Special Layered Salad
A colorful, layered salad featuring fresh vegetables, shrimp, bacon, and cheese, perfect for gatherings and offering a mix of creamy, savory, and crispy textures.
Ingredients
- 1 pkg. romaine lettuce, torn ⓘ
- 1 green pepper, chopped ⓘ
- 1 medium onion, chopped ⓘ
- 1 (10 oz.) pkg. frozen peas ⓘ
- 1 1/2 c. mayonnaise ⓘ
- 2 c. shredded Cheddar cheese ⓘ
- 1 (4 1/2 oz.) can tiny shrimp, rinsed and drained ⓘ
- 4 bacon strips, cooked and crumbled
- 1 medium tomato, cut into wedges ⓘ
- 3 hard-boiled eggs, cut into wedges ⓘ
- paprika ⓘ
Instructions
- Layer the torn romaine lettuce in a 3-quart bowl.
- Add chopped green pepper evenly over the lettuce.
- Spread chopped onion on top of the green pepper.
- Distribute frozen peas over the onion layer.
- Spread mayonnaise over the peas.
- Sprinkle shredded Cheddar cheese on top of the mayonnaise layer.
- Cover and refrigerate the salad for at least 2 hours or overnight.
- Before serving, top with tiny shrimp, crumbled bacon, tomato wedges, and hard-boiled egg wedges.
- Garnish with paprika and fresh parsley.
Tips & Substitutions
For a variation, you can substitute the tiny shrimp with chopped cooked chicken or even diced ham from a Tender Chunk Ham Casserole, which adds a different flavor profile. If you prefer a lighter dressing, consider using Greek yogurt mixed with a bit of lemon juice instead of mayonnaise. Fresh herbs like dill or parsley can also enhance the taste.
Serving Suggestions
This Special Layered Salad is perfect for potlucks or family gatherings. Serve it alongside grilled meats or pair it with a light Spring Spinach Salad for a refreshing meal. It also works well as a hearty side dish for sandwiches or wraps. Garnish with fresh parsley for added color and flavor.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To prevent the salad from becoming soggy, keep the dressing separate until ready to serve. If you need to reheat any components, like bacon, do so in a skillet over medium heat for the best texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Special Layered Salad contains roughly 668 calories, with 20g protein, 61g carbohydrates, and 41g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (63% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (43% of the Daily Value), and protein (40% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 808mg 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 can be made a day in advance. Just prepare all the layers and cover it tightly in the refrigerator. The flavors will meld beautifully, making it even tastier when served the next day.
What can I use instead of mayonnaise?
If you're looking for a healthier alternative, you can use Greek yogurt mixed with a bit of mustard for tanginess. This swap will still give you a creamy texture while reducing the calories.
Can I add other vegetables to this salad?
Absolutely! Feel free to add other favorite vegetables like cucumbers, carrots, or radishes for extra crunch and flavor. Just make sure to cut them into small, uniform pieces to maintain the salad's layers.
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).