Dinner

Chef Salad Recipe

ByJake Silas January 2, 2026January 2, 2026

Introduction

The Chef Salad is a classic, hearty dish perfect for a quick lunch or light dinner. Packed with fresh vegetables, deli meats, cheeses, and a hard-boiled egg, it offers a satisfying combination of flavors and textures.

Ingredients

1 ½ cups romaine lettuce (chopped; can also use iceberg)
¼ cup cherry tomatoes (halved)
5 slices cucumber
2 slices turkey
¾ cup cubed ham steak
2 slices Swiss cheese
¼ cup cubed cheddar cheese
1 hard boiled egg (sliced)
1/3 cup croutons
2 tablespoons salad dressing of choice

Instructions

Step 1: Layer the chopped lettuce on the bottom of a large plate.
Step 2: Arrange the cherry tomatoes, cucumber slices, turkey, ham steak, Swiss and cheddar cheeses, and sliced hard boiled egg evenly over the lettuce.
Step 3: Sprinkle the croutons on top.
Step 4: Drizzle the chilled salad dressing over the entire salad just before serving.

Tips & Variations

Substitute meats with your favorite deli cuts or add grilled chicken for a warmer option.
Try different cheeses like provolone or mozzarella for a unique flavor.
Use a vinaigrette dressing for a lighter touch or ranch for extra creaminess.
To keep the lettuce crisp, add dressing right before serving to prevent sogginess.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 day. To preserve freshness, keep salad dressing separate and add when ready to eat. Reheating is not recommended; enjoy cold.

How to Serve

A white plate on a white marbled surface holds a colorful salad arranged in neat sections: the bottom left has thin slices of pale yellow cheese, above it are two folded grilled chicken breast pieces drizzled with white dressing; next are quartered hard-boiled eggs with bright yellow yolks; beside them are diced light pink ham cubes on fresh green lettuce; next to the ham are orange cheddar cheese cubes, followed by slices of pale yellow cheese at the right edge with two more rolled grilled chicken pieces also topped with white dressing. The top right shows thinly sliced cucumber rounds, and the bottom right corner has halved bright red cherry tomatoes; all layers are topped lightly with a creamy white dressing. A small beige bowl of additional white dressing with a spoon sits above the plate, and a fork with a black handle rests on a black cloth on the right. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I prepare the salad ahead of time?

Yes, you can chop and store the ingredients separately in the fridge, but assemble and dress the salad just before serving to maintain crispness.

What dressing pairs best with a Chef Salad?

Classic choices include ranch, Thousand Island, or a simple vinaigrette. Choose a dressing that complements the meats and cheeses without overpowering them.