If you’ve ever sunk your fork into the famous salad at Ruth’s Chris and wished you could have it at home any night of the week, then you are in for a treat! This vibrant, hearty Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse Chopped Salad — Copycat Recipe brings together all those zingy, creamy, crunchy, and savory flavors you know and love. Loaded with layers of crisp lettuce, smoky bacon, briny olives, chunky hearts of palm, tangy gorgonzola, and crowned with crispy fried onions and a lemon basil dressing, this salad is both a showstopper and a household staple in my kitchen. Every element in this copycat recipe works together to create a seriously crave-worthy salad experience—one so good, you might just want to make it your main course!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Ruth's Chris Steakhouse Chopped Salad -- Copycat Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The best part about this Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse Chopped Salad — Copycat Recipe is that, while it looks impressive, it’s made up of simple, fresh ingredients that are easy to find. Each one plays an important role, contributing sharpness, color, or creamy richness. Let’s celebrate what each brings to the bowl:

Romaine Lettuce (4 packed cups, julienned): Adds crunch and a refreshing base flavor that holds up to hearty toppings.
Iceberg Lettuce (4 packed cups, julienned): Brings even more crispiness and mildness—no chopped salad is complete without it.
Baby Spinach (4 packed cups, chopped): Offers a subtle earthiness and gorgeous green color throughout.
Radicchio (2 packed cups, very thinly sliced): Lends just the right amount of bitterness and a stunning pop of purple.
Red Onion (¾ medium, very thin and halved): For a sweet onion kick and extra crunch.
Green Olives (1/4 cup, chopped): Adds briny, salty tang that wakes up every bite.
Blue Cheese or Gorgonzola (1 cup, crumbled): Tangy, creamy, and deeply savory—just like the restaurant version.
Artichoke Hearts (1 can, chunky ends only, cut into 1/4″ pieces): A surprise element! Their mellow flavor pairs perfectly in the mix.
Hearts of Palm (1 can, cut into 1/4″ chunks): Buttery, delicate, and oh-so-satisfying in each forkful.
Fresh Mushrooms (6 oz, chopped): Their subtle earthiness layers beautifully with the greens and cheese.
High-quality Smoked Bacon (1 package, cooked dark & chopped): Smoky, salty, and deeply savory—don’t skimp on the bacon.
Hard-Boiled Eggs (4, cut into 1/4″ chunks): They give extra richness and a soft bite to balance all the crunch.
Crispy Fried Onion Rings (1.5 cups, crumbled, for topping): The perfect golden, crispy finish that makes this salad irresistible.
Cherry Tomatoes (for garnish, halved): Juicy, sweet, and a lovely fresh touch on top.
Freshly-cracked black pepper & sea salt (to taste): Essential for seasoning the whole creation, don’t forget them!
Sour Cream (1–2 cups): Forms the creamy foundation for the zingy lemon basil dressing.
Extra Virgin Olive Oil (1 Tbsp.): Brings a nice silky texture and richness to the dressing.
Champagne Vinegar (½ Tbsp.): Offers delicate tang that makes flavors sparkle.
Extra Blue Cheese or Gorgonzola (¼–½ cup): Adds a punch of flavor directly into the dressing—customize to your taste.
Fresh Lemon Juice (½ cup): For that bright, zippy, unmistakable dressing flavor.
Fresh Chopped Basil (½ cup): Brings that vibrant, summery herbaceousness to pull everything together.
Garlic Powder (½ tsp.): A little umami and savoriness in the dressing.
Salt and Pepper (to taste): To make every ingredient pop.
Honey (optional, 1 tsp.): Balances the dressing if you prefer a touch of sweetness.

How to Make Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse Chopped Salad — Copycat Recipe

Step 1: Prep the Greens and Veggies

Wash and dry all your lettuces and greens thoroughly—trust me, it’s worth those extra paper towels for that signature crisp bite! Slice the romaine and iceberg into thin julienned strips (about 1/4” thick), chop the baby spinach, and slice that gorgeous radicchio wafer-thin for a stunning color burst. Thinly slice the red onion and halve the slices for easier eating. Set everything aside in a huge mixing bowl—you’ll need the space!

Step 2: Add the Hearty Ingredients

Now chop your green olives, artichoke heart chunks (just the firm, meaty ends for best texture!), hearts of palm, fresh mushrooms, smoky cooked bacon, and hard-boiled eggs. Scatter each one over the lettuce blend. Each layer you add ups the flavor and texture game, so don’t skip or skimp—generosity is key in the Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse Chopped Salad — Copycat Recipe.

