Description
The classic Chef Salad is a hearty, colorful, and refreshing meal made with crisp lettuce, tender meats, creamy cheeses, and vibrant vegetables, topped with a rich dressing.
It’s the perfect recipe for busy weekdays, meal prep, or a light dinner that doesn’t sacrifice flavor or satisfaction. This easy and customizable salad brings together fresh, wholesome ingredients in a way that feels both simple and indulgent.
Ingredients
Scale
- 6 cups romaine and iceberg lettuce, chopped
- 1 cup cooked turkey or chicken breast, sliced
- 1 cup ham, sliced
- ½ cup cheddar cheese, sliced into matchsticks
- ½ cup Swiss cheese, sliced into matchsticks
- 4 hard-boiled eggs, peeled and quartered
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cucumber, thinly sliced
- ¼ cup thinly sliced red onion (optional)
- 1 avocado, sliced (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Dressing of choice (Ranch, Thousand Island, vinaigrette)
Instructions
- Wash and dry lettuce thoroughly. Chop into bite-sized pieces.
- Slice turkey, ham, cheddar, and Swiss into strips or cubes.
- Prepare hard-boiled eggs by boiling and cooling, then slice into quarters.
- Slice tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, and avocado (if using).
- Arrange lettuce on a large serving platter or bowl.
- Neatly arrange meats, cheeses, vegetables, and eggs over the top.
- Season lightly with salt and pepper.
- Serve dressing on the side or drizzle just before eating.
- Garnish with fresh herbs if desired.
Notes
For a fresher flavor, roast your own meats at home instead of using deli cuts.
Keep dressing separate if preparing ahead of time.
A sprinkle of fresh herbs right before serving makes a big difference.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes (for boiling eggs, optional)
- Category: Salad, Main Course
- Method: No-cook, Assembly
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 salad plate
- Calories: 420