Nine Layer Vegetable Salad
Nine Layer Vegetable Salad is a vibrant, flavorful dish perfect for gatherings and potlucks. It features layers of fresh vegetables, creamy mayonnaise, and savory toppings like Parmesan and Bac*Os bits, topped with mushrooms, eggs, and crunchy croutons. A colorful, satisfying salad for vegetable lovers and party hosts alike.
Ingredients
- 1/2 head lettuce, chopped
- 1 cup chopped celery ⓘ
- 1 cup chopped bell pepper ⓘ
- 1 cup chopped onion ⓘ
- 17 oz. can small English peas, drained ⓘ
- 1 1/2 cups mayonnaise ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon sugar ⓘ
- grated Parmesan cheese ⓘ
- Bac*Os bits ⓘ
- 1 cup dried mushrooms, sliced lengthwise ⓘ
- 2 eggs, boiled and sliced ⓘ
- croutons
Instructions
- Layer the chopped lettuce, chopped celery, chopped bell pepper, chopped onion, and drained small English peas in a 10 x 10 x 2-inch casserole dish in the order listed.
- Spread mayonnaise evenly over the top layer.
- Sprinkle sugar over the mayonnaise.
- Add grated Parmesan cheese on top of the sugar.
- Sprinkle Bac*Os bits over the Parmesan.
- Layer sliced dried mushrooms evenly over the top.
- Arrange sliced boiled eggs over the mushrooms.
- Top the salad with croutons before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider incorporating finely chopped herbs like parsley or dill into the mayonnaise. If you prefer a lighter version, Greek yogurt can be used as a substitute for mayonnaise. You can also add additional layers with your favorite vegetables such as cucumbers or carrots. This Nine Layer Vegetable Salad is perfect for summer gatherings or potlucks.
Serving Suggestions
This salad is a delightful centerpiece for any brunch or picnic. Serve alongside grilled chicken or fish for a complete meal. It pairs beautifully with Edna'S Cornbread or other American recipes. For a vegetarian option, consider serving it with a side of Potato Pudding for a comforting touch.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To maintain the texture of the salad, keep the croutons separate until ready to serve. If the salad becomes too watery, drain the excess liquid before serving again.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Nine Layer Vegetable Salad contains roughly 573 calories, with 12g protein, 95g carbohydrates, and 17g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (59% of the Daily Value), protein (25% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (23% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 720mg 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 prepare the salad a day in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the salad a day ahead. Just layer all the ingredients up to the mayonnaise, cover it tightly, and refrigerate. Add the croutons just before serving to maintain their crunch.
What can I use instead of Bac*Os bits?
If you want to avoid Bac*Os bits, you can substitute them with crispy bacon bits or even toasted nuts for a crunchy texture. Alternatively, sunflower seeds can provide a similar effect while keeping it vegetarian.
Is this salad suitable for a vegetarian diet?
Yes, this Nine Layer Vegetable Salad is primarily vegetarian. To make it fully vegetarian, ensure you use vegetarian-friendly mayonnaise and omit any meat-based toppings. It's a great option for those looking for vegetarian recipes.
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).