Skillet Chef'S Salad
A vibrant and flavorful skillet salad featuring tender greens, fresh vegetables, sliced meats, and a tangy tarragon vinaigrette, perfect for a hearty, satisfying meal.
Ingredients
- 2 Tbsp. olive or salad oil ⓘ
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced ⓘ
- 2 tsp. all-purpose flour ⓘ
- 2 tsp. sugar ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 1/4 c. tarragon or white wine vinegar
- 1 Tbsp. Dijon mustard
- 6 c. torn, assorted salad greens (romaine, red leaf lettuce, spinach) ⓘ
- 1 large celery stalk, thinly sliced
- 1 small cucumber, thinly sliced ⓘ
- 1/2 (8 oz.) pkg. turkey ham slices, cut into strips ⓘ
- 1 (6 oz.) pkg. chicken breast slices, cut into strips ⓘ
- 1/2 lb. Jarlsberg or Swiss cheese, cut into strips ⓘ
- 1/2 (6 oz.) bag radishes, thinly sliced ⓘ
Instructions
- About 45 minutes before serving, in a 12-inch skillet over medium heat in hot olive or salad oil, cook green onions just until tender.
- Stir in flour, sugar, and salt until smooth.
- Add vinegar, mustard, and 1/2 cup water.
- Cook, stirring, until dressing boils and thickens slightly.
- Remove skillet from heat.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier dressing, consider adding a dollop of Greek yogurt or mayonnaise. If you're out of tarragon vinegar, white wine vinegar works well. You can swap the turkey ham with leftover turkey or even grilled chicken for a heartier option. Feel free to mix in other vegetables like bell peppers or carrots based on what you have on hand.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Skillet Chef's Salad as a light lunch or dinner. It pairs beautifully with a side of crusty bread or a light soup for a complete meal. For a heartier option, consider serving alongside a rich dish like Cheddar And Chicken. Garnish with additional herbs for a fresh finish.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat the salad, warm the protein components separately in a skillet, but keep the greens fresh by adding them just before serving. This helps maintain their crispness and flavor.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Skillet Chef'S Salad contains roughly 1762 calories, with 114g protein, 71g carbohydrates, and 116g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (229% of the Daily Value), vitamin A (159% of the Daily Value), and calcium (154% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2807mg per serving (122% 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 use different types of greens?
Absolutely! Feel free to use any greens you prefer, such as arugula or mixed baby greens. Just ensure they are fresh to maintain a crunchy texture. This recipe is versatile and allows you to customize based on your taste or what's in your fridge.
How can I make this salad vegetarian?
To make this salad vegetarian, simply omit the turkey ham and chicken. You can add extra veggies, like roasted chickpeas or avocado, to enhance the flavor and protein content. Grilled tofu is also a great substitute that complements the dressing well.
What can I do with leftover dressing?
Leftover dressing can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week. Use it on other salads, as a marinade for grilled vegetables, or drizzled over roasted meats. It also works well as a dip for fresh veggies or bread.
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).