Peggy'S Layered Salad
A colorful layered salad combining fresh vegetables, peas, cheese, bacon, and a creamy mayonnaise-based dressing, perfect for potlucks, picnics, or family gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1 head lettuce, broken into pieces ⓘ
- 1 can water chestnuts, chopped ⓘ
- 1/2 cup chopped celery ⓘ
- 1/2 cup chopped green peppers
- 1/2 cup chopped green onions ⓘ
- 1 package frozen peas, cooked and drained ⓘ
- 1 1/2 cups mayonnaise ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. sugar ⓘ
- 4 oz. grated cheese ⓘ
- 1/2 pound bacon, cooked and crumbled ⓘ
Instructions
- Layer the lettuce, chopped water chestnuts, chopped celery, chopped green peppers, chopped green onions, and cooked drained peas in a dish in the order given.
- Mix the mayonnaise and sugar together until well combined.
- Spread the mayonnaise mixture evenly over the layered salad.
- Sprinkle the grated cheese on top of the mayonnaise layer.
- Crumble the cooked bacon and sprinkle it over the cheese.
Tips & Substitutions
For added crunch, consider using fresh or pickled vegetables like carrots or radishes in addition to the suggested ingredients. If you don't have mayonnaise, Greek yogurt can be a healthier substitute, giving a tangy flavor. You can also use leftover roasted vegetables for an extra layer of flavor. Make sure to let the salad sit for a bit before serving to allow the flavors to meld.
Serving Suggestions
This layered salad is perfect for potlucks, picnics, or as a side dish for grilled meats. It pairs beautifully with American recipes like Baked Beans And Wieners or Five Pounds Chili. For a complete meal, serve it alongside your favorite protein, such as grilled chicken or fish, to complement the fresh flavors of the salad.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover layered salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To maintain the crispness of the vegetables, it's best to keep the mayonnaise layer separate until serving. If the salad appears soggy after refrigeration, gently toss it to redistribute the ingredients before serving.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Peggy'S Layered Salad contains roughly 351 calories, with 15g protein, 44g carbohydrates, and 16g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (160% of the Daily Value), vitamin A (53% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (41% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 641mg per serving (28% 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. However, it's best to assemble the layers and add the mayonnaise just before serving to keep the ingredients fresh and crunchy. If you choose to prepare it ahead, store the layers separately and combine them right before your meal.
What can I use instead of bacon for a vegetarian option?
For a vegetarian alternative, consider using crispy baked tempeh or smoked tofu to replicate the savory flavor of bacon. You can also add roasted chickpeas for crunch and protein. This keeps the salad delicious while accommodating dietary preferences.
How can I make this salad healthier?
To make this layered salad healthier, use low-fat mayonnaise or Greek yogurt as a dressing base. You can also increase the amount of fresh vegetables, such as adding sliced cucumbers or cherry tomatoes, to enhance nutritional value without sacrificing 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).