Club Salad Parfait

Experience a symphony of textures and flavors with this incredible Layered Club Salad! Crispy, pan-fried croutons, a medley of fresh, vibrant vegetables, savory bacon, a generous blend of shredded cheeses, tender turkey, and succulent ham, all brought together by a zesty homemade dressing. This isn’t just a salad; it’s a fresh, filling, and utterly satisfying meal that’s destined to become your new favorite!

Unleash a Burst of Flavor and Dynamic Texture

As the days grow longer and warmer, there’s nothing quite like a crisp, refreshing salad to satisfy cravings. Our Layered Club Salad perfectly embodies the spirit of springtime eating, delivering an explosion of flavor and a delightful interplay of textures in every single bite. Imagine all the beloved elements of a classic club sandwich – the juicy meats, the crisp lettuce, the rich bacon – transformed into a vibrant, easy-to-eat salad. Fresh romaine and ripe tomatoes provide a clean, crisp base, while a generous helping of shredded cheese adds creamy richness. Thick-cut bacon brings a salty, smoky crunch, and tender cubes of turkey and ham offer hearty protein, making this salad incredibly substantial. The real game-changer? Homemade, pan-fried croutons, boasting an irresistible crunch that elevates the entire dish. Finally, a bright, tangy dressing expertly weaves all these magnificent components together, creating a meal that feels both gourmet and comforting.

Effortless Elegance: The Art of Layered Presentation

Beyond its incredible taste, this Layered Club Salad truly shines with its stunning visual appeal. The beauty of a layered salad lies in its ability to showcase each colorful ingredient, creating a vibrant edible masterpiece that’s almost too pretty to eat. It makes for an absolutely gorgeous centerpiece, perfect for those special occasions when you want to impress without the stress. Picture it gracing the table at a casual luncheon with friends, a sophisticated baby shower brunch, or even a festive holiday gathering. Each distinct layer of fresh greens, colorful tomatoes, savory meats, and golden croutons creates an inviting mosaic that promises deliciousness before the first forkful. If you adore this stunning presentation, you might also enjoy my Layered Chicken Taco Salad or my comforting Layered Cornbread Salad – they all prove that a meal can be as enjoyable to look at as it is to savor.

A Wholesome and Hearty Salad That Becomes a Meal

Forget the notion that salads are just side dishes. This Layered Club Salad is a truly substantial offering, making it an ideal choice for a satisfying midweek family dinner or a quick, healthy lunch. Packed with lean protein from the turkey and ham, along with the richness of bacon and cheese, it provides ample sustenance to keep everyone feeling full and energized. The diverse array of flavors and textures keeps things exciting, even for the pickiest eaters. Kids and adults alike will find something to love, making mealtime a breeze. Furthermore, the homemade dressing, featuring the lively kick of Dijon mustard and the tang of apple cider vinegar, adds a vibrant zest that ties everything together beautifully. The best part? This recipe is incredibly adaptable. Feel free to customize it to your heart’s content – add sliced hard-boiled eggs for extra protein, experiment with different cheese blends, or toss in extra veggies like cucumber or bell peppers. The possibilities are endless, allowing you to create your perfect personalized club salad experience. It’s truly your favorite classic club sandwich reimagined in a refreshing, nutrient-rich, and utterly delicious salad format you’ll crave again and again.

Essential Ingredients and Simple Supplies for Your Club Salad

Crafting this delightful Layered Club Salad requires a selection of fresh, high-quality ingredients and a few common kitchen tools. Below is a detailed list of what you’ll need, with some notes to help you achieve the best results. For precise measurements and step-by-step instructions, be sure to refer to the comprehensive recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Key Ingredients for the Perfect Layered Club Salad:

• Thick-Cut Bacon: Opt for thick-cut varieties as they render beautifully, providing ample drippings for your croutons and a satisfying chew in the salad itself.
• Cubed Baguette: A day-old baguette works wonderfully here, as it absorbs the bacon grease and seasons well, leading to perfectly crispy croutons.
• Reserved Bacon Grease (or Olive Oil): The rendered bacon fat is crucial for those incredibly flavorful, golden-brown croutons. If you’re short on drippings, a good quality olive oil can be used as a substitute.
• Garlic Powder: Adds a warm, aromatic depth to your homemade croutons.
• Kosher Salt & Ground Black Pepper: Essential seasonings for both the croutons and the dressing, enhancing all the natural flavors.
• Mayonnaise: Forms the creamy, rich base of our homemade dressing. Use your favorite brand for optimal flavor.
• Whole Grain Dijon Mustard: This provides a delightful tang and a slight peppery kick, elevating the dressing beyond ordinary.
• Apple Cider Vinegar: Adds a crucial acidic balance to the dressing, cutting through the richness and brightening all the flavors.
• Chopped Romaine Lettuce: The backbone of the salad, providing a crisp, fresh foundation. Ensure it’s thoroughly washed and dried for the best texture.
• Shredded Monterey Jack and Cheddar Cheese: This classic combination offers a perfect balance of mild creaminess and sharp tang. Pre-shredded works for convenience, or shred your own for extra freshness.
• Diced Thick-Cut Ham: Choose a good quality, savory ham for a hearty and flavorful layer.
• Diced Thick-Cut Turkey: Tender, oven-roasted turkey adds a delicious lean protein element.
• Fresh Tomato: Ripe, juicy tomatoes bring a burst of sweetness and acidity, along with a beautiful pop of color.

