Betty Cliff'S Salad
Betty Cliff's Salad is a vibrant, crunchy mix of fresh vegetables, eggs, bacon, and cheeses, perfect for gatherings and family meals with bold flavors and textures.
Ingredients
- 1 head lettuce, sliced
- 2 cups sliced celery ⓘ
- 6 green onions ⓘ
- 1 pound cooked bacon, crumbled ⓘ
- 2 cups sliced cucumbers ⓘ
- 1 can bean sprouts ⓘ
- 2 cups sliced carrots ⓘ
- 1/2 pound mushrooms, sliced ⓘ
- 6 sliced hard-boiled eggs ⓘ
- 1 can drained peas ⓘ
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese ⓘ
- 1 package extra sharp Cheddar cheese, grated
Instructions
- Layer all ingredients in a large serving dish: sliced lettuce, sliced celery, green onions, crumbled cooked bacon, sliced cucumbers, bean sprouts, sliced carrots, sliced mushrooms, sliced hard-boiled eggs, drained peas, Parmesan cheese, and grated Cheddar cheese.
- Sprinkle Parmesan cheese over the peas or place the peas over the Parmesan cheese as preferred.
- Put the grated Cheddar cheese on top of the salad before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider using a mix of greens, such as spinach or arugula, alongside the lettuce. You can substitute cooked turkey bacon for a healthier option or use feta cheese instead of Parmesan for a different taste. Fresh herbs like parsley or dill can elevate the salad further. Make sure all ingredients are fresh for the best results.
Serving Suggestions
This salad is a fantastic centerpiece for gatherings and pairs beautifully with Cider Baked Ham. Serve it alongside crusty bread or as a side to grilled meats. For a complete meal, consider adding a light vinaigrette or creamy dressing. It’s also great as a potluck dish, as it holds up well at room temperature.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To maintain the crispness of the vegetables, consider keeping the cheese separate until ready to serve. If reheating, gently warm the elements without cooking them further to avoid wilting the greens.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Betty Cliff'S Salad contains roughly 1385 calories, with 64g protein, 143g carbohydrates, and 66g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (221% of the Daily Value), protein (128% of the Daily Value), and calcium (127% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2070mg per serving (90% 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 Betty Cliff's Salad ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the salad a few hours in advance. To keep it fresh, layer the ingredients in the serving dish but hold off on adding the cheese and dressing until just before serving. This prevents sogginess and keeps the flavors vibrant.
What can I substitute for the bacon?
If you're looking for a vegetarian option, try using smoked tempeh or crispy chickpeas to mimic the texture and flavor of bacon. You can also use turkey bacon for a lighter alternative while still enjoying a similar taste.
Can I add more vegetables to this salad?
Absolutely! Feel free to add other veggies like bell peppers, radishes, or avocado for extra color and nutrition. The versatility of this salad allows you to customize it to your taste while still maintaining the original charm.
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).