Copycat Classic Diner Chef Salad

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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.

Diner chef salad with a side of ranch dressing.

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.

Chef salad with ranch dressing being poured on top.

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.

Top down view of chef salad in a large white bowl.

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.

Salad covered with ranch dressing.

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!

If you like this recipe, please leave us a comment and rate the recipe card. You can also find us on Facebook, Pinterest, Twitter and Instagram searching for Berly’s Kitchen!

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!

Copycat Classic Diner Chef Salad

5 from 7 votes
Print Pin
Author: John
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes
Servings: 2 Servings

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

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 bacon
    1 hard boiled egg
  • Next, wash and prep all of the vegetables including the lettuce, tomato, onions, mushrooms, carrot, and cucumber.
    ½ head iceberg lettuce
    1 tomato
    1 carrot
    ½ white onion
    ½ cup mushrooms
    ½ cucumber
    1 tablespoon green onion
  • Afterward, shred the cheese and dice the ham and set them aside in separate bowls.
    1 ounce sharp cheddar cheese
    1 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.

Suggested Equipment

Nutrition

Serving: 0.5the salad | Calories: 275kcal | Carbohydrates: 15g | Protein: 14g | Fat: 18g | Saturated Fat: 7g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 7g | Trans Fat: 0.03g | Cholesterol: 127mg | Sodium: 399mg | Potassium: 767mg | Fiber: 5g | Sugar: 9g | Vitamin A: 6649IU | Vitamin C: 20mg | Calcium: 175mg | Iron: 2mg

Notes

The calorie count listed is only an approximation of the ingredients and DOES NOT include the addition of salad dressing. Actual calories in the dish may vary.
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8 Comments

  1. 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.

    1. Thank you, Melissa! I’ve heard people say they can never remember what’s in a chef salad. I can relate, they are loaded with so many ingredients. I am glad you want to give our recipe a try. Have a lovely Sunday!

  2. 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.

  3. 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.

  4. 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

    1. Thank you, Amanda! I know what you mean, I could eat a salad every day. In fact, today feels like a caesar salad day lol! Thank you again for commenting and have a lovely Sunday 🙂

  5. 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

  6. 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

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