Maurice Salad Recipe: A Detroit Classic You Can Make at Home
Maurice Salad. The name itself conjures images of bustling Detroit restaurants, crisp lettuce, and a tangy dressing. This iconic salad, a staple in the Motor City’s culinary landscape, is more than just a mix of greens and meats; it’s a taste of history and a comforting reminder of home for many. While its exact origins remain shrouded in a bit of mystery, the Maurice Salad is most closely associated with J.L. Hudson’s department store, a Detroit institution that closed its doors in 1983. For decades, Hudson’s served this salad in its elegant dining rooms, and it quickly became a customer favorite. Now, you can recreate this classic in your own kitchen. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know to make an authentic Maurice Salad, from the ingredients to the preparation, and even some variations to try.
What is Maurice Salad?
At its heart, the Maurice Salad is a composed salad, meaning the ingredients are arranged in a deliberate and visually appealing manner. It typically consists of a base of iceberg lettuce, topped with strips of ham, turkey, Swiss cheese, and sometimes, gherkin pickles. The real magic, however, lies in the creamy, tangy Maurice dressing, a signature blend that ties all the flavors together. Think of it as a more sophisticated, Detroit-style Cobb salad.
The History of the Maurice Salad
As mentioned earlier, the Maurice Salad is inextricably linked to J.L. Hudson’s department store. While the exact recipe was never officially released, many believe it was created by a chef named Maurice, hence the salad’s name. Others speculate that it was named after a popular Hudson’s employee. Regardless of its true origin, the Maurice Salad became a symbol of Hudson’s, and Detroiters flocked to the store’s restaurants specifically to enjoy it. After Hudson’s closed, numerous restaurants and home cooks attempted to replicate the original recipe, each adding their own unique twist. This has led to countless variations of the Maurice Salad, but the core elements – lettuce, ham, turkey, Swiss cheese, and the signature dressing – remain consistent.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
* **Nostalgia:** If you’re from Detroit or have ever visited, this salad will instantly transport you back to the good old days.
* **Flavorful:** The combination of savory meats, mild cheese, and tangy dressing is a flavor explosion in your mouth.
* **Easy to Make:** While it looks impressive, the Maurice Salad is surprisingly simple to assemble.
* **Customizable:** Feel free to adjust the ingredients to your liking. Add or substitute ingredients based on your preferences.
* **Perfect for Lunch or Dinner:** It’s a hearty and satisfying meal that’s perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients for Maurice Salad
Before you start, gather all your ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:
* **Lettuce:** 1 head of iceberg lettuce, washed and chopped. Iceberg is traditional, providing that satisfying crunch, but you can mix in other greens like romaine or butter lettuce if you prefer.
* **Ham:** 8 ounces of cooked ham, sliced into thin strips. Use a good quality deli ham for the best flavor. Black Forest ham or honey ham are both excellent choices.
* **Turkey:** 8 ounces of cooked turkey, sliced into thin strips. Just like the ham, opt for a good quality deli turkey. Smoked turkey adds a nice depth of flavor.
* **Swiss Cheese:** 4 ounces of Swiss cheese, sliced into thin strips. The nutty and slightly sweet flavor of Swiss cheese complements the other ingredients perfectly. Gruyere can also be used.
* **Gherkin Pickles:** 1/2 cup of gherkin pickles, thinly sliced. These add a tangy and slightly sweet crunch that cuts through the richness of the other ingredients. Sweet pickles can be substituted if you don’t have gherkins.
* **Green Olives:** 1/4 cup of green olives, sliced (optional). Some variations include green olives for a salty and briny flavor.
* **Hard-Boiled Eggs:** 2 hard-boiled eggs, sliced (optional). Adds protein and richness.
* **Maurice Dressing:** See the recipe below for the Maurice dressing.
For the Maurice Dressing:
This is where the magic happens! The dressing is what truly defines the Maurice Salad. Here’s what you’ll need:
* **Mayonnaise:** 1 cup of good quality mayonnaise. Full-fat mayonnaise provides the best flavor and texture.
