Hearty Layered Garden Salad
This Hearty Layered Garden Salad is a fresh, vibrant twist on the classic seven-layer salad that is perfect for any gathering. Layered with crisp lettuce, proteins from hard-boiled eggs and bacon, and a rainbow of colorful vegetables, it's as delightful to look at as it is to eat. The creamy dressing, combined with a sprinkle of cheese, adds a rich flavor that complements the crunchy textures. Ideal for potlucks, barbecues, or casual family dinners, this salad not only pleases the palate but also makes for a stunning centerpiece on any table. Preparation is straightforward, making it an excellent choice for busy cooks or those new to the kitchen. Serve chilled and watch it disappear quickly!
8
Servings
275
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
Lettuce
1 head (Torn into bite-sized pieces)
Hard-boiled eggs
6-8 (Chopped)
Green onion
1 bunch (Chopped)
Celery
1/2 cup (Chopped)
Green pepper
1/2 cup (Chopped)
Frozen peas
1 (10 ounce) package (Thawed)
Bacon
3/4 lb (Cooked crisp and crumbled)
Shredded cheese (cheddar or monterey jack)
1 (1 ounce) package (Shredded)
Mayonnaise
1 cup (N/A)
Sour cream
1 cup (N/A)
Hidden Valley Ranch dressing mix
1 (7/8 ounce) package (N/A)
Instructions
1
Start by tearing the head of lettuce into bite-sized pieces and place them at the bottom of a large, clear glass bowl to showcase the layers.
2
Chop the hard-boiled eggs and layer them evenly over the lettuce.
3
Sprinkle the chopped green onions, celery, and green pepper in succession, creating colorful, distinct layers.
4
Add the thawed frozen peas on top of the green pepper for a sweet crunch.
5
In a separate bowl, combine the mayonnaise, sour cream, and Hidden Valley Ranch dressing mix. Mix until smooth and creamy.
6
Spread the dressing over the entire surface of the salad, ensuring it covers to the edges to seal in the freshness.
7
Finally, sprinkle the crumbled bacon and shredded cheese generously over the dressing.
8
Cover the salad with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving to allow the flavors to meld beautifully.
Nutrition Information
19g
Fat
8.75g
Carbs
15g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Hearty Layered Garden Salad?
It is a fresh, vibrant twist on the classic seven-layer salad featuring crisp lettuce, hard-boiled eggs, bacon, and colorful vegetables.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe makes 8 servings.
What are the nutritional facts for one serving?
Each serving contains 275 calories, 19g of fat, 8.75g of carbohydrates, and 15g of protein.
How should the lettuce be prepared?
The head of lettuce should be torn into bite-sized pieces and placed at the bottom of the bowl.
How many hard-boiled eggs are needed?
You will need 6 to 8 hard-boiled eggs, chopped.
What kind of onions are used in this salad?
One bunch of chopped green onions is used.
How much celery is required?
The recipe calls for 1/2 cup of chopped celery.
How much green pepper should I add?
Add 1/2 cup of chopped green pepper.
Do the frozen peas need to be cooked?
No, the frozen peas should be thawed but do not need to be cooked.
How much bacon is used in the recipe?
Use 3/4 lb of bacon, cooked until crisp and then crumbled.
What type of cheese is recommended for the topping?
Shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese works best.
What ingredients make up the dressing?
The dressing consists of 1 cup mayonnaise, 1 cup sour cream, and one package of Hidden Valley Ranch dressing mix.
How do I mix the dressing?
Combine the mayonnaise, sour cream, and ranch mix in a separate bowl and mix until smooth and creamy.
What is the best way to display the layers?
Use a large, clear glass bowl to showcase the colorful distinct layers.
What is the correct order for layering the vegetables?
Layer lettuce first, followed by eggs, green onions, celery, green pepper, and then peas.
How do I apply the dressing to the salad?
Spread the dressing over the entire surface, ensuring it reaches the edges of the bowl to seal in freshness.
When should I add the bacon and cheese?
Sprinkle the crumbled bacon and shredded cheese over the dressing as the final layer.
How long should the salad be refrigerated before serving?
The salad should be refrigerated for at least 1 hour to allow flavors to meld.
Is this recipe suitable for beginners?
Yes, the preparation is straightforward, making it excellent for busy cooks or those new to the kitchen.
What occasions are best for serving this salad?
It is ideal for potlucks, barbecues, or casual family dinners.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 11 total ingredients used in this recipe.
What is the size of the ranch dressing mix package?
The recipe uses one 7/8 ounce package of Hidden Valley Ranch dressing mix.
What is the weight of the frozen peas package?
Use one 10 ounce package of frozen peas.
Does this salad contain sugar?
The provided nutritional data does not list sugar content, though it may vary by specific brands of ingredients used.
Is this salad considered kid-friendly?
Yes, it is tagged as kid-friendly due to its familiar ingredients like bacon, cheese, and ranch dressing.
Can I use a different type of dressing?
The recipe specifically uses a custom mix of mayo, sour cream, and ranch seasoning for a rich flavor profile.
How should I store leftovers?
Leftovers should be covered with plastic wrap and kept refrigerated.
Is there fiber in this salad?
While vegetables are present, the specific fiber count is not listed in the nutritional summary.
What provides the protein in this salad?
The protein comes primarily from the hard-boiled eggs, bacon, and cheese.
What are the primary tags for this recipe?
Tags include salad, layered salad, vegetable salad, party food, potluck dish, and easy recipe.