24 Hour Salad(Vegetable)
A vibrant, crunchy vegetable salad with creamy mayonnaise, cheese, and crispy bacon, perfect for family gatherings, potlucks, or summer picnics with fresh flavors and textures.
Ingredients
- 1 medium head iceberg lettuce ⓘ
- 1/2 cup green onions ⓘ
- 1 cup celery ⓘ
- 1 (8 oz) can water chestnuts ⓘ
- 1 (10 oz) package frozen petite peas
- 2 cups mayonnaise
- 2 teaspoons sugar
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon seasoned salt ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic salt ⓘ
- 3 or 4 hard-cooked eggs ⓘ
- 1/2 to 3/4 pound sliced bacon ⓘ
- 2 medium tomatoes ⓘ
Instructions
- Shred the iceberg lettuce and place it in a shallow serving dish (about 4 quart size).
- Top the lettuce with sliced green onions, sliced celery, and sliced water chestnuts.
- Open the can of peas and break them apart.
- Sprinkle the peas evenly over the salad.
- Spread mayonnaise evenly over the top of the salad.
- Sprinkle the salad with sugar, grated Parmesan cheese, seasoned salt, and garlic salt.
- Cover and chill in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before serving.
- Just before serving, add crumbled crispy fried bacon and tomato wedges on top.
Tips & Substitutions
For best results, prepare the salad the night before to allow the flavors to meld. You can substitute the iceberg lettuce with romaine for added crunch. If you're looking for a lighter option, consider using Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise. For a twist, add ingredients like diced bell peppers or chopped avocado to enhance the flavor profile.
Serving Suggestions
This salad makes a perfect side dish for grilled meats or sandwiches, especially when paired with dishes like Hungry Jack Beef. It’s a crowd-pleaser at picnics and potlucks. For a complete meal, serve it alongside a light soup or a refreshing fruit salad.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To maintain the crispness of the lettuce and other vegetables, consider adding the bacon and tomatoes just before serving. Avoid reheating this salad, as it is best enjoyed cold and fresh.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of 24 Hour Salad(Vegetable) contains roughly 727 calories, with 15g protein, 21g carbohydrates, and 67g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (42% of the Daily Value) and protein (30% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2545mg per serving (111% 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 recommended to prepare it up to 24 hours in advance. This allows the flavors to develop fully. Just remember to add the bacon and tomatoes right before serving to keep them fresh.
What can I use instead of mayonnaise?
If you're looking for a healthier alternative, Greek yogurt can be used to replace mayonnaise. It will provide a similar creaminess while reducing calories. You can also use a mixture of sour cream and yogurt for a tangy flavor.
Can I add other vegetables to this salad?
Yes! This salad is versatile. You can include additional vegetables like bell peppers, cucumbers, or even shredded carrots. Just ensure that the vegetables are chopped finely to maintain the salad's texture.
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).