Mom'S Layered Salad
Mom's Layered Salad is a colorful, creamy dish featuring fresh vegetables, cheese, and a tangy mayonnaise dressing, perfect for family gatherings and potlucks, offering crisp and savory flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a large bowl, layer shredded iceberg lettuce, finely chopped green pepper, chopped celery, and chopped onion twice.
- Top the layered vegetables with a layer of uncooked frozen peas.
- Cover the entire salad with mayonnaise or salad dressing.
- Sprinkle sugar evenly over the top.
- Add a layer of shredded mild Cheddar cheese.
- Top with bacon bits.
- Cover and refrigerate overnight before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a crunchier texture, consider adding chopped cucumbers or radishes. If you're looking for a lighter option, substitute Greek yogurt for half of the mayonnaise. You can also use frozen mixed vegetables instead of just peas for a colorful twist. Make sure your layers remain distinct for best presentation. This salad can be made a day ahead for flavors to meld.
Serving Suggestions
This layered salad is perfect for potlucks, barbecues, or as a side dish for any main course. It pairs beautifully with Good Ole Spaghetti or your favorite grilled meats. Serve it alongside crusty bread or as part of a buffet spread to impress guests with its vibrant layers and flavors.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If the salad has been dressed, it may become soggy, so consider storing the dressing separately if you plan to keep it longer. To refresh leftovers, stir gently before serving, adding a little more mayonnaise if needed.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Mom'S Layered Salad contains roughly 605 calories, with 9g protein, 20g carbohydrates, and 56g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (28% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 697mg per serving (30% 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 ideal for making ahead. Prepare it the night before and refrigerate it. The flavors will meld beautifully, and the layers will stay intact. Just ensure to cover it well to maintain freshness.
How can I make this salad vegetarian?
To make this layered salad vegetarian, simply omit the bacon bits or replace them with a vegetarian alternative like crispy chickpeas or sunflower seeds for added crunch. The rest of the ingredients are already vegetarian-friendly.
What can I serve with this salad?
This salad pairs wonderfully with grilled chicken or burgers, making it a great side for summer gatherings. It also works well alongside dishes like Baked Calico Beans or Barbecue Bacon Wrapped-Chestnuts for a hearty 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).