I doubt there’s a salad in any of the many Hillstone restaurants I wouldn’t like. They’re all so good. In Newport Beach, R&D Kitchen, Bandera and Gulfstream are nearby so I frequent them often and have had my fair share of tastings. However, once I find a favorite I tend to stick with it, and don’t venture too far off from what I love. There’s the Macho Salad from Bandera, a classic I’ve come close to replicating at home with this recipe. It’s my go-to entree salad recipe for dinner at home and easily doubles if entertaining. Then, there’s the Chopped Vegetable Salad at Gulfstream, which I order just about every time.
My latest obsession is the Pine Room Salad at R & D Kitchen. I wouldn’t have noticed it on the menu if it weren’t for a server pointing it out to me on the very bottom under starters & sides.* It’s a winner and I’ve been dying to figure out the ingredients in the dressing to make something similar at home.
Recently, a friend mentioned she had a good recipe that comes pretty close to the original. After trying it, I think it’s just as good and want to share her version with other Pine Room Salad fans.
Of course, you can also enjoy the salad at one of R & D Kitchen’s four locations. Occasionally, I’ll order it doubled and have it as my entree.
Enjoy the recipe and let me know if you’d add any tweaks.
* I noticed it’s an entree salad at some of the other Hillstone restaurants such as Bandera, Chicago.
PINE ROOM INSPIRED SALAD
DRESSING:
1 TBSP Dijon Mustard
1 ½ TBSP honey
1-2 TBSP Champagne vinegar or white vinegar
1 TBSP minced shallot or green onions
5 TBSP Extra Virgin Olive Oil
SALAD:
The quantity is approximate for 4 people but adjust as needed.
Finely chop and toss the following:
Lettuces (6 cups mixed greens: romaine, kale, any preferred)
Cheese – Kerrygold Irish Cheddar (4 oz)
Toasted almond pieces (approx. 1/2 cup)
Bacon – 1-2 TBSP finely chopped (4 slices cooked just under crispy)
Hard Boiled Egg (2)
Red Onion (approx. 1/4 cup)
Recipe courtesy of M. Padden. Thank you.
Angela Evans
I always order this salad at R&D or Houstons. Thank you (and Marena!).
Hugs!
Angi
Marena
So glad to eat it every time!!!
Sheri
I’m so excited to have these 2 hearty salad recipes on hand-thanks K!
xo
Laura Motley
Looks delicious and I’ll give a try! I love their Honor Bar in Montecito. Someday I’ll order something other than the Thai Beef Noodle salad!
JohnT
This is one of my favorite salads at any restaurant!! Thanks for reverse engineering it!