Macy’s Maurice Salad Recipe: Classic Department Store Nostalgia

This timeless salad brings back memories of department store dining at its finest. The combination of fresh greens, crisp vegetables, and a signature dressing captures a classic flavor profile.

I’ve recreated this recipe to deliver that same nostalgic taste, with simple ingredients and a straightforward method. It’s a dish that feels special without being complicated.

Ingredients for Macy’s Maurice Salad

Classic deli counter staples recreate this nostalgic department store favorite with ease.

The turkey and Swiss should come from a quality deli counter—Boar’s Head is a reliable brand, but any high-quality deli meat and cheese will work. Opt for freshly sliced rather than pre-packaged for the best texture. The lettuces need to be crisp; Whole Foods or a local farmers market often has the freshest selection. Iceberg provides the signature crunch, while romaine adds a touch of bitterness.

No turkey? Chicken breast or ham works well as a substitute. Swiss can be swapped for Provolone or Gruyère—just ensure it’s sliced thin. For a lighter dressing, Greek yogurt at half the volume replaces the sour cream. The Dijon mustard is key for that tangy bite, but yellow mustard in a pinch will do. Fresh herbs like dill or parsley can be added for extra brightness.

This salad holds up well for 2-3 days in the fridge if dressed just before serving. Store components separately to maintain crispness. The dressing keeps for 1 week in a sealed jar. Best served chilled, this dish tastes even better after the flavors meld for an hour.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Macy’s Maurice Salad

Master thistimeless composition with precise preparation and careful layering for authentic results.

Step 1: Prepare and Chop All Vegetables

Core the 1 whole Iceberg Lettuce and 1 whole Romaine Lettuce, then chop both into bite-sized pieces. The iceberg provides crispness while the romaine adds subtle bitterness. Place them in a large serving bowl—this will be your base.

Peel the 1 whole English Cucumber and slice it into ¼-inch rounds. Halve the 1 cup Cherry Tomatoes and thinly slice the 4 whole Radishes. These additions bring freshness, color, and a sharp bite to balance the creamy elements.

Step 2: Create the Signature Dressing

In a medium bowl, whisk together the 0.75 cup Mayonnaise, 0.25 cup Sour Cream, 2 tbsp Dijon Mustard, 1 tbsp White Vinegar, 1 tsp Granulated Sugar, 0.5 tsp Kosher Salt, and 0.25 tsp Freshly Ground Black Pepper until completely smooth.

The vinegar and mustard provide tang, while the sugar balances acidity. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed—the dressing should be rich but not overpowering. This yield is perfectly calibrated for the salad’s proportions.

Step 3: Add Protein and Cheese

Peel and quarter the 4 whole Hard-Boiled Eggs lengthwise, then arrange them over the lettuce. Cut the 0.5 lb Turkey Breast and 0.25 lb Swiss Cheese into thin strips and distribute evenly across the bowl.

The turkey adds savory depth, while the Swiss cheese contributes a mild, nutty note. These elements should be visible and accessible in every serving, ensuring each bite contains the full flavor profile.

Step 4: Dress and Toss Gently

Pour the dressing over the salad just before serving. Using large salad tongs, gently fold everything together, ensuring the greens are lightly coated but not drenched. Overmixing will break the delicate lettuce and muddle the presentation.

This is a composed salad, so the goal is to maintain the integrity of each ingredient while allowing the flavors to harmonize. The dressing should glisten on the surface without pooling at the bottom of the bowl.

Flavor Customization for This macys maurice salad

Add Crunchy Elements

Swap radishes for ½ cup toasted almonds or sunflower seeds for extra texture. I love adding crispy bacon bits for a smoky depth. These additions keep the salad exciting without overpowering the classic base. 🥗

Spice It Up

For heat, mix ½ tsp cayenne pepper into the dressing. Or add 2 tbsp pickled jalapeños to the veggie mix. The tang of the peppers pairs surprisingly well with the creamy dressing. I’ve found this works especially well for summer picnics.

Protein Swaps

Replace turkey with ½ lb ham or chicken breast for variety. Smoked turkey adds a delightful depth. For a vegetarian option, chickpeas or hard-boiled eggs only keep the salad hearty.

Cheese Variations

Try Gruyère for a nuttier flavor or Provolone for a milder taste. Pepper Jack adds a subtle kick. I prefer to keep the cheese thinly sliced so it distributes evenly throughout each bite.

Dressing Twists

Swap Dijon for whole-grain mustard for a rustic touch. Add 1 tbsp honey to sweeten the dressing slightly. For a tangier profile, increase the vinegar to 2 tbsp. Each tweak brings a new dimension to the dish. 💡

Herb Infusions

Fresh herbs like dill or parsley brighten up the salad. Add 2 tbsp chopped chives for a mild onion flavor. These small additions elevate the freshness of the greens and balance the richness of the dressing.

Frequently Asked Questions