24-Hour Layer Salad
A vibrant, creamy layered salad featuring fresh vegetables, cheese, and a savory mayonnaise dressing, ideal for potlucks, picnics, or family gatherings that appreciate crunch and flavor.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Line a 13 x 9 x 2-inch Pyrex dish with bite-size pieces of crisp lettuce.
- Sprinkle with chopped green pepper and red pepper.
- Add a layer of chopped celery, chopped onion, and uncooked frozen peas.
- Combine the sugar and mayonnaise.
- Spread the mayonnaise mixture over the layered ingredients.
- Sprinkle the top with grated cheese.
- Top with crumbled bacon.
- Refrigerate overnight before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the flavor, consider using homemade mayonnaise or adding a splash of vinegar to the mayo mixture. For a lighter version, Greek yogurt can substitute half of the mayonnaise. You can also add diced cooked bacon or chopped hard-boiled eggs for extra protein. If you're short on time, pre-chopped vegetables can save prep time. This salad is a fantastic addition to summer picnics or potlucks, similar to an Icebox Salad.
Serving Suggestions
This 24-Hour Layer Salad is perfect as a side dish for grilled meats or sandwiches. Serve alongside fresh bread or crackers for a complete meal. It pairs beautifully with Ms. Prunella Cake for dessert, making it a delightful addition to any gathering. For an even heartier option, consider adding cooked chicken or chickpeas to turn this into a main dish.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The salad may become soggy over time, so it's best enjoyed fresh. If you need to reheat any components, such as bacon, do so in a skillet over low heat to maintain crispness, then reassemble the salad just before serving.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of 24-Hour Layer Salad contains roughly 220 calories, with 6g protein, 30g carbohydrates, and 9g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (35% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C and protein.
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 a day in advance?
Yes, this salad is designed to be prepared the night before. The flavors meld beautifully overnight, and it allows the ingredients to soften slightly, making it easier to serve. Just keep it covered in the refrigerator until you're ready to serve.
What can I substitute for the frozen peas?
If you're not a fan of peas, diced cucumbers or blanched green beans work well as substitutes. You can also try using corn for a sweeter flavor. Just ensure whatever you choose is chopped small enough to layer well in the salad.
Is this salad suitable for vegetarian diets?
Yes, this 24-Hour Layer Salad is vegetarian-friendly as it primarily consists of vegetables and dairy. You can make it even more wholesome by adding more veggies or including plant-based protein sources, making it a great choice for those following vegetarian recipes.
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).