Overnight Lettuce Salad
A creamy, layered lettuce salad with fresh vegetables, cheese, and bacon, perfect for a make-ahead dish that offers crisp, savory flavors with a tangy mayonnaise dressing.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Shred the lettuce and place it in the bottom of a large bowl.
- Add a layer of chopped celery on top of the lettuce.
- Next, add the chopped green pepper layer.
- Add the sliced onion layer over the green pepper.
- Spread the uncooked frozen peas as the next layer.
- Mix the mayonnaise with sugar and spread evenly over all the vegetables to seal them in.
- Sprinkle shredded Cheddar cheese over the mayonnaise layer.
- Top with crumbled fried bacon.
- Refrigerate the salad for 24 hours before serving.
- Mix the salad before serving or serve as is for dipping.
Tips & Substitutions
For a crunchier texture, consider adding diced cucumbers or radishes. You can substitute the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt for a lighter option. Adding a splash of vinegar to the dressing can enhance the flavor. If you're short on time, pre-washed salad greens can be used in place of the head of lettuce.
Serving Suggestions
This salad is perfect as a light lunch or a side dish at barbecues and potlucks. It pairs beautifully with grilled meats, like Pork Tenderloin With Brandy. Serve it alongside crusty bread or with crackers for a delightful crunch. For a more substantial meal, consider adding cooked chicken or shrimp.
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 it's best to serve it fresh. If you plan to reheat any bacon, do so in a skillet over low heat to maintain its crispiness.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Overnight Lettuce Salad contains roughly 421 calories, with 15g protein, 35g carbohydrates, and 26g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (31% of the Daily Value) and protein (29% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 798mg per serving (35% 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 best made the night before serving. Refrigerating it allows the flavors to meld beautifully, making it a great option for meal prep or gatherings.
What if I don't have frozen peas?
If frozen peas are unavailable, you can use fresh peas, but you'll need to blanch them briefly. Alternatively, chopped broccoli or green beans can provide a similar crunch.
Is there a vegetarian version of this salad?
Absolutely! Simply omit the bacon and replace the mayonnaise with a plant-based alternative. You can also add more vegetables like diced carrots or bell peppers for extra flavor 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).