Copycat Classic Diner Chef Salad
Our copycat classic diner chef salad is a throwback to that perfect entree you just can’t seem to find anymore. It’s loaded with cheese, ham, and bacon!
You can get a salad just about anywhere so why put it on a blog? Well, while it’s true that most salads are a “dime a dozen,” but a great salad is hard to find.
Take the classic diner salad as an example. What was once a mainstay in the American restaurant industry has now faded away.
Even with the diner revival of the 2000’s it’s still a challenge to find a chef salad that qualifies as a meal.
That’s why we had to share our copycat classic diner chef salad. It’s exactly like the salads I grew up eating at our local diner.
We prepared it just like they used with iceberg lettuce, tomatoes, mushrooms, and many other toppings.
I know it may seem a little retro compared to modern offerings that feature two or three ingredients and come topped with a vinaigrette I can hardly pronounce.
Don’t get me wrong; we enjoy fine dining just as much as anyone else. If you don’t believe me, then check out our French-inspired steak dinner for two.
It’s a gorgeous meal with multiple courses. But let’s face it, sometimes you want a hearty salad that eats like a meal.
This chef salad is exactly what I am looking for when I want some protein with my greens.
Now, at this point, you’re probably wondering what’s on this behemoth of a dish.
How about we take it from the top? We used a ranch dressing for this chef salad.
I wish I could tell you everything that was layered into this chef salad, but I would run out of room on the page before I could share all the vegetables.
So, I’ll just stick to what makes this dish so delicious.
In addition to a new dressing, we used diced ham and cheese.
The cubes of cured pork and shredded cheddar cheese pair perfectly, adding a savory element to every bite.
Additionally, the crunchy bacon gives the chef salad a salty flavor that everyone loves. Using two kinds of onion gives the offering a little kick of spice.
I could go on and on about every ingredient and how they compliment and contrast each other, but what would be the fun in that?
I suggest you give this salad a try and see for yourself. Go ahead and use your favorite dressing or try one of ours.
In closing, I wish everyone a long life, everlasting love, and belly full of crunchy salad!
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Ingredients
- 2 slices bacon, cooked and diced
- 1 hard boiled egg, halved
- ½ head iceberg lettuce, sliced or shredded
- 1 tomato, cut into wedges
- 1 carrot, sliced
- ½ white onion, sliced into rings
- ½ cup mushrooms, sliced
- ½ cucumber, sliced
- 1 tablespoon green onion, chopped
- 1 ounce sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 tablespoon ham, diced
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Instructions
- Cook the bacon over medium heat in a skillet. Then, dice it into pieces and set it aside. Hard boil an egg, peel it, halve it, and set it aside.2 slices bacon1 hard boiled egg
- Next, wash and prep all of the vegetables including the lettuce, tomato, onions, mushrooms, carrot, and cucumber.½ head iceberg lettuce1 tomato1 carrot½ white onion½ cup mushrooms½ cucumber1 tablespoon green onion
- Afterward, shred the cheese and dice the ham and set them aside in separate bowls.1 ounce sharp cheddar cheese1 tablespoon ham
- Last, build your salad starting with lettuce and finishing with the cheese. Toss everything together and then top the dish with your favorite salad dressing.
I LOVE chef salad so much when I am out to dinner but I never think to make it at home. I am going to give this copycat recipe a try. The smoked ham sounds so yummy and the perfect addition. I never remember what is in a good chef salad at home.
I am one of those folks that can eat a salad every day without no problem! This salad looks so good and refreshing! Chef salads are my go-to. I love trying new flavors and such, but a chef salad is always safe and satisfying! =D