This page collects five salad recipes that move from hearty deli-style mixes to creamy pasta and chopped steakhouse-inspired bowls.
Each one uses a different base and method, from pulsing ham in a food processor to folding pasta or chicken into a seasoned dressing.
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- Chicken Sub Salad
- Deviled Egg Pasta Salad: A Creamy, Tangy Twist on a Classic Favorite
- Copycat Ruth’s Chris Chopped Salad
- Country-Style Ham Salad
- Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad
Chicken Sub Salad
Chicken Sub Salad combines shredded chicken with chopped salami, roasted red peppers, and pepperoncini for a bold, sandwich-shop flavor profile. The dressing mixes pepperoncini brine, roasted red pepper brine, lemon zest and juice, mayonnaise or Greek yogurt, oregano, red pepper flakes, and garlic powder, creating a tangy, savory coating that ties the ingredients together.
The method is simple: stir everything in a large bowl until fully combined, then cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes so the flavors meld. It can be served chilled on buns, over greens, or with crackers, which makes the same mixture work as a salad, spread, or casual snack plate.
Get the full Chicken Sub Salad recipe
Deviled Egg Pasta Salad: A Creamy, Tangy Twist on a Classic Favorite
Deviled Egg Pasta Salad brings together elbow macaroni, chopped hard-boiled eggs, celery, green onions, and optional sweet pickle relish in a creamy dressing. The dressing is whisked from mayonnaise, sour cream, mustard, apple cider vinegar, sugar, paprika, salt, and black pepper, giving the salad a deviled-egg style flavor that stays rich and tangy.
After cooking the pasta until al dente, it is rinsed under cold water to stop the cooking process and drained thoroughly before being folded into the dressing. The eggs and vegetables are mixed in gently so they stay intact, then the salad is chilled for at least 1 hour and finished with more paprika and parsley before serving.
Get the full Deviled Egg Pasta Salad: A Creamy, Tangy Twist on a Classic Favorite recipe
Copycat Ruth’s Chris Chopped Salad
Copycat Ruth’s Chris Chopped Salad uses iceberg lettuce as the base, then layers in bacon, radicchio, green olives, hearts of palm, blue cheese, mushrooms, hard-boiled eggs, red onion, and chopped croutons. A basil-forward dressing made from sour cream, lemon juice, kosher salt, garlic powder, and fresh basil gives the salad a thick, creamy finish with a green-flecked look.
The preparation depends on fine chopping so each forkful contains a little of everything, and the salad is tossed very well to coat all the ingredients evenly. For a steakhouse-style presentation, the portions can be packed into ring molds on plates, then topped with French fried onions and halved cherry tomatoes just before serving to keep the onions crisp.
Get the full Copycat Ruth’s Chris Chopped Salad recipe
Country-Style Ham Salad
Country-Style Ham Salad turns thick slab ham, hard-boiled egg, celery, and white onion into a finely minced salad with a classic deli texture. The binding mixture of mayonnaise, sweet relish, Dijon mustard, and black pepper adds creaminess and a gentle tang that complements the savory ham.
The key method detail is pulsing the ham mixture in a food processor until evenly minced before stirring it into the dressing. After everything is incorporated, the salad is covered and chilled for at least 1 hour, then served cold with bread or crackers for an easy, spreadable dish.
Get the full Country-Style Ham Salad recipe
Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad
Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad pairs chopped cooked chicken with celery, dried cranberries, and finely chopped pecans for a mix of creamy, sweet, and crunchy elements. Mayonnaise is folded in gradually, while dried tarragon, salt, and black pepper give the salad a simple herb seasoning that supports the fruit and nut flavors.
The method emphasizes adding the mayonnaise in batches so the coating stays even and can be adjusted as needed. After mixing, the salad is refrigerated for at least 2 hours to let the flavors develop, then stirred again before serving with more mayonnaise if a looser consistency is desired.
