Maurice Salad is a Detroit classic that originated at the legendary J.L. Hudson’s Department Store. Crisp iceberg, butter lettuce, and romaine are tossed with julienned ham, turkey, Swiss cheese, sweet gherkins, celery, olives, and hard-boiled eggs, then dressed in a creamy lemon-mustard dressing enriched with parsley and chopped egg. The result is a hearty deli-style salad that is both refreshing and satisfying, making it equally at home as a luncheon entrée, brunch feature, or light supper.

Ingredients

Dressing

• 1 Tablespoon white vinegar
• Juice of 1/2 lemon
• 1 Tablespoon sweet gherkin brine
• 1 Tablespoon finely grated sweet onion
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1 1/2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
• 1/4 teaspoon dry mustard
• 1 cup mayonnaise
• 1 Tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
• 1 hard-boiled egg, finely chopped
• salt and pepper to taste

Salad

• 1/4 pound sliced ham, cut into thin julienne strips
• 1/4 pound sliced turkey, cut into thin julienne strips
• 1/3 pound Swiss cheese, cut into thin julienne strips
• 1/2 cup sweet gherkins, thinly sliced
• 1/2 cup finely diced celery
• 1/4 cup pimento-stuffed green olives
• 1/4 cup plain green olives
• 2 hard-boiled eggs, sliced
• 1 medium head iceberg lettuce, shredded
• 1 head butter lettuce, torn into bite-sized pieces
• 1 handful romaine hearts, thinly sliced
• freshly cracked black pepper

Procedure

Make the Dressing

1. In a small bowl, whisk together the vinegar, lemon juice, sweet gherkin brine, grated onion, sugar, Dijon mustard, and dry mustard until the sugar dissolves.
2. Add the mayonnaise, parsley, and chopped hard-boiled egg.
3. Stir until smooth and well combined.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

Assemble the Salad

1. In a large bowl, combine the ham, turkey, Swiss cheese, sweet gherkins, and diced celery.
2. Add several spoonfuls of the dressing and toss until lightly coated.
3. Add the iceberg lettuce, butter lettuce, and romaine.
4. Add additional dressing as needed and gently toss until all ingredients are lightly coated.
5. Transfer to a chilled serving platter or large salad bowl.
6. Arrange the sliced hard-boiled eggs and olives attractively over the top.
7. Finish with several generous grinds of freshly cracked black pepper.
8. Serve immediately.

Cook’s Notes

• For the most authentic presentation, cut the ham, turkey, and Swiss cheese into thin julienne strips rather than cubes.
• The chopped egg in the dressing is a signature element that contributes richness and body.
• Chilling the dressing for at least 30 minutes significantly improves the flavor.
• The sweet gherkin brine adds depth and brightness while tying the dressing to the salad ingredients.
• Assemble and dress the salad immediately before serving to preserve the crisp texture of the greens.
• The dressing may be prepared up to 2 days in advance and refrigerated.
• For entertaining, prepare the dressing and meat mixture ahead of time and add the greens just before serving.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve with warm croissants, Parker House rolls, or crusty French bread.
• Pair with a cup of tomato basil soup for a classic department-store-style lunch.
• Accompany with fresh fruit such as grapes, strawberries, melon, or citrus segments.
• Present on chilled plates for brunches, luncheons, showers, or holiday gatherings.
• Add a small cup of fresh fruit salad and a pickle spear for a traditional deli-style presentation.

Beverage Suggestions

Non-Alcoholic

• Fresh lemonade
• Unsweetened iced tea with lemon
• Sparkling water with cucumber and mint
• Classic cream soda

Wine

• Sauvignon Blanc
• Pinot Grigio
• Dry Riesling
• Unoaked Chardonnay

Cocktails

• French 75
• Gin and tonic with a lemon twist
• Classic martini
• Vodka Collins

The bright acidity of these beverages balances the creamy dressing while complementing the savory ham, turkey, Swiss cheese, briny olives, and tangy pickles that make Maurice Salad a timeless luncheon favorite.