Here’s how to build a perfect one 👇
🥗 Classic Chef Salad
🛒 Base Ingredients
Greens:
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Romaine lettuce (traditional)
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Optional: iceberg for extra crunch
Protein:
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Sliced turkey
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Sliced ham
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Hard-boiled eggs (quartered or sliced)
Cheese:
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Swiss
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Cheddar
(or both, cut into strips or cubes)
Vegetables:
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Tomatoes
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Cucumber
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Red onion
Optional: bell peppers or shredded carrots
👩🍳 How to Assemble (Restaurant Style)
1️⃣ Chop lettuce and place in a wide bowl.
2️⃣ Arrange meats and cheeses in neat rows on top.
3️⃣ Add sliced eggs and vegetables.
4️⃣ Sprinkle lightly with salt & pepper.
5️⃣ Serve dressing on the side.
The neat rows give it that classic diner look.
🥄 Best Dressings for Chef Salad
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Ranch
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Thousand Island
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French dressing
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Honey mustard
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Blue cheese
Traditional diners often serve it with Thousand Island or French dressing.
✨ Tips for a Better Chef Salad
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Use cold ingredients for crisp texture.
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Slice meats thick enough to be satisfying (not deli-paper thin).
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Season the lettuce lightly before adding toppings — it makes a difference.
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Add a squeeze of lemon for brightness.
🥑 Make It Modern
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Add avocado
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Swap ham/turkey for grilled chicken
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Use a Dijon vinaigrette for a lighter version
If you’d like, I can give you:
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A high-protein version
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A low-carb/keto version
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Or a fancy plated version for entertaining
What kind are you making — classic diner or upgraded? 😊