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Layered salad recipe

Layered Salad with Creamy Dressing – Easy Make-Ahead Recipe


  • Author: Julia Hart
  • Total Time: 4 hours 30 minutes (includes chilling)
  • Yield: 1012 servings 1x
  • Diet: Halal

Description

This layered salad is a colorful, crisp, and creamy dish made with fresh lettuce, sweet peas, juicy tomatoes, cheddar cheese, eggs, and a smooth homemade dressing. Perfect for potlucks, family dinners, or meal prep!


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 medium head romaine or iceberg lettuce, chopped (reserve 2 cups)

  • 1 small red onion, chopped

  • 2 medium tomatoes, diced (reserve slices for garnish)

  • 1½ cups frozen peas, thawed

  • 4 hard-boiled eggs, sliced (reserve a few slices for garnish)

  • 1½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese

  • 8 strips cooked turkey or beef bacon, chopped

Creamy Dressing:

  • 1¼ cups mayonnaise

  • ½ cup sour cream

  • 1 tablespoon honey (or sugar)

  • ½ teaspoon salt

  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper


Instructions

  • Whisk together all dressing ingredients until smooth; set aside.

  • In a large clear bowl, layer: chopped lettuce (reserving 2 cups), red onion, tomatoes, peas, and sliced eggs.

  • Add reserved lettuce and egg slices near the top to stabilize.

  • Gently spread the dressing over the top to seal the layers.

  • Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.

  • Just before serving, top with shredded cheddar, chopped bacon, and reserved tomato slices.

Notes

  • Do not mix the salad before serving to preserve the layered look and texture.

  • Add cheese and bacon only before serving to keep them crisp.

  • Store leftovers for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.

  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes (for eggs & bacon)
  • Category: Salad
  • Method: Layered (No Cook)
  • Cuisine: American