Jeannie And Lela'S Overnight Layered Salad
Jeannie and Lela's Overnight Layered Salad is a creamy, savory dish featuring layers of fresh lettuce, crisp vegetables, and a rich dressing topped with cheese, eggs, and bacon. Perfect for potlucks and family gatherings, it offers a delightful combination of textures and flavors that develop overnight.
Ingredients
- 1 head lettuce
- 1 cup chopped celery ⓘ
- 1/2 cup chopped onion ⓘ
- 1 can sliced water chestnuts, drained ⓘ
- 1 package frozen tiny peas ⓘ
- 2 cups Miracle Whip salad dressing ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons sugar ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon seasoned salt ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder ⓘ
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese ⓘ
- 3 hard-boiled eggs ⓘ
- 1 pound cooked bacon, crumbled ⓘ
Instructions
- In a 9 x 13-inch pan, layer the lettuce, chopped celery, chopped onion, drained sliced water chestnuts, and frozen peas.
- Spread Miracle Whip salad dressing evenly over the layered ingredients without stirring, as if frosting a cake.
- Sprinkle the top with sugar, seasoned salt, garlic powder, and Parmesan cheese.
- Cover and refrigerate overnight.
- Just before serving, top with chopped hard-boiled eggs and crumbled cooked bacon that has been drained well.
Tips & Substitutions
For a fresher crunch, consider using iceberg or romaine lettuce instead of a head of lettuce. If you're short on time, substitute fresh peas with canned or thawed frozen peas. You can also replace Miracle Whip with a homemade mayo dressing for a creamier texture. To enhance flavors, add chopped bell peppers or cucumbers for more color and crunch.
Serving Suggestions
This salad pairs beautifully with Aunt Vic's Baked Beans for a hearty meal or alongside grilled meats for a summer barbecue. For a more substantial dish, serve it as a side with ham or chicken dishes. You can also include crusty bread to round out the meal, making it perfect for potlucks or family gatherings.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To maintain the texture, it's best to keep the hard-boiled eggs and bacon separate until serving. If needed, you can gently reassemble the layers, but avoid reheating as this dish is best enjoyed cold.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Jeannie And Lela'S Overnight Layered Salad contains roughly 1065 calories, with 37g protein, 203g carbohydrates, and 17g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (94% of the Daily Value), protein (73% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (67% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2779mg per serving (121% 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, this salad is perfect for making ahead! Prepare it the night before and refrigerate it. Just remember to add the hard-boiled eggs and bacon just before serving to keep them fresh and prevent sogginess.
What can I use instead of bacon?
If you're looking for a vegetarian option, you can substitute bacon with crispy fried onions or toasted sunflower seeds for added crunch. Alternatively, diced avocado can add a creamy texture without the meat.
Is this salad suitable for a picnic?
Absolutely! This layered salad is great for picnics since it can be made ahead and served cold. Just ensure you keep it chilled until serving to maintain freshness. It's a crowd-pleaser that complements many outdoor meals.
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).