Essential Supplies for Effortless Preparation:

• Large Skillet: Indispensable for perfectly crisping your bacon and preparing those irresistible homemade croutons. A cast-iron skillet works wonders for even heat distribution.
• Medium Mixing Bowl: Ideal for whisking together the homemade dressing until it’s smooth and perfectly emulsified.
• Large Clear Serving Bowl: Crucial for showcasing the stunning layers of your Club Salad, making it as appealing to the eye as it is to the palate.

Crafting Your Masterpiece: How to Assemble the Layered Club Salad

Follow these simple steps to bring your delicious Layered Club Salad to life. Each component is designed to complement the others, creating a harmonious and satisfying dish.

• Step 1: Achieve Crispy Bacon Perfection. Begin by laying your thick-cut bacon in a large skillet over medium-low heat. Cook it slowly and evenly, allowing the fat to render and the bacon to become beautifully crisp, which typically takes about 8 minutes. This unhurried approach ensures maximum crispness and flavor. As the bacon cooks, collect the precious drippings in the skillet – these will be used for your sensational croutons. Once perfectly crisp, transfer the bacon onto a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess fat and cool. When it’s cool enough to handle, chop the bacon into bite-sized chunks, ready to be layered into your salad.
• Step 2: Create Irresistible Homemade Croutons. With the savory bacon drippings still in the skillet, increase the heat to medium. Add the 5 cups of cubed baguette, tossing gently to ensure each piece is thoroughly coated in the flavorful bacon grease. Now, generously sprinkle the bread cubes with 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, ½ teaspoon of kosher salt, and ¼ teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper. Continue tossing until all the seasonings are evenly distributed. Arrange the seasoned bread in a single layer in the skillet and toast, stirring frequently, until each cube is golden brown and delightfully crunchy on all sides. This process usually takes between 5 to 8 minutes. Once perfected, remove the croutons from the skillet and transfer them to a bowl, allowing them to cool slightly while maintaining their crispness.
• Step 3: Whisk Up the Zesty Dressing. In a medium mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of creamy mayonnaise, 2 tablespoons of whole grain Dijon mustard, and ¼ cup of bright apple cider vinegar.

• Using a whisk, vigorously mix these ingredients until they are thoroughly combined and the dressing achieves a smooth, creamy consistency. Taste the dressing and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper as needed to suit your preference. This vibrant dressing is the unifying element that brings all the salad components together.
• Step 4: Master the Art of Layering. This is where the magic happens and your salad’s beautiful presentation comes to life! In a large, clear serving bowl – chosen specifically to showcase your layers – begin by spreading a third of your freshly made croutons evenly across the bottom. Next, meticulously arrange half of the remaining salad ingredients in distinct layers, following this order: first, a generous layer of crisp romaine lettuce, followed by shredded cheese, then diced ham, followed by diced turkey, then chopped bacon, and finally, vibrant chopped tomatoes.

• Once this initial set of layers is complete, drizzle half of your creamy, zesty dressing over the tomatoes. Follow this with a layer composed of half of the remaining croutons. Now, repeat the layering process with the remaining quantities of lettuce, cheese, ham, turkey, bacon, and tomatoes, creating a beautiful second tier of ingredients.

• Finally, crown your magnificent layered salad with the last portion of crispy croutons, providing a glorious finish and ensuring a satisfying crunch with every scoop.

Storage and Meal Prep Tips

One of the many benefits of this Layered Club Salad is its excellent make-ahead potential. Once assembled, the salad can be covered tightly with plastic wrap or an airtight lid and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days before serving. The distinct layers help to keep the ingredients fresh and prevent sogginess. The homemade croutons, though best enjoyed fresh when at their crispiest, are intentionally placed within the layers and on top without being fully tossed in the dressing. This strategic placement allows them to maintain a good amount of their crunch, even after refrigeration. While they may soften ever so slightly over time in the cool environment, they will still offer a delightful textural contrast and an easy, satisfying chew when you’re ready to enjoy your salad. This makes it a fantastic option for meal prepping healthy lunches or preparing ahead for gatherings.

