Layered Salad with Ham, Corn, and Cheese

This layered salad with ham, corn, and cheese is a delicious, hearty dish perfect for potlucks, family gatherings, or even as a light meal on its own. It combines a variety of textures and flavors, from the crisp crunch of Chinese cabbage or iceberg lettuce to the savory richness of ham or your preferred protein. Korean carrots add a tangy, slightly spicy element, while boiled eggs provide extra protein and richness. A can of sweet corn adds a touch of sweetness, balancing the flavors beautifully. Finally, a generous layer of cheese completes the dish, with a creamy dressing of your choice bringing everything together.

This salad is not only flavorful but also visually appealing, thanks to its layered presentation. It’s easy to customize with different proteins or vegetables, and you can adjust the seasonings and dressing to your taste.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

For a 22 cm salad (about 4-6 servings):

  • Chinese cabbage or iceberg lettuce: 200 g
  • Ham, sausage, meat, or chicken: 300 g (cooked and cubed)
  • Korean carrots: 150 g
  • Boiled eggs: 3-4 eggs
  • Canned corn: 1 can (250-300 g, drained)
  • Cheese: 150 g (grated)

For seasoning:

  • Salt and spices: To taste (such as black pepper, paprika, or garlic powder)
  • Mayonnaise or sour cream: To taste (for dressing, approximately 100-150 g)

Instructions (Step-by-Step)

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
  1. Chop the Chinese cabbage or iceberg lettuce: Wash and pat dry the cabbage or lettuce. Chop it into thin strips or bite-sized pieces, as it will serve as the base layer for your salad. If using iceberg lettuce, its crunchy texture works wonderfully with the other ingredients.
  2. Prepare the protein: If you’re using ham or sausage, slice it into thin strips or small cubes. If you prefer chicken or another type of meat, ensure it’s cooked thoroughly, then shred or chop it into small pieces. You’ll need about 300 g of your chosen protein.
  3. Grate the cheese: Use a fine grater to shred 150 g of cheese. You can choose from hard cheeses like cheddar, gouda, or mozzarella, depending on your preference. Cheese adds a rich, creamy element to the salad.
  4. Prepare the eggs: Boil 3-4 eggs in a pot of water for about 10-12 minutes until they are hard-boiled. After boiling, let them cool under cold water, then peel and chop the eggs into small cubes or slices.
  5. Drain the corn: Open a can of sweet corn, drain the liquid, and set the corn aside.
  6. Prepare the Korean carrots: If you’re using store-bought Korean-style carrots, they are typically julienned and seasoned with garlic, vinegar, and chili flakes. You can also make your own, but for this recipe, 150 g of ready-made Korean carrots is sufficient.
Step 2: Layer the Salad
  1. Layer 1 – Chinese cabbage or iceberg lettuce: Spread the chopped cabbage or lettuce evenly across the bottom of a 22 cm serving dish or bowl. This creates a light, crunchy base for the salad. Sprinkle lightly with salt or your favorite seasoning if desired.
  2. Layer 2 – Ham or protein: Next, add the chopped ham, sausage, or your preferred protein. Spread it evenly over the lettuce layer. This adds savory and meaty flavors to the salad.
  3. Layer 3 – Korean carrots: Layer the Korean carrots on top of the ham. The tangy, slightly spicy flavor of the carrots provides a nice contrast to the savory layers below. Spread them evenly so every bite gets a bit of that delicious crunch.
  4. Layer 4 – Boiled eggs: Add the chopped boiled eggs on top of the Korean carrots. The eggs add a creamy texture and mild flavor, complementing the other ingredients. You can season the eggs lightly with salt and pepper.
  5. Layer 5 – Corn: Spread the drained sweet corn evenly over the egg layer. The sweetness of the corn pairs beautifully with the tangy carrots and savory ham, adding both flavor and texture.
  6. Layer 6 – Cheese: Sprinkle the grated cheese generously over the top of the salad. This is the final layer that brings richness and creaminess to the dish. You can use a single type of cheese or mix different types for a more complex flavor.
Step 3: Add the Dressing
  1. Choose your dressing: Depending on your preference, use either mayonnaise, sour cream, or a combination of both as the dressing. You can add about 100-150 g of dressing, adjusting based on how creamy you want the salad to be.
  2. Spread the dressing: Evenly spread the mayonnaise or sour cream over the top layer of cheese. You can also mix the dressing into some of the layers if you prefer a more uniform distribution of flavor.
Step 4: Chill and Serve
  1. Chill the salad: For the best flavor, refrigerate the salad for 30-60 minutes before serving. This allows the layers to settle and the flavors to meld together.
  2. Serve: Once chilled, serve the layered salad by slicing into portions or scooping out each layer to preserve the visual appeal. It can be enjoyed as a main dish or as a side for larger meals.

