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A classic American diner favorite, this hearty salad is loaded with crisp lettuce, fresh veggies, rolled deli meats, and two kinds of cheese. Topped with a creamy homemade buttermilk ranch dressing, it's a satisfying and complete meal.
For 4 servings
Hard Boil the Eggs
Prepare the Buttermilk Ranch Dressing
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A classic American diner favorite, this hearty salad is loaded with crisp lettuce, fresh veggies, rolled deli meats, and two kinds of cheese. Topped with a creamy homemade buttermilk ranch dressing, it's a satisfying and complete meal.
This american recipe takes 37 minutes to prepare and yields 4 servings. At 734.55 calories per serving with 47.85g of protein, it's a beginner-friendly recipe perfect for lunch or dinner.
Prepare the Salad Components
Assemble and Serve the Salad
Customize your salad by using other deli meats like roast beef or grilled chicken, and different cheeses such as provolone, Colby Jack, or blue cheese crumbles.
For a lower-calorie option, use grilled chicken breast instead of processed deli meats, opt for low-fat cheese, and use a Greek yogurt-based ranch dressing or a simple vinaigrette.
Omit the meats and add plant-based proteins like chickpeas, cubed baked tofu, or extra hard-boiled eggs. You can also add other vegetables like bell peppers or avocado.
While ranch is classic, this salad is also delicious with Thousand Island, Blue Cheese, or a tangy Honey Mustard dressing.
With a combination of eggs, turkey, ham, and cheese, this salad provides a significant amount of high-quality protein, which is essential for muscle repair, immune function, and feeling full and satisfied.
The bed of romaine lettuce and fresh vegetables like tomatoes, cucumber, and onion supplies essential nutrients, including Vitamin K, Vitamin A, and antioxidants that support overall health.
Eggs are a great source of healthy fats and choline, which is important for brain health. If using a mayonnaise made with avocado or olive oil, you can further increase the intake of beneficial monounsaturated fats.
A single serving of this Chef Salad contains approximately 700-750 calories. The exact number can vary based on the specific brands of deli meat, cheese, and mayonnaise used. The dressing and cheese are the most significant contributors to the calorie count.
A Chef Salad can be part of a healthy diet as it's rich in protein and vitamins from the eggs and vegetables. However, it can also be high in sodium, saturated fat, and calories due to the processed deli meats, full-fat cheese, and creamy dressing. To make it healthier, consider using lower-sodium meats, reduced-fat cheese, and a lighter, yogurt-based dressing.
Yes, you can prepare the components ahead of time. Hard boil the eggs, chop the vegetables, prepare the dressing, and roll the meats. Store each component in a separate airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. Assemble the salad just before you plan to eat it to maintain maximum freshness and crispness.
While both are large American-style salads, they have key differences. A Chef Salad typically features rolled deli meats (like ham and turkey) and Swiss or cheddar cheese. A Cobb Salad features chopped ingredients, including grilled chicken, bacon, avocado, and blue cheese, all arranged in neat rows.
The most important step is to ensure your lettuce is completely dry after washing. Use a salad spinner for best results. Additionally, always store the dressing separately and only add it right before serving.