Layered Garden Pea Delight
A delightful twist on the classic seven-layer salad, this Layered Garden Pea Delight is a striking centerpiece for any potluck table. With a beautiful arrangement of fresh vegetables, creamy dressing, and a tangy kick from the parmesan cheese, it transforms traditional ingredients into a dish that even pea skeptics will appreciate. Perfect for gatherings, this colorful salad can be prepared a day in advance, making it a convenient option for busy hosts. Each layer bursts with flavor, showcasing a symphony of greens that is as appealing to the eyes as it is to the taste buds!
18
Servings
N/A
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
Lettuce
1 head (finely chopped)
Green Peppers
2 (finely chopped)
Red Onions
2 (finely chopped)
Lesueur Peas
1 can (drained)
Miracle Whip
1 quart (none)
Fresh Grated Parmesan Cheese
1 to 1.5 cups (freshly grated)
Bacon Bits
1 bottle (none)
Instructions
1
Begin by preparing a large, clear glass dish to showcase the layers.
2
Finely chop the lettuce, green peppers, and red onions to create a consistent texture.
3
Start layering the salad in the following order: spread the chopped lettuce evenly on the bottom.
4
Next, add the finely chopped green peppers, followed by the red onions.
5
Carefully add the drained Lesueur peas on top of the onions, ensuring even distribution.
6
Spread a generous layer of Miracle Whip over the peas, making sure to cover the sides for better flavor absorption.
7
Sprinkle a layer of fresh grated Parmesan cheese on top of the dressing, adjusting the quantity to your taste.
8
Finish with a layer of bacon bits to add a crunchy texture and savory flavor.
9
Once all layers are added, cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 12 hours to allow flavors to meld.
10
Before serving, give a gentle stir to the top layer for a beautiful presentation.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Layered Garden Pea Delight?
It is a colorful twist on the classic seven-layer salad, featuring fresh vegetables, a creamy dressing, and savory toppings arranged in beautiful layers.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe makes approximately 18 servings, making it ideal for large gatherings.
Can I prepare this salad in advance?
Yes, it is best prepared at least 12 hours in advance to allow the flavors to meld together in the refrigerator.
What is the recommended serving dish for this salad?
A large, clear glass dish is recommended to showcase the beautiful arrangement of colorful layers.
What are the main vegetable ingredients?
The salad includes one head of lettuce, two green peppers, two red onions, and one can of Lesueur peas.
How should the vegetables be prepared?
The lettuce, green peppers, and red onions should all be finely chopped to create a consistent texture throughout the layers.
What kind of peas should I use?
The recipe specifically calls for one can of Lesueur peas, which should be drained before adding to the salad.
What is used for the creamy dressing layer?
The recipe uses one quart of Miracle Whip to cover the peas and seal the flavors.
Why should I spread the Miracle Whip to the sides of the dish?
Spreading the dressing to the sides helps with better flavor absorption and creates a seal that keeps the vegetables fresh.
What type of cheese is used in this recipe?
The salad features fresh grated Parmesan cheese, using between 1 to 1.5 cups depending on your preference.
Does this recipe include bacon?
Yes, the final layer is a bottle of bacon bits, which adds a crunchy texture and savory flavor.
What is the correct order of the layers?
The order is: lettuce on the bottom, then green peppers, red onions, peas, Miracle Whip, Parmesan cheese, and finally bacon bits.
Should I stir the salad before refrigerating?
No, do not stir the salad before refrigerating; it should remain in distinct layers until it is ready to be served.
How long should the salad chill before serving?
It should be covered with plastic wrap and refrigerated for at least 12 hours.
Should I stir the salad before I serve it?
The instructions suggest giving just the top layer a gentle stir before serving to ensure a beautiful presentation.
Can I make this salad vegetarian?
While the recipe includes bacon bits, you can easily make it vegetarian by omitting them or using a plant-based bacon substitute.
Is this salad suitable for a potluck?
Yes, it is described as a 'potluck favorite' and is specifically designed to be a centerpiece for gatherings.
What is the flavor profile of the salad?
It features a mix of fresh vegetable crunch, a tangy kick from Parmesan, and a creamy finish from the Miracle Whip.
Can I use mayonnaise instead of Miracle Whip?
While Miracle Whip provides a specific tanginess intended for this recipe, you can substitute with mayonnaise if you prefer a less sweet flavor.
Is this recipe considered healthy?
The salad is packed with fresh vegetables and peas, making it a nutrient-rich side dish, though the dressing and bacon bits add fat and sodium.
How many green peppers are needed?
You will need two green peppers, finely chopped.
How many red onions does the recipe call for?
The recipe requires two finely chopped red onions.
What is 'Aunt Mary Ann's recipe'?
The tags indicate this is a recipe attributed to Aunt Mary Ann, suggesting it is a tried-and-true family favorite.
Can I use frozen peas instead of canned?
You can use frozen peas as a substitute; just ensure they are fully thawed and very well-drained before layering.
How much lettuce is needed for the base?
The recipe uses one full head of lettuce, finely chopped.
Is the Parmesan cheese pre-grated?
The recipe recommends using fresh grated Parmesan cheese for the best flavor and texture.
How many ingredients are in this salad?
There are 7 primary ingredients: lettuce, green peppers, red onions, peas, Miracle Whip, Parmesan, and bacon bits.
Does the recipe require any cooking?
No cooking is required; this is a raw assembly recipe that relies on chilling time to develop flavor.
What is the preparation time like?
The active prep time involves chopping vegetables and layering, but you must account for the 12-hour refrigeration period.
Can I add other vegetables like carrots or tomatoes?
While not in the original recipe, you can customize the layers with other firm vegetables as long as they are finely chopped and drained.