chef's salad with a basic vinaigrette

Name: Chef's Salad with a Basic Vinaigrette
Prep time: 40 min
Cook time: 15 min
Yield: 4
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 large eggs; 1/2 cup(s) basic vinaigrette (**see ingredients and instructions included below); 1 tablespoon(s) red or white wine vinegar; 1 large head of romaine lettuce, torn into bit-sized pieces (10 cups); 1 small cucumber, peeled and sliced thin; 1 pint(s) cherry tomatoes, halved; 4 - radishes, trimmed and sliced thin; 8 ounce(s) thick-sliced deli ham, cut into matchsticks; 8 ounce(s) thick-sliced deli turkey, cut into matchsticks; 8 ounce(s) sharp cheddar cheese, cut into matchsticks; 2 cup(s) garlic croutons - optional; ## BASIC VINAIGRETTE:; 3 tablespoon(s) red or white wine vinegar; 1 - shallot, peeled; 1 small garilc clove, peeled; 2 teaspoon(s) dijon mustard; 2 teaspoon(s) fresh thyme; - salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste; 3/4 cup(s) olive oil, extra virgin

(2 RATINGS)

13 Pinches 1 Photo

Kathy D

Updated on Jun 26, 2016

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!

Rate

prep time 40 Min

cook time 15 Min

method Stove Top

yield 4 serving(s)

Ingredients

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

How To Make chef's salad with a basic vinaigrette

Step 1

Prepare the vinaigrette and prep the salad components shile the eggs cook and chill.

Step 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*
Step 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.
Step 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!
Last Step: Don't forget to share! Post a picture of your finished recipe here and on your favorite social network. Don't forget to tag Just A Pinch and include #justapinchrecipes!

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