24 Hour Tossed Salad
A flavorful overnight tossed salad featuring fresh vegetables, crispy bacon, cheese, and a creamy dressing, perfect for family gatherings or potlucks.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Break lettuce into bite-sized pieces and layer it with the diced onion, celery, green pepper, and frozen peas in a large bowl, layering each ingredient.
- Spread all the peas evenly over the layered vegetables.
- Pour mayonnaise over the top of the layered vegetables.
- Sprinkle sugar evenly over the mayonnaise layer.
- Sprinkle crumbled bacon and grated cheese over the entire salad.
- Cover the bowl tightly and let sit overnight in the refrigerator.
- Toss the salad well before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For added crunch, consider substituting the bacon with crispy chickpeas or using turkey bacon for a lighter option. You can also experiment with other vegetables like diced cucumbers or radishes for extra freshness. If you prefer a lighter dressing, yogurt can be mixed with the mayonnaise to reduce calories without sacrificing creaminess.
Serving Suggestions
This 24 Hour Tossed Salad makes a delightful side dish for grilled meats or sandwiches, especially during summer barbecues. It pairs beautifully with Glazed Country Baked Ham for a hearty meal or can be served alongside lighter options like grilled chicken. For a complete meal, consider adding protein such as grilled shrimp or chicken strips.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The salad may become soggy over time due to the mayonnaise, so it's best to toss it just before serving. If possible, keep the ingredients separate until ready to eat to maintain freshness.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of 24 Hour Tossed Salad contains roughly 397 calories, with 7g protein, 23g carbohydrates, and 32g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (27% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 550mg 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 prepare this salad a few days in advance?
While this salad is designed to be made the night before, preparing it more than a day in advance may lead to soggy vegetables. It's best to prepare it no more than 24 hours before serving to maintain its texture.
What can I substitute for mayonnaise?
If you're looking for a healthier option or a dairy-free alternative, you can use Greek yogurt mixed with a little lemon juice. This will give you a similar creaminess with a tangy flavor, making it a great substitute for mayonnaise.
Can I add more ingredients to this salad?
Absolutely! Feel free to customize your salad with additional ingredients such as cherry tomatoes, avocado, or even nuts for crunch. Just be mindful of the balance of flavors and textures to keep the dish cohesive.
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).