Layered Pea Salad
Layered Pea Salad offers a refreshing combination of crisp vegetables, sweet peas, savory bacon, and creamy mayonnaise, topped with cheese and eggs. Perfect for potlucks, picnics, or family dinners, its vibrant flavors and textures make it a crowd-pleaser suited for spring and summer occasions.
Ingredients
- 1 small head lettuce
- 1/2 cup thinly sliced green onion ⓘ
- 1/2 cup sliced celery ⓘ
- 1/2 cup chopped green pepper
- 1/2 cup sliced water chestnuts ⓘ
- 1 cup frozen peas, unthawed ⓘ
- 1 1/4 cups mayonnaise ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons sugar ⓘ
- 2 hard-cooked eggs, chopped ⓘ
- 4 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled ⓘ
- 1/2 cup shredded Cheddar cheese ⓘ
Instructions
- Tear lettuce into bite-sized pieces and place in the bottom of a large salad bowl.
- Layer the remaining vegetables in order given: green onion, celery, green pepper, water chestnuts, and frozen peas.
- Combine mayonnaise and sugar in a bowl and spread evenly over the layered vegetables, completely covering them.
- Sprinkle the top with chopped eggs, crumbled bacon, and shredded Cheddar cheese.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider incorporating diced cucumbers or cherry tomatoes into the salad layers. You can substitute Greek yogurt for mayonnaise for a lighter version. To make it vegan, replace the mayonnaise with a plant-based alternative and omit the bacon and eggs. Ensure the peas are thawed before layering for better texture.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this layered pea salad as a refreshing side at picnics or barbecues, pairing nicely with grilled meats or hearty dishes like Dad'S Potato Soup. It also works well as a light lunch option alongside whole-grain bread or crackers for a balanced meal.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To maintain the texture of the salad, avoid adding the mayonnaise until just before serving. If reheating, it's best to remove the bacon and cheese, as they can lose their crispness when warmed.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Layered Pea Salad contains roughly 435 calories, with 12g protein, 23g carbohydrates, and 34g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (32% of the Daily Value), protein (24% of the Daily Value), and calcium (22% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A and dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 487mg per serving (21% 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 prepare the salad in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the salad a few hours ahead of time. Just layer the ingredients without the mayonnaise and toppings. Cover and refrigerate, then add the mayonnaise, bacon, and cheese right before serving to keep everything fresh.
What can I use instead of bacon?
If you're looking for a vegetarian option, consider using smoked paprika or liquid smoke to impart a similar flavor. Alternatively, crispy chickpeas or sunflower seeds can provide a satisfying crunch without meat.
Is there a way to make this salad lower in calories?
To make the salad lower in calories, use a reduced-fat mayonnaise or a yogurt-based dressing. You can also reduce the amount of cheese or omit it altogether, while adding more vegetables to bulk it up without adding too many calories.
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).