that cuts through rich greens and toppings.
The secret lies in the quality of each component. Fresh herbs and proper emulsification create that restaurant-quality texture and depth of flavor. It’s the kind of dressing that transforms simple greens into something extraordinary.
Make a batch and keep it on hand. This dressing stays fresh in the refrigerator for up to two weeks, ready to bring steakhouse flair to your meals anytime.
Ingredients for House of Prime Rib Salad Dressing
Ten ingredients blend into that signature steakhouse dressing you crave at home.
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Mayonnaise 🥚 | 1 cup | Full-fat for creaminess |
| Sour Cream 🥛 | ½ cup | Full-fat variety preferred |
| Buttermilk 🥛 | ¼ cup | For tangy depth |
| White Wine Vinegar 🍷 | 2 tbsp | Brightens the dressing |
| Dijon Mustard 🟡 | 1 tbsp | Adds sharpness and body |
| Worcestershire Sauce 🍶 | 1 tbsp | For umami complexity |
| Garlic Cloves 🧄 | 2 cloves | Minced finely |
| Fresh Parsley 🌿 | 2 tbsp | Finely chopped |
| Fresh Chives 🌿 | 1 tbsp | Finely chopped |
| Salt 🧂 | ½ tsp | Adjust to taste |
| Black Pepper 🌶️ | ½ tsp | Freshly ground preferred |
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The mayo and sour cream are doing the heavy lifting here. Duke’s or Hellmann’s for the mayo—avoid the sweet stuff. Sour cream should be full-fat (Breakstone’s or Daisy are solid choices). Buttermilk matters too—low-fat works fine but full-fat gives it that extra richness. For the Worcestershire, Lea & Perrins is the classic. Most grocery stores carry all of these.
No buttermilk? Whole milk plus 1 tsp vinegar per cup does the trick. Out of fresh herbs? Dried at one-third the amount (but fresh really shines here). The Dijon can be swapped for yellow mustard in a pinch, though it’ll be milder. If you’re avoiding alcohol, apple cider vinegar works instead of white wine vinegar—just add a pinch of sugar to balance.
This keeps 10-14 days in the fridge—shorter if you’ve used fresh herbs. Give it a good whisk before using (it’ll separate a bit). Freezing isn’t ideal (texture gets wonky), but it’s fine if you’re desperate.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- 5-Minute Whisk: I dump everything in one bowl—no chopping, no fuss—just whisk and done.
- Tangy Creamy Kick: The buttermilk and white wine vinegar give it that bright zing that cuts through rich salads.
- Drizzle on Everything: I use it on steak salads, as a dip for veggies, even on sandwiches when I’m feeling lazy.
- Fridge Stays Fresh: Honestly, it keeps for a week, so I make a big batch and never worry about last-minute lunches.
Step-by-Step Instructions for House of Prime Rib Salad Dressing
This method delivers that signature steakhouse creaminess with minimal effort and maximum flavor.
Step 1: Blend the Creamy Base
In a medium bowl, I combine the 1 cup Mayonnaise and 0.5 cup Sour Cream first. I whisk them together until completely smooth—this creates the rich, velvety foundation that makes this dressing so special.
Then I pour in the 0.25 cup Buttermilk and whisk again. The buttermilk thins it just enough while adding that essential tang. You’ll notice the color lighten slightly as everything comes together. This step ensures a perfectly balanced creaminess from the start.
Step 2: Add the Tangy and Umami Elements
Now I add the 2 tbsp White Wine Vinegar, 1 tbsp Dijon Mustard, and 1 tbsp Worcestershire Sauce. Each one goes in separately, with a quick whisk between additions. The vinegar brightens the whole mixture, while the mustard gives it body and that classic steakhouse sharpness.
The Worcestershire Sauce is the secret weapon here—it adds a deep, savory complexity that you can’t quite put your finger on but absolutely notice when it’s missing. I always make sure it’s fully incorporated before moving to the next step.
Step 3: Incorporate the Fresh and Seasoned Components
I mince the 2 cloves Garlic Cloves finely and add them to the bowl. Fresh garlic makes all the difference here, giving that punchy, aromatic kick that dried garlic just can’t match. Then I stir in the 2 tbsp Fresh Parsley and 1 tbsp Fresh Chives, both finely chopped.
