Classic Chef’s Salad

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Instructions

Prepare the Proteins

  1. If making hard-boiled eggs: Place eggs in a pot, cover with cold water by 1 inch, bring to a boil, remove from heat, cover, and let sit for 10-12 minutes. Transfer to ice water, peel, and slice.
  2. Roll up the deli meat slices and cut them into strips, or cut into cubes for easier eating.
  3. Cut the cheese into matchstick strips or small cubes.
  4. If using cooked chicken, dice or shred into bite-sized pieces.

Prepare the Vegetables

  1. Wash and thoroughly dry all salad greens. Tear into bite-sized pieces if needed.
  2. Halve the cherry tomatoes.
  3. Slice the cucumber into rounds or half-moons.
  4. Thinly slice the red onion.
  5. Drain the olives and pickles.
  6. Shred the carrot if not pre-shredded.

Assemble Individual Salads

  1. Divide the mixed greens evenly among 4 large serving plates or shallow bowls.
  2. Arrange the ingredients in sections over the greens for an attractive presentation:
    • Place strips of turkey, ham, and roast beef in rows
    • Add strips or cubes of Swiss and cheddar cheese
    • Arrange sliced hard-boiled eggs prominently
    • Scatter cherry tomatoes around the salad
    • Add cucumber slices
    • Distribute olives and pickles
    • Top with red onion slices
    • Add shredded carrot for color

Assemble Family-Style (Alternative)

  1. For a large serving platter, layer the greens as a base.
  2. Arrange all proteins, cheese, and vegetables in neat rows or sections across the top.
  3. This creates a beautiful presentation perfect for gatherings.

Serve

  1. Serve immediately with your choice of dressing on the side or drizzled over the top.
  2. Add croutons just before serving if desired for extra crunch.
  3. Season with salt and pepper to taste at the table.

Homemade Ranch Dressing (Optional)

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup mayonnaise
  • ½ cup sour cream
  • ½ cup buttermilk
  • 1 teaspoon dried dill
  • 1 teaspoon dried parsley
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper

Instructions: Whisk all ingredients together in a bowl. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to let flavors meld. Keeps for up to 1 week.

Tips for the Perfect Chef’s Salad

Ingredient Quality:

  • Use fresh, crisp lettuce – wash and dry thoroughly
  • Choose quality deli meats from the deli counter, not pre-packaged
  • Freshly sliced cheese tastes better than pre-shredded
  • Make eggs ahead and store peeled in the refrigerator

Presentation Tips:

  • Arrange ingredients in colorful rows or sections
  • Keep ingredients in distinct groups rather than tossing everything together
  • Place eggs prominently as they’re a signature element
  • Use a variety of colors for visual appeal

Make-Ahead:

  • Prep all ingredients separately and store in containers
  • Assemble just before serving to keep greens crisp
  • Hard-boil eggs up to 3 days in advance
  • Cut vegetables the night before and store in airtight containers

Customization Ideas:

  • Cobb Style: Add bacon, blue cheese, and avocado
  • Italian Style: Use salami, pepperoni, provolone, and Italian dressing
  • Greek Style: Add feta, Kalamata olives, pepperoncini, and Greek dressing
  • Vegetarian: Omit meat and add chickpeas, kidney beans, or extra cheese
  • Low-Carb: Skip croutons and use full-fat dressings
  • Budget-Friendly: Use rotisserie chicken and American cheese

Serving Suggestions:

  • Serve with crusty bread or dinner rolls
  • Add crackers on the side
  • Pair with soup for a complete meal
  • Great for meal prep – pack ingredients separately

Storage

Store prepared ingredients separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Do not assemble the salad until ready to serve. Dressed salad should be eaten immediately.

Yield

Serves 4 as a main course

Why This Salad is a Classic

Chef’s Salad originated in American restaurants in the 1940s as a way to use up leftover meats and cheeses. It became popular because it’s essentially a complete meal – protein, vegetables, and dairy all in one bowl. The combination of flavors and textures makes every bite interesting, and the visual presentation makes it look as good as it tastes.

Perfect For:

  • Quick weeknight dinners
  • Meal prep lunches
  • Using up leftover deli meats
  • Entertaining guests
  • Low-carb diets
  • Anyone who wants a satisfying salad that doesn’t feel like diet food!

The beauty of Chef’s Salad is its flexibility – use whatever meats, cheeses, and vegetables you have on hand or prefer. There’s no wrong way to make it, as long as it’s fresh, colorful, and delicious!

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