Neva'S Layer Salad
Neva's Layer Salad is a vibrant, creamy dish featuring pasta, fresh vegetables, and cheese, perfect for potlucks, family gatherings, or light, flavorful summer meals.
Ingredients
- 8 oz. macaroni shells ⓘ
- 1/2 cup chopped green onions ⓘ
- 1/4 cup bacon bits ⓘ
- 1 1/2 cups mayonnaise ⓘ
- 1/3 cup lemon juice ⓘ
- 1/2 cup grated Cheddar cheese ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder ⓘ
- 4 cups lettuce or salad greens ⓘ
- 1 slice cucumber ⓘ
- 1 cup sliced cauliflower ⓘ
- 1 cup sliced broccoli ⓘ
- 2 medium tomatoes ⓘ
- 1/3 cup sliced radishes
Instructions
- Cook macaroni according to package instructions.
- Rinse in cold water and drain.
- Stir together macaroni, green onions, and 2 tablespoons bacon bits in a medium bowl.
- Mix mayonnaise, lemon juice, 1/4 cup cheese, sugar, and garlic powder to make the dressing.
- In a large salad bowl or large rectangular Pyrex pan, layer salad greens, macaroni mixture, cucumber, cauliflower, broccoli, radishes, tomatoes, and remaining 1/4 cup cheese.
- Pour dressing over the layered salad.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours.
- Sprinkle with bacon bits before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider adding a bit more mayonnaise or a dollop of sour cream. If you're short on time, pre-cooked bacon bits can be used instead of frying fresh bacon. You can also swap out the Cheddar cheese for a sharper variety, like aged Gouda, for a different flavor profile. Fresh herbs like dill or parsley can enhance the freshness of the salad.
Serving Suggestions
This layered salad is perfect for potlucks and picnics, offering a colorful presentation. Pair it with grilled meats or serve alongside sandwiches for a complete meal. It complements dishes like Mom'S Easy Ham Sandwiches beautifully. For a heartier option, consider adding diced cooked chicken or shrimp for extra protein.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The salad may lose some crunch over time, so adding fresh greens just before serving can help. If you prefer, you can also keep the dressing separate until ready to serve to maintain the salad's crispness.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Neva'S Layer Salad contains roughly 387 calories, with 10g protein, 21g carbohydrates, and 31g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (95% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (25% of the Daily Value), and protein (20% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 715mg 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 ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare this salad a day in advance. Just layer the ingredients and cover it tightly. It's best to add the dressing and bacon bits just before serving to keep the salad fresh and prevent sogginess.
What other vegetables can I add?
Feel free to customize the salad with your favorite vegetables. Bell peppers, carrots, or even peas can add color and texture. You could also incorporate other salad greens for added variety, making it your own signature dish.
How do I make this salad lighter?
To lighten this salad, use Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise for a healthier dressing option. You can also reduce the amount of cheese and bacon bits. Adding more vegetables like spinach or arugula can increase the volume without adding many calories.
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).