As summer draws near, a particular dish beckons from the back of my mind—layered salad. The memories flood back of sunny picnics with friends, family gatherings, and backyard barbeques where this dish stole the spotlight.
Not a boring old salad, no! This is a vibrant, visually appealing masterpiece that invites everyone to dig in. If you've never made a layered salad before, you're in for a treat.
Layered salad combines various colorful ingredients arranged in layers, each offering a unique flavor and texture, and topped with a creamy dressing. It’s like a work of art on a plate—beautiful and appetizing! Imagine crisp greens, juicy tomatoes, crunchy vegetables, and rich bacon—all sitting happily stacked in a bowl. When you serve it, the layers meld together, creating a delicious explosion of flavors as your fork digs in.
The charm of a layered salad lies in its versatility. You can mix and match ingredients to suit your taste or whatever you have in your pantry. Perhaps you’re a fan of bacon? Toss it in! Prefer a vegetarian version? Simply leave it out. You can make this salad your own while enjoying a hearty, satisfying meal.
Beyond customization, the salad is make-ahead friendly. You can prepare it the day before, and it only gets better as the flavors meld. It’s the perfect solution for busy lives, ensuring you have something delicious ready to share at those summer cookouts.
Before diving into the process, let’s gather our ingredients.
With these ingredients in hand, you're ready to create something lovely.
Start by gathering all the ingredients. Chop your lettuce, spinach, tomatoes, and hard-boiled eggs. Cook bacon until crispy and chop it into bite-sized pieces. Wash and thinly slice your scallions. If you’re using sunflower seeds, toast them lightly in a small skillet to enhance their flavor.
In a medium bowl, combine the mayonnaise, sour cream, and Dijon mustard. Whisk until the mixture is smooth and creamy. If you prefer your dressing a bit sweeter, add sugar to taste. Set your dressing aside for a moment.
Grab a clear glass bowl for the best visual effect. Start by layering the iceberg lettuce on the bottom, about half of the total amount. The lettuce serves as a robust base.
Next, layer the baby spinach on top of the lettuce. This green partner adds beautiful colors, making your salad appealing right from the start.
Now, sprinkle the chopped tomatoes over the spinach. They provide juiciness that contrasts nicely with the crunch of the greens.
Following the tomatoes, layer your chopped hard-boiled eggs. They add protein and creaminess that balances the salad flawlessly.
Here comes the delicious part. Layer on the crispy bacon, followed by the shredded sharp cheddar cheese. These ingredients bring flavor to the forefront.
Spread the sweet peas over the cheese layer. If you like a little crunch and additional nuttiness, sprinkle some sunflower seeds over the top. Finally, pour the dressing evenly over the entire salad, ensuring each layer is properly coated.
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and put it in the refrigerator. Letting it chill for at least an hour will help the flavors meld beautifully. Just before serving, give it a sprinkle of fresh dill for that pop of color and flavor.
Here are some nuggets of wisdom that can make your layered salad even more delightful:
A serving of this layered salad offers a combination of healthy fats, proteins, and vitamins. Each serving is filled with nutrients from crisp vegetables and protein from eggs and bacon, along with the richness of cheese. However, portion control is important—it is easy to overindulge in salad when it tastes this good.
Absolutely! Layered salad stores well in the fridge for up to three days. However, if you plan to keep leftovers, here’s a tip: keep the dressing separate until you’re ready to enjoy it again. This prevents the vegetables from becoming soggy and preserves their crunch.
Layered salad pairs excellently with many dishes. Here are some ideas:
The great thing about layered salad is that you can adapt the ingredients to suit your taste buds. Here are some delightful variations:
Layered salad is a charming and versatile dish perfect for any occasion. It fits right in at gatherings or as a handy meal prep option for busy weekdays. With myriad opportunities to customize, this is a dish that caters to all kinds of palates.
I cherish this recipe not just for its flavor but for the stories it tells—the laughter shared, the delicious bites taken, and the friendships forged over good food. So, get your layers just right, and prepare to enjoy a delightful salad that makes everyone’s taste buds rejoice. Give it a try today, and add your twist to this beloved classic!
As summer draws near, a particular dish beckons from the back of my mind—layered salad. The memories flood back of sunny picnics with friends, family gatherings, and backyard barbeques where this dish stole the spotlight.
Grab a clear glass bowl for the best visual effect. Start by layering the iceberg lettuce on the bottom, about half of the total amount. The lettuce serves as a robust base.
Next, layer the baby spinach on top of the lettuce. This green partner adds beautiful colors, making your salad appealing right from the start.
Now, sprinkle the chopped tomatoes over the spinach. They provide juiciness that contrasts nicely with the crunch of the greens.
Following the tomatoes, layer your chopped hard-boiled eggs. They add protein and creaminess that balances the salad flawlessly.
Servings 12
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
I’m Irene Adkins, a registered dietitian and creator of Delicious Meal Ideas. Growing up in Syracuse, NY, I developed a passion for simple, flavorful cooking in my grandmother’s kitchen. Through my blog, I share easy, healthy recipes that bring joy to everyday meals, making home cooking fun and accessible for everyone.