# Classic Chef Salad

> This classic Chef salad brings together crisp lettuce, savory proteins, and creamy avocado in a way that celebrates simplicity while delivering complex flavors.

By David Kim for Nosh with David. Full page: https://noshwithdavid.com/recipes/chef-salad/

- Cuisine: American
- Course: Salad
- Time: prep 20 min, cook 15 min, total 35 min
- Serves: 4

## Ingredients

### For the Salad

- 1 large head romaine lettuce (chopped)
- 2 cups mixed greens (optional)
- 8 oz high-quality ham (diced into 1/2-inch cubes)
- 6 slices bacon (cooked crisp and crumbled)
- 4 hard-boiled eggs (peeled and diced)
- 2 medium ripe avocados (diced)
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes (halved, or 2 large tomatoes, diced)
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese (diced small)
- 1/4 cup green onions (thinly sliced)
- 2 tbsp fresh chives (minced (for garnish))

### For the Red Wine Vinaigrette

- 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 3 tbsp red wine vinegar
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tsp honey
- 1 clove garlic (minced)
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp salt

## Instructions

1. First, prepare all your ingredients: dice the ham, cook and crumble the bacon, dice the hard-boiled eggs, dice the avocados, halve the cherry tomatoes, dice the cheese, and slice the green onions.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together all vinaigrette ingredients until well combined. Set aside to allow flavors to meld.
3. Wash and thoroughly dry the lettuce and mixed greens, if using. Chop into bite-sized pieces and place in a large, wide serving bowl, creating a bed for the toppings.
4. Arrange the prepared ingredients in neat rows across the top of the lettuce: tomatoes, ham, eggs, cheese, avocado, and bacon. Sprinkle green onions across the top.
5. Just before serving, drizzle with the vinaigrette or serve it on the side to allow guests to dress their portions as desired.
6. Garnish with fresh chives and serve immediately.

## Notes

#### RECIPE TIPS

- Cook the eggs and bacon ahead of time for quicker assembly

- Dice all ingredients to similar sizes for the best presentation and eating experience

- Toss the lettuce lightly with a small amount of dressing before adding toppings for more flavor

- For the prettiest presentation, use a clear glass bowl to showcase the layers

- Add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice to the diced avocado to prevent browning

- Chill your serving plates before plating for a restaurant-quality experience

#### SERVING SUGGESTIONS

Serve with:

- Warm crusty bread or garlic toast

- Chilled soup like gazpacho in summer

- A glass of crisp white wine or iced tea

- Fresh fruit for dessert

- As part of a brunch spread

- In individual portions for elegant entertaining

#### VARIATIONS

- Substitute roasted turkey or grilled chicken for the ham

- Add blue cheese instead of or alongside cheddar for a tangy flavor

- Include marinated artichoke hearts for extra zing

- Try with roasted corn kernels for sweetness and texture

- Use a creamy ranch or blue cheese dressing instead of vinaigrette

- Add cooked shrimp for a seafood twist

- Include pickled red onions for extra color and zing

#### STORAGE

- For meal prep, store all components separately in airtight containers

- Lettuce will stay crisp for 2-3 days if properly dried and stored

- Pre-cook bacon and eggs up to 3 days ahead

- Assemble just before serving for best presentation and texture

- Dress individual portions rather than the whole salad if not consuming immediately

- If pre-assembling, place avocado just before serving to prevent browning

## Nutrition per serving

- Calories: 719
- Carbohydrates: 18 g
- Protein: 37 g
- Fat: 57 g
- Saturated fat: 16 g
- Fiber: 9 g
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 1775 mg