25 Hour Layer Salad
Layered 25 Hour Salad features fresh lettuce, colorful peppers, crunchy celery, and peas, topped with mayonnaise, cheese, and bacon for a savory, crowd-pleasing dish perfect for gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Line a 13 x 9 x 2 glass dish with bite-sized pieces of iceberg lettuce.
- Sprinkle chopped green pepper, red pepper, celery, red onion, and frozen peas evenly over the lettuce.
- Mix mayonnaise with sugar and spread over the layered ingredients.
- Sprinkle with cheese and bacon bits on top.
- Refrigerate the salad overnight before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a burst of flavor, consider adding a layer of shredded cheddar cheese or crumbled bacon on top. You can substitute the iceberg lettuce with spinach for a healthier twist, or try using Greek yogurt in place of mayonnaise for a lighter dressing. If you prefer a crunchier texture, add some chopped nuts or seeds.
Serving Suggestions
This 25 Hour Layer Salad is ideal for potlucks or barbecues. It pairs beautifully with grilled meats or a side of Sweet And Sour Macaroni Salad for a refreshing meal. Serve it chilled as a vibrant starter or as a side dish to complement your main courses.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The salad can lose its crunch over time, so it's best enjoyed fresh. If you wish to serve it again, try adding a bit more fresh lettuce and dressing to revive it before serving.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of 25 Hour Layer Salad contains roughly 308 calories, with 6g protein, 20g carbohydrates, and 24g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (106% of the Daily Value) and dietary fiber (25% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and iron. It also contributes 7g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
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 the salad is designed to be made the night before, it's best to eat it within 2-3 days for optimal freshness. If preparing earlier, wait to add the mayonnaise until just before serving to maintain the crispness of the vegetables.
What can I use instead of mayonnaise?
If you're looking for a healthier alternative, you can substitute mayonnaise with Greek yogurt or a vegan mayo for a lighter, dairy-free option. This will still give you a creamy texture while reducing calories and fat.
Is there a way to make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes! The recipe is already vegetarian-friendly, but you can enhance it with more vegetables or even add some chickpeas for protein. You can also skip the bacon bits or use plant-based bacon for a vegetarian twist.
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).