Chef’s Salad Recipe – A Classic, Nutritious & Easy-to-Make Salad

Chef’s Salad is a hearty and satisfying dish that has been a staple in American cuisine for decades. This protein-packed salad combines fresh vegetables, meats, and cheese, making it a well-balanced meal that can be enjoyed for lunch or dinner. Originally inspired by European mixed salads, the Chef’s Salad gained popularity in the mid-20th century in the United States. It is versatile and can be customized with a variety of ingredients, making it a go-to option for those seeking a quick yet nutritious meal.

• Save

Nutrition Information (Per Serving)

• Calories: 450 kcal
• Protein: 32g
• Carbohydrates: 10g
• Fat: 32g
• Fiber: 4g
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 850mg

Prep Time, Active Time, and Resting Time

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Active Time: 10 minutes
• Resting Time: 0 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes

Cuisines

• American
• European-inspired

Course

• Main Course
• Salad

Servings

• 4 servings

Equipment

• Cutting board
• Sharp knife
• Large salad bowl
• Small mixing bowl (for dressing)
• Whisk or fork
• Salad tongs

Ingredients

For the Salad:

• 6 cups romaine lettuce, chopped
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 cucumber, sliced
• 1/2 cup red onion, thinly sliced
• 1/2 cup shredded carrots
• 1 cup cooked and sliced turkey breast
• 1 cup cooked ham, sliced
• 4 hard-boiled eggs, sliced
• 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup Swiss cheese, sliced
• 1/4 cup croutons (optional)

For the Dressing:

• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

Instructions

1. Prepare the Ingredients: Wash and dry the romaine lettuce. Chop into bite-sized pieces and place in a large salad bowl. Halve the cherry tomatoes, slice the cucumber and red onion, shred the carrots, and set aside.
2. Cook and Slice Proteins: If not pre-cooked, cook turkey and ham to your preference. Slice them into thin strips. Hard-boil the eggs, then peel and slice them.
3. Assemble the Salad: Add the chopped lettuce to the large salad bowl. Evenly distribute the tomatoes, cucumbers, onions, shredded carrots, turkey, ham, and sliced eggs over the greens.
4. Add Cheese and Croutons: Sprinkle shredded cheddar and Swiss cheese over the salad. If using croutons, add them now.
5. Prepare the Dressing: In a small mixing bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, honey, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Slowly drizzle in olive oil while whisking to emulsify the dressing.
6. Dress the Salad: Drizzle the prepared dressing over the salad or serve on the side for individual preference.
7. Serve and Enjoy: Toss the salad gently before serving. Enjoy immediately for the best texture and freshness.

Conclusion

Chef’s Salad is a classic and nutrient-rich meal that is both easy to prepare and incredibly satisfying. Whether you are looking for a light dinner or a filling lunch, this dish offers a perfect balance of proteins, greens, and flavors. Its versatility allows for endless variations, so feel free to experiment with different meats, cheeses, and dressings to create your own signature version!

• Save

Ashley Doyle

I am Ashley Doyle, Senior Specialist in Food & Policy at The Humane Society of the United States and editor at airfryermama.com. I am passionate about transforming our global food system by promoting delicious, climate-friendly, plant-based foods. After transitioning from law to food and public policy, I now work with major food service companies to develop plant-based initiatives and animal welfare policies. My goal is to drive institutional change to combat climate change and improve our food system.