24 Hour Salad Or 7 Layer Salad
A classic layered salad combining fresh lettuce, crunchy vegetables, sweet peas, and savory toppings. Topped with mayonnaise, cheese, hard-boiled eggs, and crispy bacon, this dish offers a delightful mix of textures and flavors. Perfect for potlucks, picnics, or family gatherings, and tastes even better after chilling overnight.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Layer the lettuce, dried onions, celery, frozen peas, and sliced water chestnuts in a serving dish.
- Mix the mayonnaise with the Parmesan cheese and spread or dollop over the layered ingredients.
- Crumble the hard-boiled eggs and evenly distribute over the top.
- Crumble the fried bacon and sprinkle over the eggs.
- Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, try incorporating fresh herbs like dill or parsley into the mayonnaise mixture. If you don't have fried bacon, crispy prosciutto or smoked turkey can be great substitutes. You can also use Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise for a lighter dressing. To save time, consider using pre-chopped vegetables from the grocery store.
Serving Suggestions
This salad is perfect for potlucks or barbecues and pairs beautifully with grilled meats like Dijon Pork Chops or Maid-Rites. Serve it alongside crusty bread or a light soup for a complete meal. Consider garnishing with extra Parmesan or fresh herbs for a pop of color and flavor.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The salad may lose some crunch, but it will still be delicious. Avoid freezing as the texture of the ingredients may change. If you wish to serve it later, layer the ingredients separately and assemble just before serving.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of 24 Hour Salad Or 7 Layer Salad contains roughly 719 calories, with 9g protein, 27g carbohydrates, and 65g fat. It is a good source of protein (18% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (17% of the Daily Value), and calcium (11% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 850mg per serving (37% 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?
Yes, this salad is designed to be made a day in advance! Refrigerating it overnight allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Just be sure to cover it tightly with plastic wrap to keep it fresh.
What can I use instead of water chestnuts?
If you don't have water chestnuts, you can substitute them with diced cucumber for a similar crunch, or sliced almonds for a nutty flavor. Just keep in mind that the texture will differ slightly.
How can I make this salad vegetarian?
To make this salad vegetarian, simply omit the bacon and consider adding roasted chickpeas or sunflower seeds for added protein and crunch. You can also include more veggies like bell peppers or carrots.
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).