Cooking Tips

  • Customize the protein: Feel free to experiment with different types of protein. Chicken, turkey, or even smoked fish can be excellent alternatives to ham or sausage.
  • Make it vegetarian: If you want a vegetarian version, simply omit the ham or meat and add more vegetables, such as bell peppers, cucumbers, or olives.
  • Balance the flavors: Adjust the seasoning to taste. You can add garlic powder, paprika, or black pepper between the layers to enhance the flavor.
  • Dressing options: For a lighter option, you can replace the mayonnaise with sour cream or even use a yogurt-based dressing. If you want a richer flavor, use mayonnaise with a touch of mustard or garlic.
  • Cheese varieties: Different types of cheese bring distinct flavors. For a sharp, tangy taste, use cheddar or parmesan. For a milder, creamier flavor, mozzarella or gouda work well.

Storage

  • Refrigeration: Leftover salad can be stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 2 days. After that, the salad may start to lose its texture as the vegetables release moisture.
  • Avoid freezing: This salad is not suitable for freezing, as the texture of the vegetables and eggs would deteriorate after thawing.

Nutritional Facts (Per Serving, Based on 6 Servings)

  • Calories: 350 kcal
  • Protein: 20 g
  • Carbohydrates: 15 g
  • Fat: 25 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Sugar: 5 g
  • Sodium: 800 mg
  • Vitamin A: 15% DV
  • Vitamin C: 35% DV
  • Calcium: 15% DV
  • Iron: 10% DV

Frequently Asked Questions

  1. Can I prepare the salad ahead of time?
    • Yes, you can prepare this salad up to 24 hours in advance. Assemble the layers, but wait to add the dressing until just before serving to keep the ingredients fresh and crisp.
  2. Can I substitute the Korean carrots with regular carrots?
    • Yes, if you don’t have Korean carrots, you can use shredded raw carrots. For added flavor, toss them with a little vinegar, garlic, and chili flakes to mimic the tangy, spicy flavor of Korean carrots.
  3. What’s the best type of cheese for this salad?
    • Mild cheeses like mozzarella or gouda work well for a creamy texture, while cheddar or parmesan adds a sharp, tangy flavor. Choose according to your taste preferences.
  4. How can I lighten the salad?
    • For a lighter version, you can use Greek yogurt or a low-fat sour cream instead of mayonnaise. Additionally, you can increase the ratio of vegetables to reduce the calorie content.
  5. How do I make the salad spicier?
    • To add some heat, sprinkle in some chili flakes or hot paprika between the layers. You can also mix a bit of hot sauce into the dressing.

Conclusion

This layered salad with ham, corn, and cheese is a versatile, delicious dish that’s easy to prepare and perfect for any occasion. The combination of fresh vegetables, savory protein, and rich cheese, topped with a creamy dressing, makes it both hearty and satisfying. Whether you serve it as a side dish at a gathering or enjoy it as a light main course, this salad is sure to be a hit. With customizable ingredients and dressing options, you can tailor it to suit your taste and dietary preferences. Enjoy the delightful blend of textures and flavors that this layered salad brings to the table!