Karen'S Untossed Salad
Karen's Untossed Salad is a hearty, flavorful dish combining crisp bacon, hard-cooked eggs, fresh greens, peas, and Swiss cheese in a creamy dressing, perfect for gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Wash and cut spinach or romaine lettuce into bite-sized pieces and press onto the bottom of a large flat bowl.
- Season the lettuce with 1 teaspoon each of salt, sugar, and pepper.
- Crumble crispy bacon over the seasoned lettuce.
- Chop the hard-cooked eggs and spread them over the bacon.
- Add the head lettuce in bite-sized pieces on top.
- Drain the thawed frozen peas and spread them over the top of the salad.
- Slice the purple onion into rings or chop into not too small pieces and layer over the peas.
- Sprinkle the remaining salt, sugar, and pepper over the top.
- Mix Miracle Whip and sour cream until smooth and spread over the layered ingredients.
- Top the salad with grated Swiss cheese.
- Cover and refrigerate for 1 day before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter version, consider using turkey bacon instead of regular bacon, or omit it altogether. You can also substitute Greek yogurt for Miracle Whip for a healthier dressing. Ensure that the lettuce is well-dried after washing to avoid a soggy salad. For added flavor, try mixing in some herbs like dill or parsley.
Serving Suggestions
This salad works wonderfully as a side dish for grilled meats or as part of a potluck spread. It pairs beautifully with recipes like Mom'S Sweet Chili or can be served alongside a hearty sandwich for a complete meal. Garnish with fresh herbs for an extra touch.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The salad may become soggy over time, so it's best to keep the dressing separate until ready to serve. If the salad appears dry, you can add a bit more Miracle Whip just before serving.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Karen'S Untossed Salad contains roughly 110 calories, with 3g protein, 15g carbohydrates, and 5g fat. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1276mg per serving (55% 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, you can prepare the salad a day in advance, but it's best to wait to add the Miracle Whip until just before serving to keep the ingredients fresh. Layer the ingredients in the bowl, cover tightly, and refrigerate overnight.
What can I substitute for Swiss cheese?
If Swiss cheese is not available, you can use shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese as alternatives. Each will give a different flavor profile but will still complement the salad nicely.
How can I add more vegetables to this salad?
Feel free to add chopped bell peppers, cucumbers, or even shredded carrots for extra crunch and color. These vegetables will not only enhance the flavor but also increase the nutritional value of the salad.
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).