Cheesy Layered Salad
A colorful, savory layered salad featuring crisp lettuce, cheesy richness, crispy bacon, and sweet peas, perfect for gatherings and casual family meals.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Put a layer of shredded lettuce in a 2 1/2-quart bowl.
- Sprinkle with salt, pepper, and 1 tablespoon of sugar.
- Add a layer of sliced hard-boiled eggs.
- Spread a layer of frozen peas over the eggs.
- Sprinkle with shredded cheese.
- Crumble cooked bacon over the cheese.
- Spread mayonnaise over the bacon layer.
- Repeat layers as desired and chill before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the flavor, consider adding a layer of diced red onion or bell peppers for extra crunch. If you're short on time, you can use pre-cooked bacon or even turkey bacon as a healthier alternative. Using a mix of Swiss and Cheddar cheese can add depth to the dish. For a lighter version, substitute Greek yogurt for mayonnaise.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Cheesy Layered Salad chilled as a refreshing side dish at barbecues or potlucks. It pairs beautifully with Pork Chops In Mushroom Soup or Baked Creamed Cabbage for a well-rounded meal. For a complete dinner, consider adding grilled chicken or shrimp on the side.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To maintain freshness, try to keep the layers separate until ready to serve. If you need to reheat the salad, it's best to remove the layers that don't reheat well, like the lettuce and mayonnaise, before warming any remaining components.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cheesy Layered Salad contains roughly 1286 calories, with 14g protein, 81g carbohydrates, and 104g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (47% of the Daily Value), protein (28% of the Daily Value), and calcium (22% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1098mg per serving (48% 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, you can prepare this salad a day in advance. Just assemble the layers, but hold off on adding the mayonnaise until you're ready to serve. This will help keep the salad fresh and prevent it from becoming soggy.
What other ingredients can I add?
Feel free to customize your salad by adding ingredients like diced tomatoes, cucumbers, or even avocado. Chopped herbs like parsley or dill can also enhance the flavor. Just ensure any additional ingredients are layered appropriately to maintain the salad's structure.
Is this salad suitable for potlucks?
Absolutely! This salad is perfect for potlucks as it can feed a large group and is easy to transport. Just remember to keep it chilled until serving and consider bringing extra serving utensils for convenience.
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).