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+ servings
Chef salad in a large salad bowl dressed in Italian dressing, next to wooden salad tongs.

Chef Salad

Katerina | Diethood
This is the ultimate chef salad recipe made with classic ingredients like fresh greens, meats, cheese, and hard-boiled eggs tossed in homemade dressing.
Servings : 6 servings
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes

Ingredients
  

  • 8 cups salad greens
  • 1 cup julienne cut oven roasted turkey deli meat
  • 1 cup julienne cut smoked ham deli meat
  • 4 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
  • ½ cup julienne cut Swiss cheese slices
  • ½ cup julienne cut cheddar cheese slices
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 English Cucumber, sliced
  • 4 hard boiled eggs, quartered
  • 2 tablespoons sliced green onions, for garnish
  • 2 tablespoons parmesan cheese shavings, for garnish
  • 1 cup Italian salad dressing, (I use my Homemade Italian Dressing)

Instructions
 

  • Prepare salad greens by tearing or cutting them into bite-sized pieces, and transfer them to a salad bowl or large serving platter.
  • Top the greens with the deli meats , bacon, cheeses, tomatoes, cucumbers, and eggs.
  • Prepare one recipe of homemade Italian salad dressing - add to the salad and gently toss to combine.
  • Garnish with green onions and parmesan cheese and serve.

Notes

  • Ham & Cheese. For this recipe, I use Hormel Natural Choice Deli Ham and Turkey. For the cheeses, I use slices of Swiss cheese and slices of cheddar cheese. 
  • Pick quality ingredients. Your salad is only as good as what goes into it! Quality meats and cheeses from the local deli are worth it.
  • Chop and slice however you want. The salad is tasty regardless of how you cut the ingredients.
  • Hold off on the dressing. If not eating right away, wait to add dressing to avoid a soggy salad. Pre-make the dressing to have it ready.
  • Swap cherry for sun-dried tomatoes. This is great when fresh tomatoes aren't in season.
  • Try a variety of cheeses. Not a fan of Swiss? Try provolone, blue cheese, or brie.
  • Mix it up with more meats. Add variety with deli chicken, salami, bologna, or pastrami.
  • Experiment with add-ins. Olives, avocado, radishes, onions, carrots, and celery can boost flavor. Pumpkin seeds or nuts add nutrition and crunch.
  • Croutons for crunch. Want some extra crispiness? Toss in some garlic croutons.

Nutrition

Calories: 438 kcal | Carbohydrates: 12 g | Protein: 28 g | Fat: 31 g | Saturated Fat: 10 g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 7 g | Monounsaturated Fat: 11 g | Trans Fat: 0.05 g | Cholesterol: 188 mg | Sodium: 1609 mg | Potassium: 547 mg | Fiber: 0.5 g | Sugar: 7 g | Vitamin A: 1179 IU | Vitamin C: 20 mg | Calcium: 227 mg | Iron: 2 mg

Nutritional info is an estimate and provided as courtesy. Values may vary according to the ingredients and tools used. Please use your preferred nutritional calculator for more detailed info.

Course: Salad
Cuisine: American
Keyword: best salad recipes, chef salad, chef salad recipe