Chilled Layered Garden Salad
This Chilled Layered Garden Salad is a delightful blend of fresh vegetables, creamy mayonnaise, and savory toppings, layered to create an eye-catching dish that’s perfect for potlucks, picnics, or family gatherings. Comprising crisp lettuce, sweet peas, zesty green onions, protein-packed hard-boiled eggs, and crunchy bacon—every bite offers a burst of flavor. Topped with Swiss cheese and a generous mayo layer, this salad is not only pleasing to the palate but also a visual treat. Prepare it a day ahead, allowing the flavors to meld harmoniously for a refreshing, cold side dish with minimal effort.
6-8
Servings
112.5
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
Lettuce
1 head (washed and torn into bite-sized pieces)
Frozen English Peas
10 ounces (thawed)
Green Onions
2-3 (chopped)
Hard-Boiled Eggs
3 (peeled and chopped)
Bacon
1/2 lb (cooked crisp and crumbled)
Mayonnaise
to taste (for dressing)
Swiss Cheese
to taste (grated for topping)
Instructions
1
In a wide, shallow dish, start by layering the torn lettuce evenly on the bottom.
2
Next, distribute the thawed English peas over the lettuce layer.
3
Follow with a layer of chopped green onions, spreading them evenly.
4
Layer the chopped hard-boiled eggs on top of the green onions, ensuring they're well distributed.
5
Sprinkle the crumbled bacon over the eggs for added crunch and flavor.
6
Carefully spread mayonnaise over the entire surface of the salad, mimicking the icing of a cake to ensure an even coating.
7
Finish by sprinkling grated Swiss cheese generously over the mayonnaise layer.
8
Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 8 hours or overnight to allow flavors to meld.
9
Just before serving, gently toss the salad to combine all ingredients, ensuring the mayonnaise and cheese are evenly distributed.
Nutrition Information
8g
Fat
3.75g
Carbs
5.25g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Chilled Layered Garden Salad?
It is a refreshing, cold side dish featuring layers of fresh vegetables, hard-boiled eggs, bacon, and Swiss cheese topped with a creamy mayonnaise dressing.
What are the primary layers in this salad?
The salad is built with layers of torn lettuce, thawed English peas, chopped green onions, chopped hard-boiled eggs, and crumbled bacon.
How long does this salad need to refrigerate?
For the best flavor meld, the salad should be refrigerated for at least 8 hours or ideally overnight.
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, this recipe is designed to be prepared a day in advance to allow the layers to settle and the flavors to harmonize.
What type of lettuce is best for this recipe?
The recipe calls for one head of lettuce, washed and torn into bite-sized pieces; iceberg or romaine are popular choices for crispness.
Do the English peas need to be cooked?
No, you simply need to use 10 ounces of frozen English peas that have been completely thawed.
What is the best way to apply the mayonnaise?
Carefully spread the mayonnaise over the entire surface of the salad, mimicking how you would ice a cake to ensure an even coating.
What kind of cheese is used in this salad?
The recipe specifies grated Swiss cheese as the final topping layer.
Should I toss the salad before refrigerating?
No, keep the ingredients in distinct layers while refrigerating. You should only gently toss the salad just before serving.
How many people does this recipe serve?
This recipe makes approximately 6 to 8 servings.
What is the calorie count for a serving?
Each serving contains approximately 112.5 calories.
Is this salad suitable for a potluck?
Yes, its eye-catching layered presentation and cold serving temperature make it a favorite for potlucks and picnics.
How much bacon is required?
You will need 1/2 lb of bacon, cooked until crisp and then crumbled.
How many eggs are in the recipe?
The recipe calls for 3 hard-boiled eggs, peeled and chopped.
What is the protein content per serving?
Each serving provides about 5.25g of protein.
How much fat is in one serving?
There are approximately 8g of fat per serving.
What is the carbohydrate count?
The salad contains approximately 3.75g of carbohydrates per serving.
Can I use different types of onions?
The recipe specifically uses 2-3 chopped green onions for a zesty, mild flavor.
Does the recipe include fiber information?
The provided nutritional data does not specify the fiber content.
How should I prepare the lettuce?
The lettuce should be washed and torn into bite-sized pieces before being placed as the bottom layer.
Can I substitute the Swiss cheese?
While Swiss is traditional for this version, you could substitute it with other grated cheeses based on your preference.
What should I cover the dish with in the fridge?
Cover the wide, shallow dish tightly with plastic wrap before placing it in the refrigerator.
Is this recipe considered a vegetable dish?
Yes, it is categorized under the Vegetable category.
What are some common tags for this recipe?
Common tags include salad, layered salad, vegetable salad, party food, and comfort food.
Can I use fresh peas instead of frozen?
Yes, though frozen thawed peas are convenient, fresh peas can be used if they are tender.
How many ingredients are in this salad?
There are 7 main ingredients: lettuce, peas, green onions, eggs, bacon, mayonnaise, and Swiss cheese.
What type of dish should I use for layering?
A wide, shallow dish is recommended to properly showcase the layers and allow for easy tossing later.
Can I add sugar to the mayo dressing?
This specific recipe uses plain mayonnaise, but some variations of layered salads do occasionally add a touch of sugar.
Is the bacon added before or after the mayo?
The crumbled bacon is added as the layer just before the mayonnaise is spread on top.
How do I ensure the mayo covers the whole salad?
Spread it carefully to the edges of the dish to seal the ingredients underneath, similar to frosting a cake.