Beverly Hills Tennis Club Salad

Beverly Hills Tennis Club Salad Recipe - Delicious and Nutritious Salad

Region / culture: USA | Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 0 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

The Beverly Hills Tennis Club Salad is a luxurious and refreshing dish that embodies the elegance and exclusivity of its namesake. This salad is a delightful mix of crisp lettuce, succulent roast beef, tender turkey, fresh vegetables, and savory toppings, all brought together with a homemade dressing that adds a tangy and flavorful finish. Perfect for a sophisticated lunch, dinner, or special occasion, this salad offers a gourmet dining experience that is both satisfying and nutritious.

History

The Beverly Hills Tennis Club Salad has its roots in the glamorous world of Beverly Hills, California, where it was first served at the prestigious Beverly Hills Tennis Club. This club, known for its celebrity members and exclusive atmosphere, introduced the salad as part of its upscale menu, quickly making it a favorite among the elite. Over the years, the recipe has been shared and enjoyed beyond the club's walls, becoming a beloved dish for those seeking a taste of Beverly Hills luxury.

Ingredients

Salad

1.5 lb (680 g) head of crisp lettuce, cut into small pieces
0.5 lb (227 g) medium cooked roast beef, diced
0.5 lb (227 g) cooked chicken or turkey, diced
0.5 lb (227 g) mushrooms, sliced
0.5 lb (227 g) cucumbers, peeled, cored, and diced
0.25 lb (113 g) carrots, peeled, sliced, and diced
4 tbsp grated parmesan cheese
0.5 cup garlic croutons
0.25 lb (113 g) crisp cooked bacon, crumbled

Dressing

3 whole eggs [1]
0.25 tsp pepper
0.25 tsp sugar
0.25 tsp salt
1 tsp dry mustard
0.5 cup red wine vinegar
1 cup Wishbone italian dressing
2 cups soybean salad oil
1 cup cold water

How to prepare

Dressing

Place eggs, pepper, sugar, salt, and dry mustard in a food processor.
Blend well for 2 minutes.
Add vinegar and Italian dressing, and mix for another minute.
Slowly add oil drop by drop from a tablespoon, then add water to thin down the dressing.
Makes 1 qt (946 ml).

Salad

Toss salad ingredients with the dressing and serve cold.

Variations

To customize the Beverly Hills Tennis Club Salad, consider adding or substituting ingredients based on personal preference or dietary needs. Grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu can replace the roast beef and turkey for a different protein choice. Avocado, bell peppers, or artichoke hearts can add extra flavor and nutrients.

References

↑ This recipe uses raw eggs. Use only fresh, clean eggs.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

To ensure the best flavor and texture for your Beverly Hills Tennis Club Salad, consider the following tips:

- Use the freshest ingredients possible, especially for the salad greens and vegetables.

- Cook the roast beef and turkey to the desired doneness and let them cool completely before dicing.

- For the dressing, add the oil slowly to emulsify it properly and achieve a smooth consistency.

- Chill the salad before serving to enhance its refreshing taste.

Serving Suggestions

The Beverly Hills Tennis Club Salad can be served as a standalone meal or accompanied by a light soup or artisan bread for a more filling option. It's perfect for a summer lunch, dinner party, or any occasion that calls for a touch of sophistication.

Cooking Techniques

The key cooking techniques for this salad include roasting or grilling the meats to perfection, slicing and dicing the vegetables for a pleasing texture, and emulsifying the dressing for a smooth and flavorful finish.

Ingredient Substitutions

For a healthier version of the salad, substitute whole eggs in the dressing with egg whites or a vegan egg alternative. Olive oil can replace salad oil for a heart-healthier fat option. Gluten-free croutons or nuts can be used instead of regular croutons for those avoiding gluten.

Make Ahead Tips

The dressing for the Beverly Hills Tennis Club Salad can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to a week. The meats can also be cooked and diced in advance, making assembly quick and easy when ready to serve.

Presentation Ideas

Serve the salad in a large, elegant bowl or individual plates with a garnish of extra parmesan cheese and a sprig of fresh herbs for a visually appealing presentation that matches its luxurious taste.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair the Beverly Hills Tennis Club Salad with a crisp white wine, such as a Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio, to complement its flavors. For a non-alcoholic option, a sparkling water with a squeeze of lemon or lime adds a refreshing touch.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

The salad is best enjoyed fresh, but leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. It's recommended to store the dressing separately and add it just before serving to maintain the best texture and flavor.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

A serving of the Beverly Hills Tennis Club Salad contains approximately 350-400 calories. This makes it a suitable option for those looking for a nutrient-dense meal that supports a balanced diet.