* **Salad Dressing:** 1/4 cup of salad dressing (like Miracle Whip). This adds a touch of sweetness and tanginess. If you prefer a less sweet dressing, you can omit this or reduce the amount.
* **Yellow Mustard:** 2 tablespoons of yellow mustard. Adds a sharp and tangy flavor.
* **White Vinegar:** 2 tablespoons of white vinegar. Provides acidity to balance the richness of the mayonnaise.
* **Sugar:** 1 tablespoon of granulated sugar. Balances the acidity and adds a touch of sweetness. Adjust to taste.
* **Onion Powder:** 1/2 teaspoon of onion powder. Adds a subtle onion flavor.
* **Garlic Powder:** 1/4 teaspoon of garlic powder. Enhances the overall flavor of the dressing.
* **Salt and Pepper:** To taste. Season to your liking.
Equipment You’ll Need
* **Cutting board and knife:** For chopping and slicing the ingredients.
* **Large bowl:** For assembling the salad.
* **Small bowl or jar:** For mixing the dressing.
* **Whisk or fork:** For blending the dressing ingredients.
How to Make Maurice Salad: Step-by-Step Instructions
Now for the fun part! Here’s how to assemble your very own Maurice Salad:
**Step 1: Prepare the Maurice Dressing**
1. In a small bowl or jar, combine the mayonnaise, salad dressing, yellow mustard, white vinegar, sugar, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
2. Whisk or shake well until all ingredients are fully incorporated and the dressing is smooth and creamy.
3. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. Add more sugar for sweetness, vinegar for tanginess, or salt and pepper to your liking.
4. Cover and refrigerate the dressing for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. This step is crucial for developing the characteristic Maurice dressing flavor.
**Step 2: Prepare the Salad Ingredients**
1. Wash and chop the iceberg lettuce into bite-sized pieces. Drain well to prevent a watery salad. You can use a salad spinner to remove excess moisture.
2. Slice the ham, turkey, and Swiss cheese into thin strips, about 2-3 inches long.
3. Thinly slice the gherkin pickles and green olives (if using).
4. If using hard-boiled eggs, slice them into wedges or quarters.
**Step 3: Assemble the Maurice Salad**
1. In a large bowl, arrange the chopped iceberg lettuce as the base of the salad. You can also divide the lettuce among individual salad plates.
2. Arrange the strips of ham, turkey, and Swiss cheese over the lettuce in a visually appealing manner. You can create separate piles of each ingredient or mix them together.
3. Sprinkle the sliced gherkin pickles and green olives (if using) over the salad.
4. Garnish with sliced hard-boiled eggs (if using).
**Step 4: Dress and Serve**
1. Just before serving, drizzle the Maurice dressing over the salad. Start with a small amount and add more to your liking. Be careful not to overdress the salad, as it can become soggy.
2. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Tips for Making the Best Maurice Salad
* **Use fresh, high-quality ingredients.** The better the ingredients, the better the salad will taste.
* **Don’t overdress the salad.** Add the dressing just before serving to prevent the lettuce from wilting.
* **Chill the dressing before serving.** This allows the flavors to meld and enhances the overall taste.
* **Customize the ingredients to your liking.** Feel free to add or substitute ingredients based on your preferences.
* **Make it ahead of time.** You can prepare the individual components of the salad (lettuce, meats, cheese, pickles) ahead of time and store them separately in the refrigerator. Then, assemble the salad just before serving.
* **For a vegetarian version:** substitute the ham and turkey with marinated tofu or tempeh strips.
* **Add a protein boost:** Include chickpeas or white beans.
Variations on the Classic Maurice Salad
While the classic Maurice Salad is delicious on its own, there are many ways to customize it to your liking. Here are a few variations to try:
* **Spicy Maurice Salad:** Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the dressing for a kick of heat.
* **Deluxe Maurice Salad:** Add avocado slices, crumbled bacon, or chopped tomatoes to the salad.
