Overnight Tossed Salad
A vibrant overnight tossed salad combining fresh greens, cherry tomatoes, peas, crispy bacon, and a creamy lemon herb dressing. Perfect for a make-ahead meal, it offers a balance of freshness and richness, making it ideal for casual gatherings or family dinners that benefit from flavors melding overnight.
Ingredients
- 1 medium head lettuce
- 1 (10 oz.) pkg. fresh spinach ⓘ
- 1/2 cup sliced green onions ⓘ
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved ⓘ
- 1 (10 oz.) pkg. frozen peas, thawed ⓘ
- 1 lb. bacon, diced, cooked and drained ⓘ
- 1 1/2 cups mayonnaise ⓘ
- 1 cup sour cream ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon oregano ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon basil ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/8 teaspoon pepper ⓘ
Instructions
- Tear the lettuce and spinach into bite-sized pieces in a very large bowl.
- Add sliced green onions, halved cherry tomatoes, thawed peas, and cooked bacon; toss gently to combine.
- In a separate bowl, mix together mayonnaise, sour cream, lemon juice, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper until well combined.
- Spread the dressing evenly over the greens, ensuring the entire surface is coated like frosting.
- Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight.
- When ready to serve, toss the greens with the dressing before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter version, consider substituting Greek yogurt for sour cream and using low-fat mayonnaise. You can also add other fresh veggies like bell peppers or cucumbers for extra crunch. If you prefer, crumbled feta cheese can replace bacon for a vegetarian option. Make sure to toss the salad gently to avoid bruising the greens.
Serving Suggestions
Overnight Tossed Salad makes a great side dish for grilled meats or sandwiches. It pairs beautifully with Libby'S Green Bean Casserole for a hearty meal. For a complete lunch, consider adding shredded rotisserie chicken or chickpeas for protein. Serve it alongside crusty bread or crackers for a satisfying crunch.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To maintain the texture, it's best not to mix the dressing with the salad until you're ready to serve. If the salad seems dry upon serving, you can add a splash of lemon juice or a bit more dressing to freshen it up.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Overnight Tossed Salad contains roughly 257 calories, with 11g protein, 53g carbohydrates, and 6g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (131% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (97% of the Daily Value), and calcium (82% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1101mg per serving (48% 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 preparing in advance. The flavors meld beautifully overnight, making it taste even better the next day. Just remember to keep the dressing separate until you're ready to serve to maintain the freshness of the greens.
What can I substitute for bacon?
If you're looking for a vegetarian option or need to avoid bacon, try using toasted sunflower seeds or crumbled feta cheese for added flavor and texture. You could also use cooked and crumbled tempeh or a vegetarian bacon alternative.
How can I add more flavor to the dressing?
To enhance the dressing's flavor, consider adding minced garlic or a teaspoon of Dijon mustard. Fresh herbs like dill or parsley can also elevate the taste. Adjust the seasoning to your preference by adding more lemon juice or spices.
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).