Layered Party Salad
A colorful layered salad featuring fresh spinach, ham, eggs, peas, and creamy dressing, perfect for parties and gatherings, offering a blend of savory and crisp flavors.
Ingredients
- 1/2 (10 oz.) pkg. fresh spinach ⓘ
- salt and pepper to taste ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. sugar ⓘ
- 6 hard-cooked eggs
- 1/2 lb. julienne sliced boiled ham ⓘ
- 1 small or 1/2 large iceberg lettuce ⓘ
- 1 (10 oz.) pkg. frozen peas, thawed ⓘ
- 1 red Bermuda onion
- 1 c. sour cream
- 1 pt. real mayonnaise ⓘ
- 1 c. sour cream ⓘ
- 1 pt. real mayonnaise ⓘ
Instructions
- Tear the spinach into pieces and spread it in the bottom of a large glass or wooden salad bowl.
- Sprinkle the spinach with salt, pepper, and sugar.
- Add a layer of finely chopped hard-cooked eggs.
- Add a layer of julienne sliced boiled ham.
- Add a layer of torn or shredded iceberg lettuce and sprinkle with salt, pepper, and sugar.
- Scatter thawed peas over the salad.
- Thinly slice the Bermuda onion and pull the slices into rings; spread over the salad.
- Mix sour cream and mayonnaise; spread evenly over the top.
- Arrange cheese over all the layers.
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight.
- Just before serving, sprinkle with crumbled bacon.
- Serve portions all the way to the bottom of the bowl without tossing.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider adding a layer of cream cheese mixed with herbs between the layers. You can substitute the boiled ham with turkey or diced chicken for a lighter option. If fresh spinach is unavailable, use pre-packaged salad greens. Remember to adjust the salt and pepper according to your taste preferences.
Serving Suggestions
This Layered Party Salad is perfect for potlucks and gatherings. Serve it alongside grilled meats like Pork Chops Marengo or N C Barbecued Pork for a complete meal. Pair with crusty bread or light appetizers for a well-rounded dining experience. For an added crunch, consider topping it with crushed tortilla chips right before serving.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To maintain its texture, avoid mixing the layers before storing. If you prefer to enjoy it warm, gently reheat individual portions in the microwave, but be mindful that some ingredients may not retain their original crunch.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Layered Party Salad contains roughly 1198 calories, with 11g protein, 76g carbohydrates, and 98g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (35% of the Daily Value), vitamin A (25% of the Daily Value), and protein (21% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2614mg per serving (114% 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 is perfect for making ahead of time. Prepare it the night before and refrigerate it overnight. This allows the flavors to meld together. Just add crumbled bacon right before serving for optimal freshness and crunch.
What can I substitute for the mayonnaise?
If you're looking for a healthier alternative to mayonnaise, Greek yogurt works well. It adds creaminess while reducing calories. You can also use a vegan mayonnaise if you prefer a plant-based option, maintaining the same creamy texture.
Is it possible to make this salad vegetarian?
Absolutely! To make this salad vegetarian, simply omit the boiled ham and bacon. You can add extra vegetables like diced bell peppers or cucumbers for added flavor and texture, ensuring the salad remains vibrant and satisfying.
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).