Kansas 24 Hour Layer Salad
A colorful layered salad featuring crisp lettuce, fresh peppers, crunchy celery, sweet onions, peas, and creamy dressing, perfect for family gatherings and potlucks.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Line a 13 x 9 x 2-inch glass dish with bite-sized pieces of iceberg lettuce.
- Sprinkle the chopped green pepper and red pepper over the lettuce.
- If red pepper is not available, use the whole green pepper instead.
- Add a layer of chopped celery and Spanish onion over the peppers.
- Spread frozen green peas evenly over the vegetables.
- In a bowl, mix mayonnaise with sugar until well combined.
- Spread the mayonnaise mixture evenly over the peas.
- Sprinkle grated Cheddar cheese on top.
- Cook bacon until crispy, then drain and crumble over the salad.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 24 hours before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For best results, use fresh, crisp vegetables and allow the salad to chill for a full 24 hours to let the flavors meld. If you prefer, you can substitute the iceberg lettuce with romaine for a slightly different texture. If you don't have bacon, crispy prosciutto can be a delicious alternative. Ensure the mayonnaise mixture is evenly distributed to avoid sogginess.
Serving Suggestions
This salad is a great side dish for barbecues or picnics and pairs beautifully with Carolina Pulled Barbecue Pork. Serve it alongside grilled meats or sandwiches for a refreshing contrast. Garnish with extra cheese or crumbled bacon for added flavor and presentation.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover Kansas 24 Hour Layer Salad can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It's best enjoyed cold; there’s no need to reheat. If the salad has become watery, gently stir it before serving to redistribute the flavors.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Kansas 24 Hour Layer Salad contains roughly 86 calories, with 3g protein, 7g carbohydrates, and 5g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (50% 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 use other types of cheese in this salad?
Yes, you can substitute the Cheddar cheese with other cheeses like Monterey Jack or Pepper Jack for a different flavor profile. Just ensure that the cheese you choose complements the other ingredients in the salad.
Is it possible to make this salad vegetarian?
Absolutely! To make it vegetarian, simply omit the bacon and consider adding a layer of chopped nuts for crunch or using a vegetarian cheese option. The salad will still be delicious and satisfying.
How do I prevent the salad from becoming soggy?
To prevent sogginess, ensure that all vegetables are dry before layering them. Additionally, spreading the mayonnaise mixture directly on the peas helps keep moisture away from the lettuce. Consuming the salad within a few days will also help maintain its texture.
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).