Lillie'S Layered Salad
Lillie's Layered Salad is a vibrant, creamy dish featuring crisp lettuce, crunchy water chestnuts, and sweet peas, all layered with a sweet mayonnaise dressing and sprinkled with Parmesan. Perfect for potlucks or family gatherings, it offers a refreshing combination of textures and flavors that appeal to many.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Layer all ingredients in a dish and spread mayonnaise over the top.
- Sprinkle Parmesan cheese over the mayonnaise.
- Seal and refrigerate overnight.
- Mix before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter version, consider using Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise. You can also add diced bell peppers or cucumbers for extra crunch. If you're short on time, pre-chopped vegetables can save you preparation time. Ensure your lettuce is completely dry before layering to avoid sogginess. This salad can be customized with other ingredients like hard-boiled eggs or bacon bits for added flavor.
Serving Suggestions
This layered salad is best served chilled, making it a perfect side dish for summer barbecues or potlucks. Pair it with grilled meats or serve it alongside lighter fare like a fruit salad or Asparagus Souffle. For a complete meal, consider adding protein like grilled chicken or shrimp on top.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you find the salad too wet after sitting, you can add more chopped lettuce or a handful of fresh peas to refresh it. Avoid freezing, as the texture of the vegetables and mayonnaise may not hold up well after thawing.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Lillie'S Layered Salad contains roughly 326 calories, with 9g protein, 20g carbohydrates, and 25g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (30% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (25% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (20% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 723mg per serving (31% 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 a day ahead of time?
Yes, this salad is ideal for making a day ahead. The flavors meld together beautifully overnight. Just keep it sealed in the refrigerator and mix thoroughly before serving to distribute the ingredients evenly.
What can I substitute for water chestnuts?
If you can't find water chestnuts, jicama or chopped apples can provide a similar crunch. Alternatively, sliced almonds or even diced cucumbers can work well for added texture.
Is this salad suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this salad is perfect for vegetarian diets as it contains no meat. It’s a colorful and nutritious option that fits well with vegetarian recipes, making it a great addition to any meat-free 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).