Twenty-Four Hour Layered Salad
A colorful, creamy layered salad featuring fresh vegetables, sharp cheddar, and sweet mayonnaise, perfect for potlucks, picnics, or family gatherings requiring a flavorful, chilled dish.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Fill a large rectangular ovenproof glass dish 2/3 full of lettuce.
- Layer chopped green bell pepper, chopped celery, sliced water chestnuts, and cooked and drained green peas over the lettuce.
- Spread mayonnaise evenly over the top layer.
- Sprinkle sugar and grated sharp Cheddar cheese over the mayonnaise.
- Press bacon bits into the cheese layer.
- Cover tightly with plastic wrap and foil.
- Refrigerate for 24 hours before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a crunchier texture, consider adding some diced radishes or cucumbers as a layer. If you're short on time, you can use pre-chopped vegetables or frozen mixed veggies. To make it lighter, try substituting Greek yogurt for half of the mayonnaise. This layered salad can be customized by adding ingredients like diced ham or leftover chicken for added protein.
Serving Suggestions
This salad is a great side dish for summer barbecues or potlucks and pairs beautifully with Ham 'N Biscuit Appetizers. Serve it alongside grilled meats or with crusty bread for a complete meal. For a colorful presentation, garnish with additional peas or a sprinkle of fresh herbs before serving.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The salad is best enjoyed fresh, so try to eat it within this time frame. If you need to reheat any components, such as bacon bits, do so in a skillet until crispy, but avoid reheating the entire salad to maintain its freshness.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Twenty-Four Hour Layered Salad contains roughly 477 calories, with 25g protein, 19g carbohydrates, and 34g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (51% of the Daily Value), calcium (45% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (41% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1153mg per serving (50% 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 making a day in advance since the flavors meld beautifully. Just ensure you cover it tightly to keep it fresh. The 24-hour refrigeration allows the ingredients to combine, enhancing the overall taste.
Is it possible to make this salad vegan?
Absolutely! You can substitute the mayonnaise with a vegan mayonnaise alternative and use dairy-free cheese to maintain the layered effect. Additionally, replace the bacon bits with a plant-based option or omit them altogether for a delicious vegan version.
What can I use instead of water chestnuts?
If you don't have water chestnuts, you can substitute them with sliced jicama for a similar crunch, or use chopped celery for extra flavor and texture. Both options work well in this layered salad, maintaining its delightful crunch.
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).