Chef Salad
Published December 15, 2022 • Updated February 1, 2026
A classic salad recipe for those who also like sandwiches
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This classic Chef Salad is filled with fresh vegetables and protein-packed meat and eggs all drizzled with a savory homemade ranch dressing. It's low carb, filling, and perfect for a keto lunch.
If salad feels like boring diet food, I hate to tell you but you’re making them wrong! This Chef Salad is a perfect example of how a keto-friendly meal can be delicious and incredibly filling.
It’s easy to get your veggies in and fill up on protein with this salad on the menu. While you can serve it alongside the main dish, I recommend just grabbing a large bowl and digging into this low carb salad as your lunch or dinner.
Top this fresh salad with a hefty drizzle of easy homemade ranch dressing or blue cheese dressing for a healthy and delicious meal!
What is a chef salad?
How to make a chef salad
Chef salads are easy to make at home, especially if you already have the dressing made.- Wash the lettuce and pat it dry or run it through a salad spinner to dry the leaves.
- Chop and slice your vegetables, cheeses and meats.
- Toss all ingredients (except for the dressing) together in a large bowl.
- Serve with dressing on the side or mix the salad dressing into the salad.
Key ingredients & substitutions
- Green leaf lettuce – This soft and tender lettuce is the perfect base for a Chef Salad, but you can substitute it with romaine, iceberg lettuce, butter lettuce or another salad blend if needed.
- Arugula – Not present in a classic Chef Salad, but adds a peppery flavor that complements the salty and savory ingredients.
- Cucumber – Use English or garden cucumbers, sliced and cut into half moons. Keep the skins on unless they’re extra tough or bitter.
- Radishes – Also not found in a traditional Chef Salad; however, thinly sliced radishes give this salad a bit of a peppery & spicy kick.
- Cherry tomatoes – Cherry tomatoes are ideal because of their sweet taste and small size. You can also halve grape tomatoes or dice up a Roma tomato for this recipe.
- Hard-boiled eggs – You can easily hard boil eggs in the air fryer, on the stove or in the oven. Or purchase boiled eggs from the grocery store.
- Deli ham & turkey – Choose deli meat that’s free from added sugars to keep it keto.
- Cheddar cheese – Shredded cheddar is classic for a Chef Salad, but you can also use Colby, Swiss cheese or blue cheese crumbles.
- Ranch dressing – Make your own low-carb ranch or buy a store-bought one like the Primal Kitchen brand.
Explore 680+ keto recipe videos with step-by-step instructions, tips, and tricks to make keto easy.
Ingredients
1 cucumber, peeled & cut into half moons -
2 heads green leaf lettuce, cut into bite sized pieces
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8 oz arugula
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3 oz radishes, thinly sliced
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1/2 pint cherry tomatoes, quartered
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3 hard boiled eggs, quartered
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8 oz deli ham, sliced
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8 oz deli turkey, sliced
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8 oz cheddar cheese, sliced
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2/3 cup ranch dressing
Step by Step Instructions
Step by Step Instructions
Chop, slice and dice
Prep all of your vegetables, meats, cheeses and eggs by slicing, dicing, chopping and quartering. Wash the lettuce and let dry.
Nutrition disclaimer
The nutrition information provided is an estimate and is for informational purposes only. I am a Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D.); however, this content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your physician or other qualified health provider before making any lifestyle changes or beginning a new nutrition program.
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Get My Macros (Free) →Frequently Asked Questions
Why do they call it Chef salad?
Chef salads are made based on what the “chef” has available in his or her kitchen. This is why there are no set rules on what ingredients are needed for a Chef salad.
What’s the difference between a cobb salad and a Chef salad?
Cobb salads and Chefs salads are very similar with a variety of vegetables, meat and cheese, but Cobb salads typically include avocado, blue cheese and bacon as staple ingredients.
What kind of cheese goes in a Chef salad?
A chef salad recipe can include any kind of cheese, typically cheddar, swiss, provolone, or blue cheese.
