Layered Chef Salad
Layers of fresh lettuce, tender barley, savory ham, crunchy vegetables, and creamy dressing create a flavorful, hearty salad perfect for buffets or family dinners.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup quick cooking pearled barley ⓘ
- 1 1/2 cups boiling salted water
- 4 cups torn lettuce ⓘ
- 2 cups cooked ham or chicken, cubed ⓘ
- 1 cup diced green pepper ⓘ
- 1 cup sliced celery ⓘ
- 1 1/4 cups mayonnaise ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons prepared yellow mustard ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon sugar ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon dill weed ⓘ
- 1 cup shredded sharp Cheddar cheese ⓘ
- 1/3 cup sliced green onion ⓘ
Instructions
- Cook barley in boiling salted water, covered, 10 to 12 minutes or until tender, stirring occasionally.
- Drain and cool.
- Arrange a layer of torn lettuce, cubed ham or chicken, diced green pepper, cooked barley, and sliced celery in a 3-quart salad bowl.
- Combine mayonnaise, prepared yellow mustard, sugar, and dill weed. Mix well.
- Spoon the mayonnaise-dill mixture on top of the lettuce layer, spreading to the edges of the bowl.
- Sprinkle shredded sharp Cheddar cheese and sliced green onion over the mayonnaise layer.
- Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate several hours or overnight.
- Toss the salad just before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider incorporating additional herbs like parsley or basil into the mayonnaise-dill mixture. If you're in a pinch for time, pre-cooked rotisserie chicken can be a great substitute for the cubed ham or chicken. You can also replace the pearled barley with quinoa for a gluten-free option.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this salad as a hearty main dish or as a side alongside grilled meats, such as Broiled Chicken Breast or with crusty bread. It also pairs well with a light soup like Savard Salmon Chowder for a balanced meal. Garnish with extra green onions for a fresh touch.
Storage & Reheating
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The salad may become soggy over time, so it's best to keep the dressing separate until ready to serve. If needed, toss gently to refresh the flavors before eating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Layered Chef Salad contains roughly 562 calories, with 26g protein, 49g carbohydrates, and 31g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (67% of the Daily Value), protein (52% of the Daily Value), and calcium (51% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 719mg per serving (31% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, it’s best to prepare this salad a few hours in advance or even the night before serving. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Just be sure to keep the dressing separate until ready to serve to maintain the lettuce's crispness.
What can I substitute for mayonnaise?
If you're looking for a lighter option, Greek yogurt can be used as a substitute for mayonnaise. It adds creaminess while cutting down on calories. Alternatively, a homemade vinaigrette can provide a different flavor profile if you prefer.
Can I add other vegetables to the salad?
Absolutely! Feel free to customize your salad by adding other vegetables like diced cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, or shredded carrots. This salad is versatile, so you can adjust the ingredients to suit your preferences or seasonal availability.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).