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This classic Maurice Salad combines tender strips of ham, turkey, and Swiss cheese with crisp iceberg lettuce and tangy pickles, all dressed in a creamy homemade dressing studded with hard-boiled egg. The perfect balance of savory protein, crunchy vegetables, and rich, tangy dressing makes this a satisfying meal any time of year.
I first discovered Maurice Salad at a department store café years ago and immediately had to recreate it at home. Now it's our go-to summer dinner when we want something substantial but refreshing.
Ingredients
- Mayonnaise: forms the creamy base for the dressing bringing richness and body
- Lemon juice and white vinegar: add brightness and cut through the richness
- Grated yellow onion: provides subtle sharpness without overpowering
- Granulated sugar: balances the acidity with just a touch of sweetness
- Dijon mustard and mustard powder: deliver complexity and depth to the dressing
- Fresh parsley: brings color and herbaceous notes
- Hard-boiled egg: adds texture and richness to the dressing
- Cooked ham and turkey breast: provide hearty protein and savory flavor
- Swiss cheese: contributes nutty creaminess and additional protein
- Sweet gherkin pickles: offer tangy crunch and contrast
- Iceberg lettuce: delivers refreshing crispness and serves as the base
- Pimento stuffed green olives: add briny flavor and visual appeal
How To Make Maurice Salad
- Prepare the dressing:
- Combine lemon juice, vinegar, salt, both mustards, grated onion, and sugar in a blender. Blend thoroughly until the sugar completely dissolves, creating a smooth emulsion. This careful blending ensures your dressing has no grainy texture.
- Mix in remaining dressing ingredients:
- Transfer the blended mixture to a container and gently fold in the chopped parsley, grated egg, and mayonnaise. Stir until everything is well incorporated but still maintains texture. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld together.
- Prepare the proteins:
- Cut ham, turkey, and Swiss cheese into uniform strips about a quarter-inch wide and two inches long. Keeping the pieces similar in size ensures a balanced bite where no ingredient dominates.
- Assemble the salad:
- Place shredded iceberg lettuce in a large serving bowl. Add the meat and cheese strips along with sliced gherkin pickles. Pour approximately 1½ cups of the prepared dressing over the ingredients.
- Final toss and garnish:
- Season the salad with salt and pepper to taste, then gently toss everything together until evenly coated with dressing. Top with pimento-stuffed green olives for a colorful, flavorful garnish right before serving.
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The gherkin pickles are truly the unsung hero of this recipe. Their sweet-tangy flavor cuts through the richness of the meats and dressing. My husband claimed to hate pickles until he tried this salad, and now he specifically requests extra gherkins whenever I make it!
Make It Ahead
The beauty of Maurice Salad lies in its make-ahead potential. Prepare the dressing up to five days in advance and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. You can also prep all the components separately – slice the proteins, chop the vegetables, and store them in separate containers. When ready to serve, simply toss everything together with the dressing for a fresh-tasting meal in minutes.
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Ingredient Swaps
This salad is incredibly adaptable to what you have on hand. Chicken can easily replace turkey, and any good melting cheese like provolone or Havarti works in place of Swiss. If you prefer a lighter version, substitute Greek yogurt for half the mayonnaise in the dressing. For a vegetarian variation, omit the meats and add chickpeas and extra cheese for protein.
Serving Suggestions
Maurice Salad shines as a main course but also works beautifully alongside soup for a complete meal. Serve it on a bed of butter lettuce instead of mixing it in for an elegant presentation, or stuff it into a croissant or pita pocket for a portable lunch. For a party, create a Maurice Salad bar with all components separate so guests can build their own perfect plate.
The History Behind Maurice Salad
This iconic salad originated at the J.L. Hudson department store in Detroit, Michigan, in the early 20th century. Created by the store's head chef, Maurice Bricout, it became so popular that customers would visit the store specifically to enjoy this signature dish. The original recipe was a closely guarded secret for decades, but variations began appearing in restaurants across the Midwest. Today, Maurice Salad remains a nostalgic favorite for many who remember enjoying it during shopping trips to grand department stores.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → What makes Maurice Salad unique?
Maurice Salad is known for its combination of tender ham, turkey, Swiss cheese, and sweet gherkin pickles, all tossed with a tangy, creamy dressing. It's a hearty and flavorful dish perfect for lunch or dinner.
- → Can I make the dressing in advance?
Yes, the dressing can be made up to 5 days in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for best results.
- → What type of lettuce works best for this dish?
Iceberg lettuce is the traditional choice for Maurice Salad as it provides a crisp, refreshing base that pairs well with the other ingredients.
- → Can I substitute ingredients in the dressing?
Yes, you can customize the dressing by using alternative vinegar types, yellow mustard instead of Dijon, or omitting the mustard powder for a milder flavor.
- → How should I serve Maurice Salad?
The salad is best served chilled and topped with green olives for garnish. It can be enjoyed as a main meal or as a side dish at gatherings.