Chilled Layered Lettuce Salad
This Chilled Layered Lettuce Salad is a crowd-pleaser that strikes the perfect balance between simplicity and flavor, making it ideal for potlucks, picnics, or special gatherings. The dish is built on a fresh base of shredded lettuce and features a delightful mix of crunchy vegetables, sweet peas, and savory ingredients, all lovingly sealed with a generous layer of Hellmann's mayonnaise. By allowing the salad to chill overnight, the flavors meld beautifully, creating a refreshing and satisfying side that will impress your guests. Garnished with crispy bacon and elegant slices of hard-boiled eggs and tomatoes, this recipe combines convenience with elegance, making it a must-try for any occasion.
N/A
Servings
180
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
Lettuce
1 head (shredded)
Frozen peas
1 (8 ounce) package (keep frozen until ready to use)
Parmesan cheese
to taste (grated)
Tomatoes
2 (cut into wedges)
Onion
1 cup (diced)
Sugar
3 tablespoons (none)
Celery
1 cup (sliced thin)
Hellmann's mayonnaise
2 cups (must use Hellmann's)
Eggs
2 (hard boiled and sliced)
Water chestnuts
6 ounces (sliced)
Bacon
3/4 lb (fried and crumbled, not bacon bits)
Instructions
1
Begin by shredding the head of lettuce and evenly spread it in a 9x13 inch pan to form the base of your salad.
2
Layer the diced onions, sliced celery, and water chestnuts on top of the lettuce, creating a colorful and crunchy layer.
3
Break apart the frozen peas and sprinkle them generously over the vegetables, maintaining the layers you've created.
4
Take the Hellmann's mayonnaise and spread it over the entire surface, much like frosting a cake, ensuring to seal the edges well to lock in all flavors.
5
Finally, sprinkle the sugar and grated Parmesan cheese on top of the mayonnaise layer, covering it completely.
6
Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate it overnight to let the flavors meld.
7
Just before serving, carefully remove the cover and garnish the salad with crumbled bacon, arranging slices of hard-boiled eggs and tomato wedges on top for an elegant finish.
Nutrition Information
14.5
Fat
7.5
Carbs
5
Protein
1.5
Fiber
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Chilled Layered Lettuce Salad?
It is a layered salad featuring a fresh base of shredded lettuce, crunchy vegetables, sweet peas, and savory ingredients, all sealed with Hellmann's mayonnaise and chilled overnight.
What pan size is recommended for this recipe?
A 9x13 inch pan is used to form the base and create the layers.
Can I use any brand of mayonnaise?
The recipe specifically specifies that you must use Hellmann's mayonnaise for the best results.
How long should the salad be refrigerated?
The salad should be covered tightly and refrigerated overnight to allow the flavors to meld.
When should I add the bacon garnish?
The crumbled bacon should be added just before serving to maintain its crispiness.
Can I use store-bought bacon bits?
No, the recipe calls for 3/4 lb of bacon that is fried and crumbled rather than pre-made bacon bits.
How do I prepare the lettuce for the base?
You should shred a whole head of lettuce and spread it evenly in the pan.
Do I need to cook the frozen peas first?
No, keep them frozen until ready to use, then break them apart and sprinkle them generously over the vegetable layer.
What is the best way to apply the mayonnaise?
Spread it over the entire surface like frosting a cake, ensuring you seal the edges well to lock in flavors.
How many calories are in a serving?
Each serving contains approximately 180 calories.
What ingredients are added on top of the mayonnaise layer?
Sugar and grated Parmesan cheese are sprinkled over the mayonnaise to cover it completely.
What vegetables provide the crunch in this salad?
Diced onions, sliced celery, and sliced water chestnuts provide the crunchy texture.
How are the eggs prepared for this recipe?
The recipe requires 2 hard-boiled eggs that are sliced and used as a garnish.
What is the fat content per serving?
The salad contains 14.5 grams of fat per serving.
How many water chestnuts are needed?
The recipe calls for 6 ounces of sliced water chestnuts.
Can I make this salad the same day I serve it?
While you can, it is highly recommended to let it sit overnight for the best flavor profile.
How much sugar is used in the recipe?
3 tablespoons of sugar are sprinkled over the mayonnaise layer.
How should the tomatoes be sliced?
The 2 tomatoes should be cut into wedges and used for garnishing.
Is there fiber in this salad?
Yes, there is approximately 1.5 grams of fiber per serving.
What type of cheese is used?
Grated Parmesan cheese is used to taste.
How much onion and celery is required?
You will need 1 cup of diced onion and 1 cup of thinly sliced celery.
What are the total carbohydrates per serving?
There are 7.5 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
How much protein is in the salad?
The salad provides 5 grams of protein per serving.
Is this salad suitable for vegetarians?
No, it contains 3/4 lb of fried bacon and hard-boiled eggs.
How many total ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 11 specific ingredients listed for this salad.
What occasions is this salad best for?
It is ideal for potlucks, picnics, or special gatherings due to its make-ahead nature.
What is the order of the first three layers?
The first layer is shredded lettuce, followed by diced onions, then sliced celery and water chestnuts.
How much mayonnaise is needed?
The recipe requires 2 cups of Hellmann's mayonnaise.
What is the amount of frozen peas needed?
You will need one 8-ounce package of frozen peas.
Should the dish be covered in the fridge?
Yes, cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap or a lid before refrigerating.