* **Mediterranean Maurice Salad:** Substitute the ham and turkey with grilled chicken or lamb and add feta cheese, Kalamata olives, and cucumber.
* **Vegan Maurice Salad:** Substitute the ham, turkey, and Swiss cheese with plant-based alternatives. Use vegan mayonnaise and salad dressing for the dressing.
* **Maurice Salad Wrap:** Instead of serving the salad in a bowl, wrap it in a large tortilla for a convenient and portable lunch.
Serving Suggestions
The Maurice Salad is a complete meal on its own, but it also pairs well with a variety of side dishes. Here are a few suggestions:
* **Soup:** A cup of creamy tomato soup or a hearty vegetable soup.
* **Bread:** A crusty baguette or a warm roll.
* **Fruit:** A side of fresh fruit, such as berries or melon.
* **Chips:** Some potato chips or pretzels for added crunch.
How to Store Leftovers
The Maurice Salad is best enjoyed fresh, but leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. However, the lettuce may wilt and the dressing may separate over time. It’s best to store the dressing separately and add it just before serving.
Nutritional Information
The nutritional information for the Maurice Salad will vary depending on the specific ingredients and amounts used. However, a typical serving of Maurice Salad contains approximately:
* Calories: 400-600
* Fat: 30-50 grams
* Protein: 20-30 grams
* Carbohydrates: 10-20 grams
Maurice Salad Dressing Recipe
Because the dressing is the heart of the Maurice Salad, a more detailed recipe is useful:
**Yields:** About 1 1/2 cups
**Prep Time:** 5 minutes
**Chill Time:** 30 minutes
**Ingredients:**
* 1 cup mayonnaise (full-fat recommended)
* 1/4 cup salad dressing (like Miracle Whip, optional)
* 2 tablespoons yellow mustard
* 2 tablespoons white vinegar
* 1 tablespoon granulated sugar (or to taste)
* 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
* 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
* Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
**Instructions:**
1. **Combine Ingredients:** In a medium bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, salad dressing (if using), yellow mustard, white vinegar, sugar, onion powder, and garlic powder.
2. **Season:** Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Start with a pinch of each and adjust according to your preference.
3. **Whisk Well:** Whisk all ingredients together until the mixture is smooth and well combined. Ensure there are no lumps.
4. **Taste and Adjust:** Taste the dressing and adjust the seasonings as needed. If you prefer a sweeter dressing, add a little more sugar. If you like it tangier, add a touch more white vinegar. For a more savory flavor, add a pinch more onion or garlic powder.
5. **Chill:** Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or transfer the dressing to an airtight container. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Chilling the dressing is essential for developing its signature taste.
6. **Serve:** Once chilled, whisk the dressing again before serving. This ensures that the ingredients are well combined. Drizzle over your Maurice Salad just before serving.
**Notes:**
* **Mayonnaise:** Using a high-quality, full-fat mayonnaise is crucial for achieving the rich and creamy texture of the dressing. Avoid using light or fat-free mayonnaise, as they will not provide the same results.
* **Salad Dressing:** Salad dressing, such as Miracle Whip, adds a distinctive sweetness and tanginess to the dressing. If you prefer a less sweet dressing, you can reduce the amount or omit it altogether. If omitting, you might consider adding a touch more sugar or vinegar to compensate.
* **Sugar:** The amount of sugar can be adjusted to suit your personal taste. Start with 1 tablespoon and add more if needed. Keep in mind that the salad dressing (if used) already contains sugar.
* **Storage:** The Maurice Salad dressing can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. Be sure to whisk it well before each use, as it may separate slightly during storage.
Final Thoughts
The Maurice Salad is more than just a salad; it’s a taste of Detroit history and a comforting reminder of home for many. With this recipe, you can easily recreate this classic dish in your own kitchen and enjoy a delicious and satisfying meal. So, gather your ingredients, follow the steps, and get ready to experience the magic of the Maurice Salad!