Cuban Salad
Cuban Salad is a crisp and refreshing dish featuring fresh lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers, ham, Swiss cheese, olives, and onions tossed in a tangy citrus vinaigrette. It's quick to prepare, packed with protein and vegetables, and perfect for lunch, dinner, or as a side dish. The combination of savory meats, creamy cheese, and bright dressing creates a balanced and satisfying meal. Easily customizable with grilled chicken, roasted pork, avocado, or black beans, this salad brings authentic Caribbean-inspired flavors to your table. Ready in just 20 minutes, it's ideal for busy weeknights and entertaining guests alike.
Ingredients
For the Salad
- 1 large head romaine lettuce, chopped
- 2 cups iceberg lettuce, shredded
- 2 medium tomatoes, diced
- 1 cucumber, sliced
- ½ red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 cup cooked deli ham, diced
- 1 cup Swiss cheese, cubed
- ½ cup green olives, sliced
- ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
For the Citrus Dressing
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
- 1 tablespoon fresh orange juice
- 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon honey
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Wash and thoroughly dry all vegetables.
- Chop the romaine lettuce and shred the iceberg lettuce. Place both in a large salad bowl.
- Add the tomatoes, cucumber, onion, diced ham, Swiss cheese, olives, and parsley.
- In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lime juice, orange juice, vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey, garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper until well combined.
- Pour the dressing over the salad just before serving.
- Gently toss until every ingredient is evenly coated.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Serve immediately with crusty bread or alongside a Cuban sandwich.
Notes
- Freshly squeezed citrus juice gives the dressing the best flavor.
- Romaine lettuce adds crunch, while iceberg provides extra crispness.
- Swiss cheese is traditional, but provolone also works well.
- Chill the salad ingredients before assembling for maximum freshness.
- Add avocado just before serving to prevent browning.
- Use good-quality olives for authentic flavor.
- Dress the salad only when ready to eat.
- Leftover dressing can be refrigerated for up to 5 days.