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chef's salad with a basic vinaigrette

(2 ratings)
Recipe by
Kathy D

This classic chef's salad comes from Cook's Illustrated. They suggest asking for thick cuts (about 1/4 inch thick) of the deli meats, so you can create matchsticks for the salad. They also say to get good quality ham, not the boiled kind, so you'll get more flavor. Enjoy!

(2 ratings)
yield 4 serving(s)
prep time 40 Min
cook time 15 Min
method Stove Top

Ingredients For chef's salad with a basic vinaigrette

  • 4 lg
    eggs
  • 1/2 c
    basic vinaigrette (**see ingredients and instructions included below)
  • 1 Tbsp
    red or white wine vinegar
  • 1 lg
    head of romaine lettuce, torn into bit-sized pieces (10 cups)
  • 1 sm
    cucumber, peeled and sliced thin
  • 1 pt
    cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 4
    radishes, trimmed and sliced thin
  • 8 oz
    thick-sliced deli ham, cut into matchsticks
  • 8 oz
    thick-sliced deli turkey, cut into matchsticks
  • 8 oz
    sharp cheddar cheese, cut into matchsticks
  • 2 c
    garlic croutons - optional
  • BASIC VINAIGRETTE:
  • 3 Tbsp
    red or white wine vinegar
  • 1
    shallot, peeled
  • 1 sm
    garilc clove, peeled
  • 2 tsp
    dijon mustard
  • 2 tsp
    fresh thyme
  • salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 3/4 c
    olive oil, extra virgin

How To Make chef's salad with a basic vinaigrette

  • 1
    Prepare the vinaigrette and prep the salad components shile the eggs cook and chill.
  • 2
    Place the eggs in a medium saucepan and cover with water so it is 1 inch above the eggs. Bring the water to boil over high heat. As soon as the water boils, remove pan from heat, cover and let sit for 10 minutes. Transfer egggs to an ice water bath, and chill for 5 minutes. Then peel and quarter. *While eggs cook, make vinaigrette*
  • 3
    Basic Vinaigrette: Process all vinaigrette ingredients, except the olive oil, in a blender until the shallot and garlic are finely chopped, approx. 15 seconds. With blender running, slowly add oil and continue to process until the dressing is smooth and emulsified, approx. 15 seconds.
  • 4
    Whisk the vinaigrette with the extra vinegar, then toss with lettuce, cucumber, and radishes. Divide the salad among individual plates. Arrange ham, turkey, and cheddar over the salads, and garnish with eggs and optional croutons. Enjoy!

Categories & Tags for Chef's Salad with a Basic Vinaigrette:

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