Grandma Hebel'S Stacked Salad
Grandma Hebel's Stacked Salad is a hearty, colorful layered salad featuring fresh lettuce, crunchy vegetables, sweet peas, and cheddar cheese, all coated in a tangy Thousand Island dressing. Perfect for family gatherings or potlucks, it offers a delightful mix of flavors and textures that appeal to all ages.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Break the large head of lettuce into bite-sized pieces and place in a large bowl.
- Add diced celery, diced onion, diced green pepper, and cooked green peas to the bowl.
- Lightly salt the mixture.
- Spread one pint of Thousand Island dressing evenly over the ingredients, ensuring all are well coated.
- Sprinkle the salad with sugar.
- Add grated Cheddar cheese on top.
- Add cooked bacon if desired.
- Cover with aluminum foil and refrigerate for at least 8 hours before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a crunchier texture, consider adding sliced radishes or cucumbers to the salad. You can also substitute the Thousand Island dressing with ranch or a homemade vinaigrette for a different flavor. If you're short on time, pre-chopped vegetables from the store can save you prep time. Adjust the sugar based on your sweetness preference.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this vibrant salad as a light lunch or as a side dish for grilled meats like Smoked Turkey or Pot-Roasted Pork. It pairs beautifully with crusty bread or a refreshing fruit salad. For a more filling meal, consider adding a protein like chicken or tuna on top.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The salad may lose some crunch, so it's best enjoyed fresh. If you need to reheat any ingredients like bacon, do so in a skillet over low heat to retain crispness before adding back to the salad.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Grandma Hebel'S Stacked Salad contains roughly 82 calories, with 4g protein, 11g carbohydrates, and 3g fat. It is a good source of vitamin C (19% of the Daily Value) and dietary fiber (11% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1119mg per serving (49% 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, this salad can be made a day ahead. Just prepare everything up to adding the dressing and cheese. Cover and refrigerate, then add the dressing and cheese right before serving to keep the salad fresh and crunchy.
What can I substitute for the Cheddar cheese?
If you prefer a different flavor, you can substitute Cheddar cheese with Monterey Jack or a crumbled feta for a tangy twist. Vegan cheese options are also available if you're looking for a dairy-free alternative.
Is it possible to make this salad vegetarian?
Definitely! To keep it vegetarian, simply omit any bacon and ensure that the Thousand Island dressing is made without anchovies. You can also add more vegetables or legumes like chickpeas for added protein.
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).