Overnight Layered Salad
This Overnight Layered Salad offers a vibrant mix of fresh vegetables, creamy mayonnaise, and savory cheese, making it perfect for a potluck or family gathering. Its crispy, crunchy textures combined with the cool, flavorful layers create a refreshing dish that can be prepared ahead for convenience and maximum flavor.
Ingredients
- 1 medium head lettuce, shredded
- 1/2 cup sliced green onions ⓘ
- 1 cup thinly sliced celery ⓘ
- 1 can water chestnuts, drained and sliced ⓘ
- 1 (10 oz.) package frozen peas, broken apart
- 1 cup mayonnaise ⓘ
- 2 teaspoons sugar ⓘ
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon seasoned salt ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder ⓘ
Instructions
- Place shredded lettuce in a large 4-quart bowl.
- Top with sliced green onions, sliced celery, and sliced water chestnuts.
- Sprinkle frozen peas over the salad.
- Spread mayonnaise evenly over the top.
- Sprinkle sugar, grated Parmesan cheese, seasoned salt, and garlic powder over the salad.
- Cover and chill in the refrigerator overnight or for 24 hours.
- Before serving, garnish with hard-boiled eggs, crisp bacon, or tomato wedges. Optionally, sprinkle with Salad Supreme seasoning.
Tips & Substitutions
For a crunchy texture, add a layer of chopped bell peppers or cucumbers. You can substitute the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt for a lighter option. If you prefer a different cheese, feta or cheddar can work well too. Ensure the salad is covered tightly to prevent browning of the lettuce. Use fresh ingredients for the best flavor.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this salad as a refreshing side dish at picnics or potlucks, pairing it with grilled meats or a hearty main course. It also complements sandwiches and wraps perfectly. For an elegant touch, garnish with hard-boiled eggs and crispy bacon, or include tomato wedges for added color and flavor.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The salad may lose some crunch, so if you want to enjoy it fresh, consider separating the layers and mixing them just before serving. Avoid freezing, as the texture will be affected.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Overnight Layered Salad contains roughly 112 calories, with 7g protein, 21g carbohydrates, and 1g fat. It is a good source of vitamin C (17% of the Daily Value), protein (13% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (12% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 984mg per serving (43% 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 in advance?
Yes, this salad is ideal for making ahead. Prepare it the night before and let the flavors meld in the refrigerator. Just remember to add any delicate toppings, like bacon or eggs, right before serving to maintain their texture.
What can I add for extra protein?
To boost protein, consider adding cooked shredded chicken, chickpeas, or diced ham. These additions will enhance the salad's heartiness and make it suitable as a main dish for lunch or dinner.
Is there a vegetarian version of this salad?
Absolutely! This salad is already vegetarian. You can keep it meat-free by omitting any meat toppings and adding extra veggies or legumes like black beans or edamame for added protein and texture.
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).