Mayfair Salad is a classic dish with a refreshing mix of textures and flavors. I love its balance of fresh greens, juicy meats, and rich dressing.
Contents
Mayfair salad recipe
The Mayfair Salad is a classic St. Louis salad. Together with the Mayfair dressing, it is a staple at the luxurious Mayfair Hotel.
The salad is known for its simplicity and freshness, with various textures and flavors. It combines ham with hard-boiled egg and vegetables. It’s served as a light meal or a substantial starter.
The Mayfair salad pairs well with grilled chicken, shrimp, salmon, ham, and Swiss cheese. It also complements BLT Salad, Club Salad, potato salad, and grilled veggies like asparagus. Serve with croutons or baguettes for extra crunch.
You can serve this salad with drinks like Zinfandel, Sauvignon Blanc, or rosé. Vermouth cocktails, gin and tonic, or vodka soda also work well to balance the creamy dressing.
Here’s how to make the Mayfair salad:
Mayfair Salad
Nutrition
Ingredients
- 1 large head romaine lettuce chopped
- 1/2 cup julienned cooked ham, deli ham, or 4–6 slices prosciutto, or roasted turkey breast
- 1/2 cup shredded Swiss cheese
- 2 hard-boiled eggs sliced or chopped
- 1/2 cup croutons preferably homemade or seasoned
- Mayfair dressing to taste (typically 2–3 tablespoons per serving)
Instructions
- Wash and chop romaine lettuce and place in a large salad bowl.
- Add ham or turkey, Swiss cheese, and chopped hard-boiled eggs.
- Toss gently to combine.
- Just before serving, add croutons and drizzle with Mayfair dressing. Toss lightly.
- Serve chilled.
Notes
- Serve with a slice of crusty bread or as a starter before a steak or chicken entrée for added authenticity.
- Optional: chill all ingredients before assembling for extra crispness.
SIMILAR RECIPES:
Variations
Here are some flavorful variations on the Mayfair salad you can try:
- Mediterranean Version
- Swap chicken for grilled halloumi cheese or falafel
- Add kalamata olives, artichoke hearts, and roasted red peppers
- Include feta cheese instead of Swiss/cheddar
- Top with toasted pine nuts and fresh herbs (basil, oregano)
- Serve with a lemon-herb vinaigrette alongside the Mayfair dressing
- Harvest Autumn Version
- Add roasted butternut squash cubes and sliced apples
- Include dried cranberries and candied pecans
- Use a mix of kale and romaine for the base
- Top with crumbled goat cheese
- Add a maple-mustard vinaigrette option
- Southwestern Twist
- Include black beans, corn, and diced bell peppers
- Add sliced avocado and crushed tortilla chips instead of croutons
- Use pepper jack cheese instead of Swiss/cheddar
- Top with fresh cilantro and lime wedges
- Use chipotle-lime dressing to complement the Mayfair
- Asian-Inspired Version
- Replace chicken with teriyaki salmon or edamame
- Add mandarin orange segments and snow peas
- Include thinly sliced red cabbage for color and crunch
- Top with crispy wonton strips instead of croutons
- Sprinkle with sesame seeds and green onions
- Offer a ginger-sesame dressing option
- Protein-Packed Version
- Double the chicken or swap for grilled steak strips
- Add chickpeas or quinoa
- Include sunflower seeds and chopped walnuts
- Top with sliced boiled eggs (2 instead of 1)
- Offer Greek yogurt-based dressing as a protein-rich alternative