J.L. Hudson’s Maurice Salad

 

A Taste of Detroit History: J.L. Hudson’s Maurice Salad

Few recipes carry the warmth of memory and the flavor of tradition quite like J.L. Hudson’s Maurice Salad. This iconic dish, once a staple at the J.L. Hudson Department Store’s elegant dining rooms in Detroit, has stood the test of time — a nostalgic blend of crispness, creaminess, and class.

A Department Store Legacy

For decades, the J.L. Hudson Company was more than just a department store — it was a cultural institution in Detroit. At its height, it was one of the largest department stores in the world, drawing shoppers from across the region. But for many Detroiters, one of the main attractions wasn’t just the fashion or home goods — it was the elegant dining room on the mezzanine level, where the Maurice Salad became a signature favorite.

This salad wasn’t just lunch — it was a little luxury, a pause in the day that felt like a special occasion. To this day, it lives on in the memories of locals who grew up with it, and in recipes passed down or recreated for new generations.

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What Is a Maurice Salad?

The Maurice Salad is a composed salad that balances hearty ingredients with a bright, creamy dressing. It’s a main-course salad, packed with protein and crunch, perfect for a satisfying lunch or light dinner.

Traditionally, the salad includes:

• Julienned ham, turkey, and Swiss cheese

• Sliced pickles and green olives

• Hard-boiled eggs

• Crisp iceberg lettuce

• A creamy, tangy Maurice dressing made with mayonnaise, vinegar, lemon juice, and a hint of sweetness

Each bite delivers a harmonious contrast — savory meats, sharp cheese, the tang of pickles and olives, all brought together by the unmistakable dressing that made it famous.

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Why It Endures

What makes the Maurice Salad so memorable isn’t just the flavor — it’s the connection to an era when dining out felt like an event. Eating at the Hudson’s mezzanine café was a cherished ritual, often tied to shopping trips, holidays, or outings with loved ones. The salad’s enduring popularity is rooted in that emotional legacy.

Over the years, many Detroit-area restaurants and home cooks have kept the Maurice Salad alive, some offering faithful recreations, others giving it a modern twist.

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Make It at Home

Recreating the Maurice Salad at home is both simple and satisfying. Whether you’re nostalgic for Detroit’s golden retail era or just discovering this classic, it’s a recipe worth trying — a timeless blend of fresh, bold flavors.

Want to try it for yourself? Here's a version of the classic recipe you can make at home:

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🥗 J.L. Hudson’s Maurice Salad Recipe

Ingredients:

• 2 cups cooked ham, julienned

• 2 cups cooked turkey or chicken breast, julienned

• 2 cups Swiss cheese, julienned

• 1/2 cup green olives, sliced

• 1/4 cup sweet pickles, chopped

• 3 hard-boiled eggs, sliced

• 6 cups shredded iceberg lettuce

Maurice Dressing:

• 1 cup mayonnaise

• 2 tablespoons lemon juice

• 2 tablespoons white vinegar

• 1 tablespoon sugar

• 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard

• 1/4 teaspoon dry mustard

• Salt and white pepper to taste

• 2 tablespoons pickle juice (optional)

• 1 tablespoon chopped parsley (optional)

Instructions:

1. Make the dressing: In a medium bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, lemon juice, vinegar, sugar, Dijon mustard, dry mustard, and pickle juice (if using). Season with salt and white pepper to taste. Chill until ready to use.

2. Assemble the salad: In a large bowl, combine ham, turkey, Swiss cheese, olives, pickles, and hard-boiled eggs.

3. Add the shredded lettuce and toss gently with the dressing just before serving, or plate the lettuce and top with the tossed meat mixture.

4. Garnish with extra egg slices or parsley, if desired.

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A Bite of the Past

Whether you're recreating it for family, serving it at a luncheon, or just looking for something classic and comforting, J.L. Hudson’s Maurice Salad is more than just a dish — it's a slice of Midwestern history on a plate.

So next time you're looking for something nostalgic, hearty, and timeless, remember this Detroit gem. Some recipes fade with time, but the Maurice Salad continues to shine — just like the memories it carries.