Lesueur Salad
Lesueur Salad is a refreshing, layered vegetable and cheese salad with a creamy mayonnaise dressing, perfect for family gatherings and potlucks, offering crisp textures and savory flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a large salad bowl, layer shredded lettuce, chopped green pepper, chopped red onion, and chopped celery.
- Simmer frozen peas for approximately 5 minutes, drain, and layer over the other ingredients, alternating layers.
- Seal the entire mixture tightly with mayonnaise.
- Sprinkle one tablespoon of sugar over the mayonnaise.
- Spread shredded sharp cheese and bacon bits on top as a garnish.
- Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 12 to 24 hours.
- Toss the salad just before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a crunchier texture, add some chopped walnuts or sunflower seeds to the salad. If you want a lighter version, you can substitute the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt. Feel free to use any type of cheese you prefer, such as feta or gouda, if sharp cheese isn't available. Adjust the sugar to taste, as some may prefer a sweeter or less sweet salad.
Serving Suggestions
This Lesueur Salad makes a delightful side dish for grilled meats or sandwiches. It pairs beautifully with Aunt Mary'S Spareribs or can be served as a refreshing lunch on its own. Consider adding a light vinaigrette if you prefer a tangy twist, or serve alongside crusty bread for a complete meal.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The flavors will meld together over time, but the lettuce may wilt. If you want to keep it fresh longer, consider storing the ingredients separately and assembling them when ready to serve.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Lesueur Salad contains roughly 146 calories, with 8g protein, 13g carbohydrates, and 7g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (23% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and dietary fiber. It also contributes 4g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
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 use fresh peas instead of frozen for this recipe?
Yes, you can use fresh peas if available. Simply blanch them for a couple of minutes in boiling water, then cool them in an ice bath before layering them in the salad. Fresh peas have a sweeter taste and a slightly different texture compared to frozen peas.
How can I make this salad vegan?
To make this salad vegan, you can replace the mayonnaise with a vegan mayo or a creamy avocado dressing. Additionally, omit the shredded cheese or substitute it with a vegan cheese alternative. This will ensure the salad remains flavorful while catering to a plant-based diet.
Is this salad good for meal prep?
Yes, this salad is great for meal prep! Prepare the ingredients in advance, but keep the lettuce separate until serving to maintain its crispness. You can also layer the salad in mason jars, with the heaviest ingredients at the bottom and lettuce on top, for easy grab-and-go lunches.
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).