chef's salad with a basic vinaigrette
(2 ratings)
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
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4 lgeggs
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1/2 cbasic vinaigrette (**see ingredients and instructions included below)
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1 Tbspred or white wine vinegar
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1 lghead of romaine lettuce, torn into bit-sized pieces (10 cups)
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1 smcucumber, peeled and sliced thin
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1 ptcherry tomatoes, halved
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4radishes, trimmed and sliced thin
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8 ozthick-sliced deli ham, cut into matchsticks
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8 ozthick-sliced deli turkey, cut into matchsticks
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8 ozsharp cheddar cheese, cut into matchsticks
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2 cgarlic croutons - optional
- BASIC VINAIGRETTE:
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3 Tbspred or white wine vinegar
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1shallot, peeled
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1 smgarilc clove, peeled
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2 tspdijon mustard
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2 tspfresh thyme
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salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
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3/4 colive oil, extra virgin
How To Make chef's salad with a basic vinaigrette
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1Prepare the vinaigrette and prep the salad components shile the eggs cook and chill.
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2Place 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*
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3Basic 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.
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4Whisk 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! Make all your friends drool by posting a picture of your finished recipe on your favorite social network. And don't forget to tag Just A Pinch and include #justapinchrecipes so we can see it too!
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