Governor'S Salad
A creamy, savory salad layered with fresh lettuce, crisp vegetables, peas, cheese, and a tangy dressing, perfect for potlucks, picnics, or family gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a 9 x 13-inch pan, layer the lettuce.
- Mix grated onion, diced celery, and chopped green pepper.
- Spread the mixed vegetables over the lettuce layer.
- Pour boiling water over the peas to thaw, but do not cook.
- Drain the peas and let them cool.
- Place the cooled peas on top of the vegetable layer.
- Combine sour cream and mayonnaise in a bowl.
- Sprinkle sugar over the salad dressing and mix well.
- Spread the dressing mixture over the peas.
- Sprinkle shredded cheese over the top.
- Crumble bacon and sprinkle it over the cheese.
- Cover the salad and refrigerate for 24 hours before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a twist, try substituting Greek yogurt for sour cream for a tangy flavor. You can also use diced bell peppers in various colors for added visual appeal. If time is tight, consider using pre-shredded cheese and frozen peas to simplify preparation. Make sure to layer ingredients carefully to maintain texture.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Governor's Salad as a refreshing side dish at your next barbecue or picnic, as it pairs beautifully with Carolina Barbecue. For a complete meal, you can add grilled chicken or serve it alongside Easiest Dinner Ever. Garnish with extra cheese or fresh herbs for an elegant touch.
Storage & Reheating
Leftovers of Governor's Salad can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The salad may lose some crunch over time, so it's best to consume it fresh. Avoid reheating, as this is a cold dish meant to be served chilled.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Governor'S Salad contains roughly 590 calories, with 12g protein, 30g carbohydrates, and 48g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (44% of the Daily Value), protein (25% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (21% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 899mg per serving (39% 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 a day in advance?
Yes, making the Governor's Salad a day in advance is ideal as it allows the flavors to meld together. Just be sure to cover it tightly to prevent it from absorbing any odors from the refrigerator.
What can I substitute for mayonnaise?
You can substitute mayonnaise with plain yogurt or a vegan mayo alternative for a healthier option. This will provide a similar creaminess while altering the flavor profile slightly.
Is it possible to add protein to this salad?
Absolutely! You can add diced cooked chicken, ham, or even chickpeas to make the salad more filling. This addition would turn it into a more substantial meal while maintaining the original flavors.
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).