What is a Maurice salad and where did it originate?

A Maurice salad is a classic American salad that originated in San Francisco in the early 20th century. It typically features a base of iceberg lettuce topped with ingredients like diced chicken, hard-boiled eggs, tomatoes, olives, and sometimes green peppers, all dressed with a creamy, mayonnaise-based Maurice dressing. The salad is known for its balanced combination of fresh vegetables and protein, making it a popular lunch choice. Its origin is credited to Maurice Rouas, who created the salad at the Old Poodle Dog restaurant.

How do you make Maurice salad dressing at home?

To make Maurice salad dressing at home, combine mayonnaise, chili sauce or ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, lemon juice, curry powder, and a pinch of salt. Whisk the ingredients together until smooth. Adjust the flavors by adding more chili sauce for sweetness or extra lemon juice for tang. This creamy dressing is key to the salad’s distinctive flavor and pairs perfectly with the fresh vegetables and chicken typically used in Maurice salad.

Can Maurice salad be made vegetarian?

Yes, Maurice salad can easily be adapted for a vegetarian diet by omitting chicken and eggs or replacing them with plant-based proteins such as tofu or chickpeas. The salad base of lettuce, tomatoes, green peppers, and olives remains the same. The dressing, being mayonnaise-based, is vegetarian unless you need vegan options, in which you can use vegan mayo instead. This variation keeps the fresh, tangy flavors while accommodating dietary preferences.

What are some common variations of Maurice salad?

Common variations of Maurice salad include swapping chicken for turkey or shrimp, adding chopped green onions or celery for extra crunch, and using different lettuce varieties like romaine or mixed greens. Some recipes add crispy bacon bits or cheese for richer flavor. The dressing can also be tweaked, with some cooks adding mustard or hot sauce for a spicier kick. These variations allow you to customize the salad to your taste while preserving its core elements.

How should Maurice salad be stored and how long does it last?

Maurice salad is best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1-2 days. To prevent sogginess, keep the dressing separate until just before serving. If pre-mixed with dressing, the salad may wilt quickly, so refrigerate promptly and consume within a day. Storing ingredients like lettuce and vegetables separately extends freshness and maintains the salad’s crisp texture.

Maurice Salad Recipe Classic Easy Steps For Tradition

Name: Maurice Salad
Prep time: 20 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 teaspoons white vinegar; 1 1/2 teaspoons lemon juice; 2 teaspoons finely minced onion or 1 1/2 teaspoons onion juice; 1 1/2 teaspoons Dijon mustard; 1 1/2 teaspoons sugar; 1/4 teaspoon dry mustard; 1 cup mayonnaise (regular or low fat); 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley; 1 hard-cooked egg, diced; Salt to taste; 14 ounces cooked ham, cut into strips; 14 ounces cooked turkey breast, cut into strips; 14 ounces Swiss cheese, cut into strips; 1/2 cup slivered sweet gherkin pickles; 1 head iceberg lettuce, shredded; 12 to 16 pimento stuffed olives for garnish

Ingredients

Scale

2 teaspoons white vinegar

1 1/2 teaspoons lemon juice

2 teaspoons finely minced onion or 1 1/2 teaspoons onion juice

1 1/2 teaspoons Dijon mustard

1 1/2 teaspoons sugar

1/4 teaspoon dry mustard

1 cup mayonnaise (regular or low fat)

2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

1 hard-cooked egg, diced

Salt to taste

14 ounces cooked ham, cut into strips

14 ounces cooked turkey breast, cut into strips

14 ounces Swiss cheese, cut into strips

1/2 cup slivered sweet gherkin pickles

1 head iceberg lettuce, shredded

12 to 16 pimento stuffed olives for garnish

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Instructions

1-First, gather your ingredients and prepare them as needed. Wash and shred the lettuce, cut the ham, turkey, and cheese into strips, and dice the hard-cooked egg for the dressing.

2-Next, focus on the dressing: Combine the first six items white vinegar, lemon juice, minced onion, Dijon mustard, sugar, and dry mustard in a bowl. Stir until the sugar fully dissolves, creating a smooth base.

3-Then, add the rest of the dressing ingredients: mayonnaise, chopped parsley, diced hard-cooked egg, and salt. Mix everything thoroughly to blend the flavors.

4-Now, in a large bowl, toss together the ham, turkey, cheese, and slivered pickles with the prepared dressing until evenly coated.

5-Finally, arrange the shredded lettuce on plates, top with the dressed mixture, and garnish with 2 olives per plate. For a twist, check out our cucumber pepper salad recipe for fresh ideas to complement your Maurice Salad.

Last Step:

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Notes

🧅 Using onion juice instead of raw onion helps replicate the original Maurice salad flavor.
🥄 For a slight variation, half sour cream can replace mayonnaise, though the original ingredients maintain authenticity.
🥗 The combination of shredded lettuce with olives and gherkins is key to the salad’s traditional taste.

Author: Brandi Oshea
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Category: Salad
Method: Mixing and assembling
Cuisine: American
Diet: Contains dairy and meat

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 320 kcal
Sugar: 5 g
Sodium: 850 mg
Fat: 22 g
Saturated Fat: 7 g
Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 8 g
Fiber: 2 g
Protein: 20 g
Cholesterol: 70 mg