The herbs add a bright, fresh note that cuts through the richness. I like to press them into the dressing slightly with the back of my spoon to release their oils. The mixture should look speckled with green at this point.
Step 4: Season and Adjust to Taste
Finally, I add the 0.5 tsp Salt and 0.5 tsp Black Pepper. I start with this amount but always taste and adjust—I might add a pinch more salt if needed, depending on the brands I used. Freshly ground black pepper is my preference here for the best texture and flavor.
I give it one last thorough whisk, then let it sit for 10 minutes before using. This resting time allows all the flavors to meld together. The dressing should be smooth, creamy, and have a beautiful balance of tangy, herby, and umami notes.
Step 5: Chill and Serve
Transfer the dressing to a jar or airtight container and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving. Chilling thickens it slightly and lets the flavors develop even more. It’ll keep in the fridge for up to 5 days.
When ready to use, give it a good stir—the herbs might settle at the bottom. This dressing is perfect drizzled over crisp lettuce, but I also love it as a dip for veggies or even as a spread for sandwiches. The creaminess you get from the mayonnaise and sour cream base really makes it versatile.
Pro Tips For Making House Of Prime Rib Salad Dressing
- Chill Before Mixing: I learned this the hard way—pull your buttermilk and sour cream out of the fridge 15 minutes early so they blend smoothly into the mayo without clumping.
- Whisk the Vinegar: Always whisk the white wine vinegar into the Dijon mustard first before adding to the base—it distributes the tang evenly instead of hitting pockets of sharpness.
- Skip Low-Fat Swaps: Resist the urge to use light mayo or reduced-fat sour cream; the full-fat versions actually change the outcome, giving the dressing that rich, creamy body it’s known for.
- Thin Gradually: If it’s too thick, add buttermilk a tablespoon at a time while stirring—sounds tedious, but it prevents that runny mess you get from overcorrections.
Dietary Considerations for house of prime rib salad dressing
Gluten-Free Friendly
This dressing is naturally gluten-free as written. All primary ingredients—mayonnaise, sour cream, and buttermilk—are typically gluten-free. Just double-check your Worcestershire sauce label, as some brands contain barley malt. I recommend Lea & Perrins for a safe option. 💪
Dairy-Free Adaptation
For a dairy-free version, swap sour cream and buttermilk with unsweetened coconut yogurt and almond milk mixed with 1 tsp lemon juice. The texture will be slightly thinner but still delicious. Use vegan mayo like Hellmann’s Vegan for the base.
Lower-Calorie Option
To lighten this up, use low-fat mayonnaise and Greek yogurt instead of full-fat sour cream. The buttermilk can also be low-fat. These swaps reduce calories but keep the tangy flavor. I find the texture stays creamy with these changes.
Nut Allergy Note
This recipe is nut-free as written, but always verify your mayonnaise brand. Some may contain traces of nuts. For complete safety, choose Hellmann’s or Duke’s, which are produced in nut-free facilities. 🌱
Soy-Free Consideration
Most mayonnaise brands contain soy, but Sir Kensington’s Avocado Oil Mayo is a great soy-free alternative. The Worcestershire sauce is also soy-based, so use coconut aminos as a substitute for a completely soy-free version.
Storage for Dietary Needs
If adapting for dietary needs, consume within 5 days for best quality. Dairy-free versions may separate faster, so give it an extra whisk before using. Always store in an airtight container at 40°F or below. 💡
Nutrition Facts
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh?
Yes, but use 1/3 the amount since dried herbs are more concentrated. The flavor will be slightly different, but still delicious. Fresh herbs give the best bright, vibrant taste though.
How long can this dressing stay in the fridge?
It keeps for 10-14 days in an airtight container. Give it a good whisk before each use, as the herbs may settle. For best quality, use within 5 days if made with fresh herbs.
What can I substitute for buttermilk?
Mix 1 cup whole milk with 1 tbsp vinegar or lemon juice, then let sit for 5 minutes. This creates a tangy alternative that works just as well in the recipe.
Why does my dressing look separated?
This is normal! The ingredients naturally separate over time. Just whisk vigorously for 30 seconds before using to restore the creamy texture. Storing in a jar makes shaking easier.
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