Classic Chef Salad

Chef Salad is a vibrant and hearty dish that combines crisp lettuce, fresh vegetables, protein-rich meats, eggs, and creamy cheese. This versatile salad is perfect for a quick lunch, light dinner, or as a crowd-pleasing option at gatherings. With its bright colors and balance of flavors, it’s both nutritious and satisfying.

Ingredients

• 8 cups iceberg lettuce (or Romaine, Boston Bibb)
• 4 ounces sliced ham, cut into ½-inch strips
• 4 ounces deli turkey, diced
• 4 ounces cheddar or Swiss cheese, cubed (½-inch)
• 4 hard-boiled eggs, chilled and sliced
• ¼ red onion, thinly sliced
• 2 cups cherry or grape tomatoes, halved
• 1 cup cucumber, sliced
• Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish (optional)
• Dressing: Ranch or Thousand Island

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Instructions

1. Prepare the Lettuce:
   Wash the lettuce thoroughly and dry it using a salad spinner or a clean kitchen towel. Tear it into bite-sized pieces for easy serving.
2. Slice and Dice:
   Slice the ham into strips, dice the turkey, and cube the cheese into uniform pieces. Prepare the vegetables: slice the cucumber, halve the tomatoes, and thinly slice the red onion.
3. Assemble the Salad:
   Place the lettuce in a large serving bowl or divide it evenly among 4 individual plates. Arrange the ham, turkey, cheese, eggs, onions, tomatoes, and cucumber attractively over the lettuce.
4. Garnish and Serve:
   Sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley for a touch of color and flavor, if desired. Serve with your choice of dressing on the side, allowing everyone to drizzle or toss the salad as they like.

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Tips for a Great Chef Salad

• Mix Lettuce Varieties:
  Combine iceberg with Romaine or Bibb lettuce for added texture and flavor.
• Chill for Crispness:
  Keep all ingredients, especially the lettuce, chilled before assembling the salad for maximum freshness.
• Make It Your Own:
  Add croutons for crunch, avocado slices for creaminess, or swap the meats and cheeses with your favorites, like roast beef or blue cheese.
• Pre-Made Eggs:
  Hard-boiled eggs can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge for up to 5 days, making prep even faster.

This customizable Chef Salad is a timeless dish that’s both visually appealing and incredibly satisfying—perfect for any occasion!