Opal'S Seven Layered Salad
A colorful, layered salad featuring fresh lettuce, crunchy water chestnuts, peas, and savory bacon bits, perfect for potlucks, picnics, or family gatherings with a creamy mayonnaise dressing.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Break lettuce into small pieces and place in a large casserole dish.
- Layer the sliced water chestnuts, frozen peas, chopped onion, and chopped celery over the lettuce.
- Spread mayonnaise evenly over the layered ingredients.
- Sprinkle bacon bits on top.
- Refrigerate until chilled before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a variation, consider adding diced bell peppers or shredded carrots for extra crunch and color. If you're looking for a lighter option, substitute Greek yogurt for the mayonnaise. Ensure that the lettuce is thoroughly washed and dried to prevent sogginess. This salad can be made a day ahead; just add the bacon bits right before serving to maintain their crispness.
Serving Suggestions
Opal's Seven Layered Salad is perfect for potlucks and gatherings, pairing well with dishes like Grilled Tenderloins or Brunch Ham Muffins. Serve it alongside a light vinaigrette or as a side to balance heavier entrees. This colorful salad can also be a great starter for a backyard barbecue or picnic.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The salad may lose some crunch, but it can still be enjoyed cold. If you plan to reheat any of the components, such as bacon bits, do so in a skillet over low heat until warmed through, but it's best served chilled.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Opal'S Seven Layered Salad contains roughly 724 calories, with 12g protein, 39g carbohydrates, and 59g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (45% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (32% of the Daily Value), and protein (25% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1003mg per serving (44% 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 the salad a day in advance. Just layer the ingredients as directed but wait to add the mayonnaise and bacon bits until shortly before serving to keep everything fresh and crunchy.
What can I substitute for water chestnuts?
If you can't find water chestnuts, you can substitute them with diced jicama for a similar crunch. Alternatively, thinly sliced cucumbers can work, although they may add more moisture, so be sure to pat them dry.
Is there a vegetarian option for this recipe?
Absolutely! You can omit the bacon bits and use a vegetarian mayonnaise. Consider adding roasted chickpeas or sunflower seeds for a protein boost and extra texture in the salad.
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).