Layered Twenty-Four Hour Salad
A colorful, savory layered salad featuring fresh vegetables, cheeses, and a creamy mayonnaise topping, perfect for family gatherings and potlucks that appreciate crunchy textures and rich flavors.
Ingredients
- 3 c. shredded iceberg lettuce
- 2 c. grated carrots ⓘ
- 1 stalk celery, diced ⓘ
- 1 c. finely diced onions ⓘ
- 1 1/2 c. frozen Birds Eye green peas ⓘ
- salt and pepper to taste ⓘ
- 2 c. Alpine Lace nonfat Mozzarella cheese, grated ⓘ
- 1 can sliced water chestnuts, drained ⓘ
- 1/4 c. Parmesan cheese
- 1 qt. Kraft fat-free mayonnaise or Miracle Whip ⓘ
Instructions
- In a very large salad bowl, line the bottom with bite-sized pieces of lettuce.
- Cover the lettuce with layers of grated carrots, diced celery, diced onions, drained water chestnuts, and green peas.
- Spread the mayonnaise evenly on top of the layered vegetables as if icing a cake.
- Sprinkle grated Mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses over the mayonnaise layer.
- Cover and refrigerate for 24 hours before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a fresher twist, you can substitute the iceberg lettuce with spinach or romaine. If you want a bit more crunch, add some chopped bell peppers or cucumbers. For a vegetarian version, ensure the mayonnaise is egg-free. This salad can easily be customized with seasonal vegetables or herbs to enhance flavor, making it a great dish for gatherings or potlucks.
Serving Suggestions
This layered salad is perfect as a light meal or side dish. It pairs beautifully with grilled chicken or fish, making it a fantastic addition to summer barbecues. You can also serve it alongside crusty bread or with a refreshing beverage. For a dessert option, consider serving with Easy Christmas Cookies or Fudge Marble Brownies to round out the meal.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The salad may become a bit soggy due to the mayonnaise, so it's best to consume it fresh. If you're making it ahead of time, consider storing the layers separately and assembling just before serving to maintain texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Layered Twenty-Four Hour Salad contains roughly 305 calories, with 5g protein, 27g carbohydrates, and 21g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (116% of the Daily Value) and dietary fiber (28% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 778mg per serving (34% 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 designed to be made a day in advance, allowing the flavors to meld. Just make sure to cover it tightly and refrigerate. However, if you prefer, you can prepare the ingredients separately and layer them the day you plan to serve for optimal freshness.
What can I substitute for the mayonnaise?
If you're looking for a lighter option, Greek yogurt or avocado-based dressings can be excellent substitutes for mayonnaise. Additionally, you could use a vinaigrette for a tangy twist, but keep in mind this will change the overall flavor profile of the salad.
Is this salad suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this salad can easily be made vegetarian by using egg-free mayonnaise. It’s a great dish for gatherings as it caters to different diets while still being delicious and satisfying, making it a versatile addition to any meal.
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).