Nine Layered Salad
A colorful, layered salad with fresh vegetables, tangy dressing, and cheesy topping, perfect for potlucks, family gatherings, or a light, satisfying meal on warm days.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a large bowl, layer chopped lettuce.
- Add diced green pepper over the lettuce.
- Spread diced celery on top of the green pepper.
- Add diced green onions as the next layer.
- Scatter thawed English peas over the green onions.
- Combine salad dressing with sugar until well mixed.
- Pour the dressing mixture evenly over the layered vegetables.
- Sprinkle grated Cheddar cheese over the dressing.
- Top with crumbled bacon bits.
- Refrigerate the salad for 8 to 24 hours before serving.
- Toss gently just before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a vibrant color and flavor, layer the ingredients carefully. You can substitute the lettuce with spinach or kale for added nutrition. If you prefer a lighter version, use Greek yogurt instead of traditional salad dressing. For a different flavor profile, consider adding cherry tomatoes or diced cucumbers. Ensure the ingredients are fresh for the best taste and texture.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this salad as a refreshing side dish for barbecues or potlucks. It pairs beautifully with grilled meats or sandwiches. For a complete meal, consider serving it alongside Make Ahead Eggs Benedict or Elegant Eggs. You can also add protein like grilled chicken or chickpeas to make it more filling.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover Nine Layered Salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If the salad dressing is too thick after refrigeration, you can thin it out with a little milk or yogurt before serving. Avoid freezing as the texture of the vegetables will not hold up well.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Nine Layered Salad contains roughly 963 calories, with 28g protein, 34g carbohydrates, and 82g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (58% of the Daily Value), protein (57% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (56% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2155mg per serving (94% 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 perfect for making ahead. In fact, refrigerating it for 8 to 24 hours allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Just remember to toss it gently before serving to combine the layers.
What can I use instead of bacon bits?
If you prefer a vegetarian option, you can omit the bacon bits or substitute with toasted sunflower seeds or crispy chickpeas for crunch. Additionally, crumbled feta cheese can add a savory touch.
How can I make this salad more filling?
To make this salad more filling, consider adding cooked quinoa, diced chicken, or roasted chickpeas. These additions not only enhance the nutritional value but also provide a satisfying texture and flavor.
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).