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Special Chef’S Salad

Special Chef's Salad recipe image
This Special Chef's Salad is a timeless favorite that balances freshness with satisfying protein. It features a vibrant mix of crisp lettuce and tender spinach, topped with crunchy green peppers, shredded carrots, and cool cucumber slices. The addition of diced cooked ham, creamy cubed cheese, hard-boiled eggs, and sharp onion slices makes it a substantial meal rather than just a side dish. It is perfect for a quick lunch, a picnic staple, or a light dinner when you want something nutritious yet filling. The combination of textures and flavors keeps it interesting, making it a reliable recipe for busy weeknights or potluck gatherings.
Cuisine:
Courses:
Difficulty: Intermediate
Servings: 6
Calories: 150.7
Dietary: Gluten-free
Description
This Special Chef's Salad is a timeless favorite that balances freshness with satisfying protein. It features a vibrant mix of crisp lettuce and tender spinach, topped with crunchy green peppers, shredded carrots, and cool cucumber slices. The addition of diced cooked ham, creamy cubed cheese, hard-boiled eggs, and sharp onion slices makes it a substantial meal rather than just a side dish. It is perfect for a quick lunch, a picnic staple, or a light dinner when you want something nutritious yet filling. The combination of textures and flavors keeps it interesting, making it a reliable recipe for busy weeknights or potluck gatherings.
Ingredients
  • 2 cup Lettuce; Bite Sized Pieces
  • 2 cup Spinach; Bite Sized Pieces
  • 1/2 cup Green Pepper; Chopped
  • 1/2 cup Carrots; Peeled & Shredded
  • 1/2 cup Cucumber; Halved & Sliced
  • 1/2 pound Cooked Ham; Cut Into 1/2"
  • 1 cup Cream Cheese; Cubed
  • 2 large Eggs; Hard Cooked, Chopped
  • 1 small Onion; Sliced
Directions
  1. 1
    Boil eggs until hard-cooked, then cool, peel, and chop into bite-sized pieces.
  2. 2
    Wash and dry the lettuce and spinach, then tear or chop into bite-sized pieces.
  3. 3
    Slice the cucumber and onion, chop the green pepper, and shred the carrots if not pre-shredded.
  4. 4
    Cut the cooked ham into 1/2-inch strips or cubes.
  5. 5
    Cube the cream cheese into small, bite-sized pieces.
  6. 6
    In a large salad bowl, combine the lettuce and spinach.
  7. 7
    Arrange the chopped green peppers, shredded carrots, sliced cucumber, and sliced onion over the greens.
  8. 8
    Distribute the ham strips, cream cheese cubes, and chopped hard-boiled eggs evenly over the salad.
  9. 9
    Toss gently just before serving or serve with dressing on the side.

Nutrition Facts

Servings 6

Amount Per Serving
Calories 150.7kcal
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 2.9g5%
Saturated Fat 0.7g4%
Cholesterol 27.2mg10%
Sodium 864.5mg37%
Total Carbohydrate 13.9g5%
Dietary Fiber 5.8g24%
Sugars 4.7g
Protein 20.1g41%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Note

For best texture, keep the dressing separate until ready to eat to prevent the greens from wilting.

You can substitute the cream cheese with blue cheese crumbles or cheddar cubes for a different flavor profile.

Hard-boil eggs in advance to save time; they can be refrigerated in their shells for up to a week.

If making ahead, assemble the dry ingredients (vegetables, ham, cheese, eggs) and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 hours.

Keywords: salad, chef salad, lettuce, spinach, ham, eggs, cheese, cucumber, carrots, green pepper, onion, lunch, healthy, picnic, vegetables, protein, crisp, fresh, classic, hearty
Read it online: https://www.chefs-mate.com/recipe/special-chefs-salad/