Chef Salad Recipe
romaine, cucumbers, tomatoes, turkey ham and provolone
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Ingredients
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Salad Base
Protein & Cheese
Add-ins & Garnish
Dressing
Method
Prepare Salad Base
- 1
Wash and chop lettuce
Rinse the romaine under cold water, spin or pat dry, then chop or tear into roughly 1- to 1.5-inch pieces to measure about 6 cups. Place in a large serving bowl or on a platter.
- 2
Slice cucumber
Peel if desired. Halve lengthwise and slice crosswise into 1/4-inch half-moons until you have about 1/2 cup. Scatter over the romaine.
- 3
Prep tomatoes
Halve cherry tomatoes (or chop medium tomatoes) to yield about 1 cup and distribute over the lettuce.
Protein & Cheese
- 4
Slice turkey and ham
Stack the deli turkey and ham and roll or fold slices, then slice into 1/2-inch ribbons or bite-size pieces. Arrange the turkey (6 oz) and ham (4 oz) on top of the salad in separate sections or scattered, per classic chef salad presentation.
- 5
Cut provolone
Stack provolone slices and cut into strips or bite-size squares (about 4 oz total). Arrange with the meats on the salad.
- 6
Add-ins & Garnish
- 7
Slice red onion
Thinly slice about 1/4 cup red onion into half-moons. Scatter sparingly over the salad so the flavor is bright but not overpowering.
- 8
Add olives and croutons
If using, add 1/4 cup black olives and 1/2 cup croutons as a final garnish for texture and brine.
Dressing & Finish
- 9
Make dressing
In a small bowl or jar, combine 3 tbs extra-virgin olive oil, 1 tbs red wine vinegar, 1 tsp Dijon mustard, 1 tsp honey (or maple syrup), 1/2 tsp minced garlic, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Whisk vigorously (or shake in a jar) until emulsified and smooth. Taste and adjust seasoning.
- 10
Dress salad
Just before serving, drizzle the dressing over the salad to lightly coat (start with half and toss or gently arrange; add more to taste). Alternatively serve dressing on the side for guests.
- 11
Serve
Toss gently if serving family-style, or leave components arranged and let diners mix on their plates. Serve immediately so greens remain crisp.