A classic chef salad should be in every recipe box!
Fresh veggies, ham, turkey, eggs, and cheese are served over lettuce and served with a ranch or Thousand Island dressing.
- It’s light, crisp, and refreshing for an easy and elegant salad.
- This salad is a great way to clean out the fridge and use up the vegetables you have on hand.
- Filled with fresh ingredients, it’s just right for light summer dinners at home.
- This is a classic Chef salad recipe with protein, fiber, dairy, and veggies; it’s a main meal salad.
Chef Salad Ingredients
Lettuce: Iceberg lettuce is the base of this recipe. Romaine or bibb lettuce also are great in this recipe.
Protein: Use both turkey and ham slices for this recipe. You can also use leftover grilled chicken, shrimp, salmon, or a handful of bacon crumbles for extra flavor.
Cheese: Sliced or shredded cheddar cheese is my favorite in Chefs salad. You can also use Swiss, provolone, or feta cheese.
Veggies: Classic Chef’s salad ingredients like cherry tomatoes, red onions, and cucumbers add crunch and flavor to this recipe.
Dressing: I prefer a creamy dressing with chef’s salad such as Thousand Island or Ranch, but you can also use Italian dressing.
Dressings for Chef Salad
Variations
- Top with homemade croutons, or toasted nuts like sunflower or pumpkin seeds.
- Add chopped kale, spinach, or a bag of shredded cabbage.
- Mix in other veggies like shredded carrots, avocado, black or kalamata olives, or pepperoncini peppers.
- Pickled red onions, green beans, or asparagus will add a tangy flavor.
How to Make a Chef Salad
Make this classic chef salad as a hearty lunch or light dinner.
- Tear the lettuce and add it to a large salad bowl (recipe below).
- Top with the remaining ingredients.
- Dress with your choice of salad dressings and serve.
Holly’s Favorite Tips & Tricks
- Homemade dressing is really easy to make, and the taste is much better.
- The best, bistro-worthy chef salads are served extra cold! Chill the serving bowl, the ingredients, and the dressing.
- You can toss this salad, but I prefer the presentation when it’s not tossed.
- This salad is best enjoyed the same day as making it, but leftovers (without the dressing) can be kept in a covered container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- When ready to serve, add new greens and veggies for crunch. Drizzle with fresh dressing before serving.
The Best Summer Salads
These delicious recipes turn a side salad into a full meal deal!
Did you enjoy this Chef Salad Recipe? If so, leave a comment and a rating below.
Chef Salad
This chef salad is a classic with lettuce, ham, turkey, eggs, and cheese. Simply delicious.
Prevent your screen from going dark
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Wash the lettuce and spin it in a salad spinner to dry. Tear into bite-sized pieces.
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Slice the ham and turkey into ½-inch strips.
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Place the lettuce in a large bowl (or divide over 4 individual serving plates).
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Arrange the ham, turkey, cheese, eggs, red onion, tomatoes, and cucumber over the salad. Garnish with a little bit of parsley if desired.
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Serve with Thousand Island or Ranch dressing.
- Ingredients can be prepared and stored in the fridge for up 3 days before serving.
- Leftovers will keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.Â
Calories: 260 | Carbohydrates: 9g | Protein: 21g | Fat: 16g | Saturated Fat: 8g | Cholesterol: 231mg | Sodium: 627mg | Potassium: 510mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 6g | Vitamin A: 1895IU | Vitamin C: 15.2mg | Calcium: 273mg | Iron: 1.9mg
Nutrition information provided is an estimate and will vary based on cooking methods and brands of ingredients used.
Course Salad
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