Lettuce Layered Salad Recipe

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Spring is here and summer is coming soon. Layered Salad is a light and refreshing side dish that is perfect for any potluck, barbecue, or party. Your guests will love how healthy and delicious it is.

My family had it with homemade cheeseburgers and they all loved it. This salad is packed with Romaine lettuce, celery, hard-boiled eggs, sweet onions, green peppers, and bacon and topped with mayonnaise and a hint of sugar. I added sliced cherry tomatoes for decoration and extra flavor.

Ingredients You Will Need

Romaine Lettuce (Base): Provides a crisp, refreshing foundation for the salad.

Celery & Green Pepper (Crunch & Color): Add a delightful crunch and vibrant color to the salad.

Sweet Onion (Flavor & Aroma): Offers a subtle sweetness and a bit of bite.

Hard-Boiled Eggs (Protein & Richness): Contribute protein and a creamy, rich element.

Bacon (Salty & Savory): Brings a salty, savory taste and a satisfying textural contrast.

Frozen Peas (Sweetness & Color): Add a pop of sweetness and vibrant green color. They thaw slightly as the salad sits, becoming tender and adding a unique textural contrast.

Mayonnaise (Dressing Base): Creates the creamy dressing that binds everything together.

Sugar (Dressing Balance): Sugar is added to the dressing to balance the acidity (from mayonnaise) and enhance the other flavors.

Why You’ll Love Making Layered Salad

Crowd-Pleasing Flavors: It offers a combination of textures and tastes that appeal to a wide audience. The creamy dressing, crunchy vegetables, salty bacon, and pops of sweetness from peas and sugar create a delightful balance.

Make-Ahead Friendly: Layered salad can be assembled well in advance, making it a stress-free option for busy schedules. The flavors actually meld together nicely over time, making it even tastier the next day.

Familiar & Nostalgic: Layered salad is a classic recipe for many, bringing back fond memories for some.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is leftover layered salad okay to eat? Leftovers are typically good for 2-3 days in the fridge. The dressing might separate a bit, but you can simply stir it back in before serving.

My salad seems watery, what went wrong? Make sure your lettuce is dry! Excess water will dilute the dressing and make the salad soggy. Pat the lettuce leaves dry with paper towels before assembling.

Is there a way to prevent the lettuce from getting soggy? Here are some tips:

• Make sure your lettuce is dry before assembling.
• Don’t add the dressing until right before serving.
• Layer the salad loosely to allow air circulation.
• Use a wide, shallow bowl instead of a deep one.

Is there a way to involve kids in making layered salad? Yes! Layered salad is a great recipe for getting kids involved in the kitchen. They can help with washing and chopping vegetables, layering the ingredients, and even creating their own mini versions in mason jars.

Substitutes and Variations

Lettuce: Swap romaine for iceberg (milder flavor), spring mix (variety of leafy greens), or even shredded cabbage for a heartier base.

Hard-boiled Eggs: Diced cooked chicken breast, shredded rotisserie chicken, chopped cooked shrimp, or crumbled cooked tofu offer protein alternatives.

Mayonnaise: Use plain Greek yogurt thinned with milk or lemon juice for a tangier, healthier option. Try equal parts mayonnaise and Greek yogurt for a lighter version.

Cheese: Shredded cheddar cheese is a popular addition. Layer it with the eggs or on top for a cheesy finish. Other cheeses like crumbled feta or mozzarella can also be used.

Individual Portions: Use mason jars, small bowls, or even cupcake liners for a fun and portable presentation.

What to Serve with Layered Salad

Grilled or BBQ Meats: The creamy and slightly sweet salad pairs well with the savory flavors of grilled meats like hamburgers, hot dogs, chicken breasts, steaks, or pork chops.

Fish & Seafood: Layered salad complements the lighter flavors of grilled or baked fish, shrimp, or salmon.

Pasta Dishes: A lighter pasta dish like a primavera or marinara can be nicely balanced by the richness and protein of the layered salad.

Potlucks & Buffets: Layered salad is a crowd-pleasing dish that travels well and looks beautiful on a buffet table. It doesn’t require any last-minute preparation, making it ideal for potlucks and gatherings.

Fried Chicken: Fried Chicken in the Crockpot would go great with a layered salad.

Other Recipes You May Enjoy

If you like my Layered Salad, you might also like my Cabbage Apple Salad or my Mexican Macaroni Salad. This Tossed Green Salad is also delicious.

Final Thoughts

Layered Salad is a hearty and satisfying side dish that goes with almost any main dish. I love how the flavors meld together over time and create a flavorful salad that many people love. I remember my mom making this salad often when we had company for dinner. Have you ever had a layered salad?