Dee'S Layered Salad
A colorful layered salad featuring fresh lettuce, peas, water chestnuts, and a creamy mayonnaise topping, perfect for family gatherings and potlucks with crunchy and savory flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Layer ingredients in a 13-inch pan in the following order: lettuce, chopped celery, frozen peas, chopped onion, water chestnuts.
- Spread mayonnaise over the top of the layered ingredients.
- Sprinkle sugar evenly over the mayonnaise layer.
- Cover and refrigerate overnight to let flavors meld.
- Before serving, top with crumbled bacon, sliced boiled eggs, sliced tomatoes, and sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider mixing in chopped bell peppers or a handful of shredded carrots to the layers. If you prefer a lighter version, substitute the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt or a vegan mayonnaise. You can also use fresh peas instead of frozen for a crunchier texture. Make sure to wash and dry the lettuce thoroughly to prevent excess moisture from making the salad soggy.
Serving Suggestions
This layered salad is perfect for potlucks or family gatherings and pairs beautifully with O.J. Soda for a refreshing beverage. Consider serving it alongside grilled meats or sandwiches for a complete meal. You can also make it a more substantial dish by adding protein like diced chicken or chickpeas for a heartier option.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover layered salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It's best consumed within 2-3 days. If you want to keep the layers fresh, consider storing the toppings separately and adding them just before serving. Reheat any bacon if you're using leftovers, but avoid reheating the salad itself to maintain its texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Dee'S Layered Salad contains roughly 417 calories, with 7g protein, 23g carbohydrates, and 34g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (60% of the Daily Value) and dietary fiber (28% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and iron. It also contributes 8g 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 day in advance?
Yes, this salad is perfect for making ahead of time. In fact, refrigerating it overnight allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Just be sure to keep the toppings separate until you're ready to serve to maintain their freshness and crunch.
What can I substitute for water chestnuts?
If you don't have water chestnuts on hand, you can substitute them with chopped jicama or even diced apples for a similar crunch. These alternatives will give your salad a different flavor but still provide that satisfying texture.
Is there a vegan option for this recipe?
Absolutely! To make a vegan version, simply substitute the mayonnaise with a plant-based mayo or a cashew cream. You can also omit the bacon and use avocado slices or toasted pumpkin seeds for added richness and a satisfying crunch.
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).