Chef's Salad

This nostalgic Chef's Salad is crisp, flavorful, and so simple to make with things you already have in your kitchen. When you need something light and refreshing, this is definitely awesome.

I'm an indulgent witch for sure. I think a lot of the women who were historically called wicked were simply being villianized for seeking a bit of pleasure in their lives. So when it comes to eating, I go all in for what tastes good, and that very rarely crosses over with food that is "good for me." I know there will be practitioners out there who will try to tell me that "low vibe foods" are bad for me, but if they make me feel awesome, how bad can they be?

And conversely, if so called "high vibe foods" make me feel sad and angry, then are they really raising my vibration? I became a witch so I could make my own rules and create a life that feels awesome. So I'm only going to eat salad when I feel like it. And every once in a while, I do actually feel like it.

What makes this Chef's Salad so awesome?

This simple Chef's Salad inspired by Nigella Lawson is so easy to pull together with things you might already have in your kitchen. The domestic goddess never apologizes for her food choices, so when I saw she was making her chef's salad with iceberg lettuce, I had to obey. It may lack the nutritional complexity of other lettuces, but it's crunchy and refreshing and actually hydrating on a hot summer's day.

This salad is topped with salty ham, flavorful sharp cheddar cheese, sweet burst of fresh corn, and a simple mustard viniagrette that you can easily whip up from pantry ingredients. And you can make a huge salad bowl full to feed the family or make just a single serving for a nice little lunch for yourself. Whether this is just getting the meal started or feeding you on a night when it's too hot to cook, you're gonna love it.

Magical Properties of Lettuce

The magical properties of lettuce vary slightly depending on the variety, which is governed by the shape of the lettuce. If it's round, it's going to have more of the feminine properties. If it's long, it will have more of a masculine vibe. I'm sure I don't have to tell you why. Iceberg lettuce will be ruled by the moon and the elements of earth and water. You can use it in spells for divination, prosperity, protection, and sleep. (Source: The Kitchen Witch's Guide to Healing & Self-Care by Maggie Haseman)

For more on the magical properties of the ingredients in this recipe, check the Kitchen Magick page.

Ingredients

Here's everything you'll need to make this salad. The full details are in the recipe card below.

• Iceberg lettuce - whole or pre-chopped and bagged, whatever you prefer
• Ham - sliced deli ham is great
• Corn - from a can is easiest, but thawed frozen corn would also work
• Shredded cheese - I prefer cheddar, but use whatever you have on hand and like the taste of
• Mustard - use your favorite variety
• White wine vinegar - or whatever you have on hand
• Salt
• Olive oil - this is a good time to use extra virgin

Tips for making Chef's Salad

There is nothing remotely difficult about making a salad, especially if you're using pre-chopped lettuce from a bag. Combine the leaves, chopped ham, corn, and cheese to your liking, either in a big bowl for multiple servings or a single bowl for one. Obviously just adjust proportions to make it taste good to you.

To mix the dressing, you can combine all the ingredients in a sealed jar and give it a good shake. Or whisk together the mustard, vinegar, and salt, then stream in the olive oil while whisking to make a lovely smooth dressing. If you prefer a creamier dressing, you could even whisk in a bit of mayo or some plain yogurt.

And of couse, if you have other things you want to add, go for it. Shredded carrots, hard-boiled eggs, whatever is easy and makes you happy. That's a high vibe salad in my book.

I hope you eat what makes you feel good, and if you're in the mood for a simple and delicious sald, definitelhy give this Chef's Salad a try. It's pretty damn awesome.

Looking for more awesome salad recipes? Try this delicious Bacon and Egg Salad or a Fiery Halloumi Salad.

Print

Recipe adapted from Nigella Express by Nigella Lawson.