Step 3: Crumble in the Cheeses

Sprinkle your blue cheese or Italian gorgonzola over the salad and get ready for those signature punches of creamy, tangy decadence in every forkful. If you’re obsessed with blue cheese, don’t be shy—add a little extra!

Step 4: Toss with Lemon Basil Dressing

In a separate bowl, whisk together the sour cream (start with 1 cup), olive oil, champagne vinegar, fresh lemon juice, garlic powder, chopped fresh basil, and an extra handful of crumbled cheese. Taste for seasoning, then add salt, pepper, and honey if you like your dressing a hint sweet. Add more sour cream if you want it creamier. Drizzle about half the dressing over the salad and toss gently so every bite gets coated but the greens stay fluffy.

Step 5: Build and Garnish Your Salads

Divide the tossed salad among dinner plates (or serve it family-style for that steakhouse wow-factor). Generously top each plate with cherry tomato halves and a decadent handful of crumbled crispy fried onion rings—they’re the secret to that Ruth’s Chris magic! Crack a bit more fresh black pepper and sea salt right before serving for ultimate flavor.

How to Serve Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse Chopped Salad — Copycat Recipe

Garnishes

Finishing touches make all the difference, and this salad absolutely shines with its garnish of sweet, halved cherry tomatoes and crispy onions. Not only do these add a burst of color and crunch, they give that final steakhouse flair everyone will recognize. Want to get creative? A sprinkle of extra chopped basil or even a few extra crumbles of blue cheese makes it ultra-special.

Side Dishes

While this Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse Chopped Salad — Copycat Recipe is a meal on its own, it pairs wonderfully alongside a juicy grilled steak, roast chicken, or even a simple pasta. A warm, crusty baguette or classic baked potato brings the full steakhouse experience to your kitchen, just like at Ruth’s Chris!

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving this salad in chilled, wide-rimmed bowls for a restaurant-style feel, or pile it high on a platter for a dramatic presentation at your next gathering. For a fun twist, assemble the components in mason jars—perfect for picnics or lunch on the go. Layering keeps everything crisp and Instagram-worthy!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with leftovers of this epic salad, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days. The crispy onions may lose a little of their crunch, but the hearty mix of greens and toppings will still taste great the next day. Store leftover dressing separately for best results and to keep everything perky.

Freezing

Unfortunately, salads like the Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse Chopped Salad — Copycat Recipe don’t freeze well due to the mix of fresh greens and creamy dressing, which can wilt and water out when thawed. Save your freezer space and enjoy any extras as soon as possible for the freshest experience.

Reheating

No need to reheat—this salad is all about cold, crisp, and creamy textures! If you want to add freshly cooked bacon or warm up some bread to serve alongside, go right ahead, but the salad itself is perfect straight from the fridge.

FAQs

Can I use other cheeses besides blue cheese or gorgonzola?

Absolutely! If you aren’t a fan of blue cheese or gorgonzola, feta or goat cheese make delicious alternatives. The goal is that creamy, tangy kick—choose whichever cheese makes your taste buds happy.

What can I substitute for hearts of palm?

If hearts of palm are hard to find, try substituting with additional artichoke hearts or even thinly sliced asparagus. The goal is to keep a mildly sweet, tender bite in each mouthful.

Is it possible to make the salad vegetarian?

Definitely! Just skip the bacon and use vegetarian-friendly fried onions and cheese. The layered flavors and textures will still shine—promise!

How far in advance can I make the salad?

You can prep all the salad components (except the fried onions and tomatoes) and the dressing up to a day in advance. Store everything separately, then toss and garnish just before serving for ultimate crispness and flavor impact.

What is the best way to chop everything evenly?

Using a sharp chef’s knife and working with batches of ingredients on a large cutting board will help. Cutting lettuce into neat julienne strips and uniform chunks for toppings guarantees every bite of your Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse Chopped Salad — Copycat Recipe is perfectly balanced.

Final Thoughts

Now you’re armed with everything you need to make the iconic Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse Chopped Salad — Copycat Recipe right at home. Trust me, once you share this salad with family and friends, it’ll be requested again and again. Every colorful bite tastes like a celebration—why wait for a special occasion? Grab those greens, whisk up that dreamy basil dressing, and dig in!