Layered Overnight Summer Salad
A colorful layered salad with crisp vegetables, creamy mayonnaise, and shredded cheese, perfect for summer gatherings and potlucks, offering a mix of textures and flavors.
Ingredients
- 15 oz. Pillsbury All-Ready pie crusts ⓘ
- 1 tsp. flour ⓘ
- 6 lettuce leaves ⓘ
- 1/2 c. sliced celery ⓘ
- 8 oz. can sliced water chestnuts
- 1/4 c. sliced green onions ⓘ
- 1 1/2 c. real mayonnaise ⓘ
- 3/4 tsp. seasoned salt ⓘ
- 1 c. frozen peas ⓘ
- 4 oz. shredded Cheddar cheese ⓘ
- 3 hard-cooked eggs ⓘ
- 1 medium tomato ⓘ
Instructions
- Heat oven to 450°F.
- Prepare the pie crust according to package directions for unfilled one crust pie, using a 9-inch pie pan.
- Bake at 450°F for 9 to 11 minutes or until lightly browned. Cool completely.
- Layer the ingredients in a clear dish in the following order: lettuce leaves, sliced celery, drained water chestnuts, sliced green onions, thawed peas, shredded Cheddar cheese, chopped hard-cooked eggs, tomato wedges.
- Mix mayonnaise with seasoned salt and spread over the top of the layered salad.
- Cover and refrigerate overnight before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider using Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise for a lighter option. You can substitute the water chestnuts with diced bell peppers for a different crunch. If you have leftover ingredients, feel free to mix in other vegetables you enjoy, like cucumbers or carrots. Always ensure the pie crust is completely cooled to prevent wilting the lettuce.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this layered salad as a refreshing side dish at summer barbecues or picnics. It pairs beautifully with Grilled Bacon-Cheese Sandwiches or can be enjoyed as a light meal on its own. For a more filling option, consider serving alongside protein-rich dishes like Venison Barbecue Sandwich.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The salad is best eaten within 2 days for optimal freshness. If you need to reheat the pie crust, place it in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 5 minutes to restore its crispness before adding any remaining salad.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Layered Overnight Summer Salad contains roughly 827 calories, with 10g protein, 120g carbohydrates, and 36g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (103% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (27% of the Daily Value), and protein (20% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1802mg per serving (78% 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 in advance?
Yes, this salad is perfect for making ahead of time. Preparing it the night before allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Just be sure to cover it tightly and store it in the refrigerator.
What can I substitute for mayonnaise?
If you're looking for a healthier alternative, try using Greek yogurt or a vegan mayo. Both options will still provide creaminess while reducing calories.
How can I make this salad vegetarian?
This salad is naturally vegetarian, but you can enhance it by adding more vegetables such as bell peppers or cucumbers. Just ensure that any additional ingredients align with your dietary preferences.
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).