We absolutely love seeing your culinary creations! If you whip up this fantastic Layered Club Salad, please be sure to snap a picture and share it with me on Instagram by tagging @thebakermama. I can’t wait to see your beautiful rendition! For even more recipe inspiration, cooking tips, and to connect with a community of fellow food lovers, join my exclusive Friends of The BakerMama group on Facebook. It’s a wonderful place to share your successes, ask questions, and discover new favorite dishes. I truly cherish seeing how inspired and creative you all get with the recipes and ideas I share. Enjoy every delightful bite!

xoxo,

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Layered Club Salad

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  Author: The BakerMama
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  Prep Time: 10 minutes
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  Cook Time: 16 minutes
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  Total Time: 26 minutes
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  Yield: 6 servings

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Description

This Layered Club Salad is a vibrant and satisfying meal, combining the classic flavors of a club sandwich into a fresh, impressive salad. Featuring crispy pan-fried croutons, tender turkey and ham, savory bacon, a delicious blend of cheeses, and crisp vegetables, all brought together by a homemade Dijon dressing, it’s a perfect choice for a hearty lunch, elegant brunch, or quick family dinner. Its beautiful presentation and versatile ingredients make it an unforgettable dish!

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Ingredients

• 6 slices thick-cut bacon

For the Crispy Croutons:

• 5 cups cubed baguette (preferably day-old)
• Reserved bacon grease (from cooking bacon, or 1/4 cup olive oil)
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

For the Zesty Homemade Dressing:

• 1 cup mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons whole grain Dijon mustard
• 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
• Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Delightful Salad Layers:

• 1 (9 ounce) bag chopped romaine lettuce (6 cups total)
• 1 and 1/2 cups shredded Monterey Jack and cheddar cheese blend
• 1 and 1/2 cups diced thick-cut ham (7.5 ounce package)
• 1 and 1/2 cups diced thick-cut turkey (7.5 ounce package)
• 1 cup chopped cooked bacon (from the 6 slices prepared earlier)
• 1 cup chopped fresh tomato

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Instructions

1. Prepare the Bacon: In a large skillet set over medium-low heat, cook the thick-cut bacon until it is wonderfully crisp, approximately 8 minutes. During this process, be sure to reserve the flavorful bacon drippings in the skillet. Once cooked, transfer the crispy bacon to a plate lined with paper towels to cool and drain. When cool, chop the bacon into small, uniform pieces.
2. Craft the Croutons: Keep the bacon drippings in the skillet and increase the heat to medium. Add the 5 cups of cubed baguette, tossing them thoroughly to ensure each piece is coated in the savory fat. Sprinkle the bread with 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, ½ teaspoon of kosher salt, and ¼ teaspoon of ground black pepper, tossing again to distribute the seasonings evenly. Toast the bread in a single layer, stirring frequently, until every cube is golden brown and delightfully crunchy on all sides, a process that typically takes 5-8 minutes. Transfer the finished croutons to a separate bowl.
3. Whisk the Dressing: In a medium mixing bowl, combine the 1 cup of mayonnaise, 2 tablespoons of whole grain Dijon mustard, and ¼ cup of apple cider vinegar. Whisk these ingredients together until the dressing is well combined, smooth, and creamy. Season the dressing with salt and pepper to your taste, adjusting as needed for the perfect balance of flavors.
4. Assemble the Layers: Choose a large, clear serving bowl to best showcase the beautiful layers of your salad. Start by placing one-third of the crispy homemade croutons evenly at the bottom of the bowl. Next, begin to layer half of the salad ingredients in the following sequence: first, the chopped romaine lettuce, followed by the shredded cheese blend, then the diced ham, then the diced turkey, then the chopped bacon, and finally, the chopped fresh tomatoes. Drizzle half of your prepared zesty dressing over the layer of tomatoes. Top this with half of the remaining croutons. Repeat the entire layering sequence with the remaining quantities of lettuce, cheese, ham, turkey, bacon, and tomatoes. Finish by crowning your impressive salad with the final portion of croutons.
5. Serve and Savor: Your magnificent Layered Club Salad is now ready to be served! Toss gently just before serving if desired, or allow guests to scoop from the beautiful layers. Enjoy this fresh, flavorful, and filling meal!

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