12 Hour Salad
A hearty layered salad featuring fresh greens, crunchy vegetables, creamy dressing, cheese, and bacon, perfect for potlucks and family gatherings with bold, savory flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Place salad greens in the bottom of a 3-quart bowl or 13 x 9 x 2-inch dish.
- Top with layers of chopped celery, chopped green peppers, chopped red onion, and thawed peas.
- Do not toss the salad.
- Combine salad dressing, sour cream, and sugar; spread over the layered salad.
- Sprinkle with shredded Cheddar cheese and crumbled cooked bacon.
- Cover and refrigerate overnight before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider using Greek yogurt in place of sour cream. If you're short on time, pre-chopped vegetables can save you prep work. You can also substitute the bacon with turkey bacon or omit it for a vegetarian option. Letting the salad sit overnight allows the flavors to meld beautifully, so avoid skipping this step.
Serving Suggestions
This 12 Hour Salad makes a fantastic side dish for barbecues or potlucks, and pairs beautifully with American recipes like grilled chicken or ribs. For a complete meal, serve it alongside a light soup or sandwich. You can also add grilled shrimp or chicken on top for a heartier option.
Storage & Reheating
Store the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you plan to keep leftovers, consider storing the dressing separately to prevent the greens from wilting. To enjoy leftovers, simply give the salad a gentle toss before serving, as the dressing may settle.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of 12 Hour Salad contains roughly 298 calories, with 14g protein, 36g carbohydrates, and 12g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (41% of the Daily Value), calcium (30% of the Daily Value), and protein (28% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 554mg per serving (24% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Absolutely! In fact, it's best when made a day in advance. The flavors develop overnight, making it even more delicious. Just ensure you cover it tightly to keep it fresh in the refrigerator.
What can I use instead of peas?
If you’re not a fan of peas, you can substitute them with diced cucumbers or even corn for a sweet crunch. Both alternatives will maintain the freshness of the salad.
How can I make this dish healthier?
To make the salad healthier, you can use a light dressing or homemade vinaigrette instead of mayo. Additionally, incorporating more vegetables like shredded carrots or diced tomatoes can increase the nutritional value without sacrificing flavor.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).