Lettuce Layered Salad
A colorful, layered lettuce salad with eggs, peas, bacon, and cheese, perfect for potlucks and family gatherings with fresh, savory flavors and creamy dressing.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Tear up lettuce into small pieces and place in a 9 x 13-inch dish.
- Layer chopped celery, hard-boiled eggs, frozen peas, diced bell pepper, minced onion, and crumbled bacon in the dish in the order listed.
- Mix mayonnaise with sugar until well combined.
- Spread the sweetened mayonnaise over the layered salad.
- Sprinkle shredded Cheddar cheese on top.
- Garnish with additional bacon if desired.
- Refrigerate for 8 to 10 hours before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For added crunch, consider substituting the celery with chopped cucumbers or radishes. If you prefer a lighter dressing, Greek yogurt can replace half of the mayonnaise. To save time, use pre-cooked bacon or turkey bacon. Ensure that the eggs are hard-boiled properly and cooled before layering to maintain the salad's integrity.
Serving Suggestions
This Lettuce Layered Salad is perfect for potlucks or picnics, serving as a delightful side dish. It pairs beautifully with grilled meats or sandwiches, such as a Grilled Turkey Sandwich. Consider serving it alongside Great Green Beans for a complete meal or as part of a buffet.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The salad may lose some crispness, but you can revive it slightly by adding fresh lettuce or vegetables before serving. Avoid freezing, as mayonnaise-based salads do not thaw well.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Lettuce Layered Salad contains roughly 225 calories, with 6g protein, 16g carbohydrates, and 16g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (32% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A and protein.
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 ideal for making ahead. In fact, letting it chill for 8 to 10 hours allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Just ensure to cover it tightly to prevent any odors from the fridge affecting the taste.
What can I use instead of mayonnaise?
If you're looking for a healthier option, you can substitute mayonnaise with Greek yogurt or avocado. Both alternatives will add creaminess and a unique flavor, while keeping the salad light and refreshing.
Is there a vegetarian version of this salad?
Absolutely! You can omit the bacon and replace the hard-boiled eggs with tofu or chickpeas for protein. Adding more vegetables like shredded carrots or even roasted red peppers can enhance the flavor while keeping the salad filling 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).