Carbohydrates

The Beverly Hills Tennis Club Salad is relatively low in carbohydrates, with the primary sources being the vegetables and croutons. The exact carbohydrate content will vary depending on the specific ingredients used and their quantities. However, a serving of this salad is estimated to contain approximately 10-15 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

This salad contains a moderate amount of fat, primarily from the salad dressing, roast beef, turkey, and bacon. The use of salad oil in the dressing contributes to the fat content, but choosing a high-quality oil can provide healthier unsaturated fats. The total fat content per serving is estimated to be around 20-25 grams, with a focus on balancing both saturated and unsaturated fats.

Proteins

The Beverly Hills Tennis Club Salad is an excellent source of high-quality protein, thanks to the inclusion of roast beef, turkey, and parmesan cheese. These ingredients contribute to a satisfying and muscle-building meal, with an estimated protein content of 25-30 grams per serving.

Vitamins and minerals

This salad is packed with vitamins and minerals, courtesy of its diverse range of ingredients. The vegetables provide vitamins A and C, potassium, and fiber, while the eggs in the dressing offer vitamin D and B vitamins. The meats add iron and zinc, making this dish a nutritional powerhouse.

Alergens

Common allergens in this recipe include eggs, dairy (parmesan cheese), and gluten (croutons). Individuals with food allergies or sensitivities should modify the recipe accordingly or exercise caution.

Summary

Overall, the Beverly Hills Tennis Club Salad offers a balanced mix of macronutrients and a wealth of vitamins and minerals. It's a nutritious option that doesn't sacrifice flavor for health, making it a perfect choice for a variety of dietary needs.

Summary

The Beverly Hills Tennis Club Salad is a classic dish that combines gourmet ingredients with a flavorful dressing for a truly memorable meal. Whether you're looking to impress guests or treat yourself to a luxurious salad, this recipe offers a perfect blend of taste, nutrition, and elegance. With options for customization and make-ahead preparation, it's a versatile choice for any occasion.

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I was drawn to it like a magnet. It was a sunny day in Beverly Hills, and I had just finished playing a few rounds of tennis at the famous Beverly Hills Tennis Club. As I walked into the club's restaurant to grab a bite to eat, I noticed a vibrant and colorful salad on the menu that immediately caught my eye.

I asked the waitress about the salad, and she told me it was called the Beverly Hills Tennis Club Salad. She described it as a refreshing mix of fresh greens, juicy tomatoes, creamy avocados, tangy feta cheese, and a zesty vinaigrette dressing. My mouth watered just thinking about it, and I knew I had to learn how to make it myself.

I approached the chef in the kitchen and asked if he would be willing to share the recipe with me. To my surprise, he welcomed me with open arms and eagerly showed me how to make the salad step by step. As he chopped, tossed, and mixed the ingredients, he explained the history behind the recipe.

The Beverly Hills Tennis Club Salad was a signature dish at the club, enjoyed by members and guests alike for decades. It was created by a renowned chef who used to work at the club many years ago. The recipe had been passed down from chef to chef, with each one adding their own special touch to it.

I was mesmerized by the chef's storytelling as he shared with me the secret ingredients and techniques that made the salad so unique and delicious. I took notes diligently, making sure to capture every detail so that I could recreate the salad at home.

After spending a few hours in the kitchen with the chef, I finally had the recipe for the Beverly Hills Tennis Club Salad memorized. I couldn't wait to try it out for myself and share it with my family and friends.

The next day, I gathered all the ingredients I needed and got to work in my own kitchen. As I chopped the fresh greens, sliced the ripe tomatoes, diced the creamy avocados, crumbled the tangy feta cheese, and whisked together the zesty vinaigrette dressing, I felt a sense of pride and accomplishment.

When I took my first bite of the Beverly Hills Tennis Club Salad, I was transported back to that sunny day at the club. The flavors burst in my mouth, the textures danced on my palate, and I knew that I had truly captured the essence of the recipe.

I shared the salad with my family and friends, and they all raved about how delicious it was. They couldn't believe that I had learned to make such a gourmet dish in just one day. I beamed with pride as I told them the story of how I had acquired the recipe from the Beverly Hills Tennis Club.

Since then, the Beverly Hills Tennis Club Salad has become a staple in my repertoire of recipes. I make it for special occasions, potlucks, and dinner parties, always receiving compliments and requests for the recipe.

I am forever grateful to the chef at the Beverly Hills Tennis Club for sharing his knowledge and passion with me. Learning how to make the Beverly Hills Tennis Club Salad was not just about mastering a recipe; it was about connecting with a rich culinary tradition and preserving a piece of history.

As I continue to cook and experiment in the kitchen, I carry the story of the Beverly Hills Tennis Club Salad with me, a reminder of the power of food to bring people together, evoke memories, and create lasting connections. And that, my dear, is how I learned to make the Beverly Hills Tennis Club Salad.