Layered Salad is an awesome make-ahead salad great for potlucks or family gatherings.
I’ve made this salad twice in the last week. It is major crowd-pleaser. You may or may not be familiar with this recipe. It is an oldie but a goodie, so I wanted to make sure I shared it. I first had this at Thanksgiving for my husband’s family back when we were dating. My husband’s aunt made it, and I immediately wanted the recipe.
Every time I make this, everyone always wants the recipe. So now I share it with you!
The possibilities of veggies are up to you. Some people add eggs, red onions, tomatoes, etc. I keep mine simple with only green veggies.
Layered Salad
Ingredients
- 1 head iceberg lettuce, chopped
- 1 cucumber, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 1-2 stalks celery, diced
- 2 green onions, chopped
- 3/4 cup frozen peas
- 1/2 packet ranch dressing mix
- 1 1/2 cups mayo (I use Hellman's)
- 1 tsp sugar
- Oscar Meyer "Real Bacon Bits"
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar or colby jack
Instructions
- Mix up ranch dressing mix, mayo, and sugar. Set aside.
- Layer all ingredients: lettuce, cucumber, green bell pepper, celery, and green onions.
- Top with dollops of dressing and spread it over veggies. Sprinkle with cheese and bacon bits.
- Refrigerate at least 3 hours to overnight.
Notes
I serve mine in a 13 x 9 casserole dish. You can get a little fancy with a trifle dish if you'd like. I just find it easier to serve in 13 x 9 dish.
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Other sides you might love:
Cornbread Salad with Homemade French Dressing
Frito Corn Salad
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So I mentioned I served this dish, twice in the last week. I made it for a very special family gathering. We had a tenderloin, twice baked potatoes, garlic bread, and this layered salad. Everyone gathered at our house to find out what baby #4 will be!! It was one of the most exciting days ever. And the result was…
My sister did such a fantastic job making a gender reveal cake! We are so excited and feel SO BLESSED! We already have two girls and one boy, so this was just so great!! If you missed my last post, I went into detail about life lately.
I must say that this was one of the most fun and exciting ways to find out what we were having. We found out the very traditional way with an ultrasound for our first two kiddos. For our third, we decided not to find out (which was an experience of a lifetime), and this time we thought we’d have a little fun! Now for a name…
Erlene says
I’m definitely making this salad. Pinned. Love the cake too…very neat idea.Visiting from Sat. Night Fever link party.
Lisa @ Pebbles & Piggytails says
I love this idea and it looks so good! I’ll be featuring this recipe at this weekend’s Saturday Dishes!!! Pinned it too!
Jaren says
Thanks so much! It is always a favorite everywhere I take it!
Wayne Scott says
I love this recipe. My mom made something similar to this many years ago. I had totally forgotten about it. I am definitely going to try this during the Holidays! Thanks for posting!
Jaren says
Thanks Wayne! And the best part is that it can be made the day before!
Laura Shipley La Borde says
This salad looks terrific and I think I may even add some more layers like maybe olives? Also I think I would makemine with spinach or a different kind of lettuce. It should still come out good, yes? Congratulations on your 4th baby!!! What a cute way to find out!
Blessings,
Laura
Jaren says
Hi Laura! What makes this salad so good is that you can put all your favorites in it! Spinach sounds REALLY GOOD! Thanks for visiting!
Deuce says
Jaren,
Does this keep well for a few days? Like, can I make it Sunday to take to lunch all week (or at least majority)? Thanks for the recipe, it looks delish!
Jaren says
Hi Deuce! I would say it would be fine through Tuesday or Wednesday. It may get a little too soggy after that point. We usually make this at Thanksgiving and eat the leftovers for a few days and it’s fine. Thanks!
Deuce says
Thanks, Jaren. I figured at least midweek would work. Can’t wait to go through the rest of your recipes!
Lynn says
do you cook the peas before adding them?
Jaren says
Hi Lynn! No need to cook them. I put them in still frozen. They defrost overnight as the salad sets up. Sorry for the late reply! I’ve been out of town. Thanks for visiting!
Susan says
I have a problem with cutting up my lettuce ahead of time and it is brownish within a day.. this will stay fresh overnight and into the next day?
Jaren says
Hi Susan! I have never had a problem with the lettuce turning brown in this recipe. I usually buy my lettuce the day I make it to ensure that it is fresh too. I usually make it the night before for a day event or the morning of for an evening event. Thanks for visiting!
Susan says
Thank you for responding! I have a get together every Tuesday after work and I can never make anything prior as I go straight there from work. If I make this tomorrow morning the lettuce will still be good till 6pm?
Jaren says
Yes, Susan, I think it will be fine! Our family has made this for years and never had a problem. Cover it with saran wrap and you should be good to go!
Ann says
Use a lettuce knife or plastic one. This shouldn’t happen then.
Brooke Templeton says
Rip the lettuce, don’t cut it with a knife. Using a knife leads to the rust. 🙂
Jaren says
Hi Brooke! My mom always tears her lettuce too. Thanks for the tip!
Carrie says
Thanks for sharing this is one of my all time favorite salads at potlucks. I have never attempted myself but this seems really easy. Congratulations on the mew baby boy coming!! Good luck with choosing the name.😆
Jaren says
We love this salad too! Thanks for visiting Carrie!
Denise says
When you eat this do you add salad dressing to it or do you just eat it as it is?
Jaren says
Hi Denise! You add all the dressing and spread it evenly over the veggies you have layered in the dish (step 3 in the above recipe). Enjoy!