Layered Salad With Sweet Onions
A colorful layered salad featuring crisp vegetables, sweet onions, and savory bacon, all topped with a creamy dressing and melted cheese. Perfect for potlucks, picnics, or family dinners, it offers a delightful combination of textures and flavors that appeal to all ages.
Ingredients
- 1 large sweet onion, sliced
- 1 head lettuce, well drained ⓘ
- 1 green pepper, sliced into rings ⓘ
- 1 can sweet peas, drained ⓘ
- 1 cup diced celery ⓘ
- 1 pound crisp fried bacon, crumbled ⓘ
- 1/2 pint mayonnaise ⓘ
- 1 cup sour cream
- 2 tablespoons sugar ⓘ
- salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 pound Cheddar cheese, grated ⓘ
- 1/2 cup chopped roasted peanuts (optional) ⓘ
Instructions
- Break lettuce into small pieces and place in the bottom of a large salad bowl.
- Layer green pepper slices, onion rings, drained sweet peas, diced celery, and crumbled bacon over the lettuce.
- Mix mayonnaise, sour cream, sugar, salt, and pepper together to make the dressing.
- Spread the dressing smoothly over the layered vegetables.
- Sprinkle grated Cheddar cheese over the top of the dressing.
- Refrigerate the salad for several hours to allow flavors to meld.
- Before serving, sprinkle chopped roasted peanuts on top (if using).
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider marinating the sweet onions in vinegar for a few hours before layering them. If you want a lighter version, substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream and reduce the mayonnaise. You can also use turkey bacon instead of regular bacon for a healthier option. Feel free to mix in other vegetables like cherry tomatoes or cucumbers for extra crunch.
Serving Suggestions
This layered salad is a delightful addition to any potluck or barbecue and pairs beautifully with Tangy Green Beans. Serve it alongside grilled meats or as a refreshing side dish for a summer picnic. For a complete meal, consider serving it with warm rolls or a light soup, like tomato basil.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To maintain freshness, avoid mixing the dressing with the salad until ready to serve. If the salad appears wilted, try adding a little extra dressing to revive it. Refrain from freezing, as the texture will be compromised.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Layered Salad With Sweet Onions contains roughly 837 calories, with 34g protein, 69g carbohydrates, and 51g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (97% of the Daily Value), protein (68% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (60% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 3000mg per serving (130% 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
How can I make this salad vegetarian?
To make this salad vegetarian, simply omit the bacon or replace it with a vegetarian bacon alternative. You can also add more vegetables or legumes for protein, such as chickpeas or black beans, to enhance the dish while keeping it meat-free.
Can I substitute other cheeses for Cheddar?
Absolutely! You can use any cheese that melts well, such as Monterey Jack, Colby, or even a pepper jack for a spicier kick. Feta or goat cheese can offer a tangy twist if you're looking for a different flavor profile.
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).