Make-Ahead Salad
This Make-Ahead Layered Salad is a fantastic solution for gatherings or meal prep, offering a refreshing blend of crisp lettuce, sweet peas, savory cheese, and a creamy dressing, all topped with crispy bacon. It’s designed to stay fresh and delicious until you’re ready to serve.
Ingredients:
Salad:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Iceberg lettuce, chopped | 1 head |
| Frozen peas, thawed and drained | 1 (8 oz.) package |
| Swiss cheese, cut into cubes | 1 cup |
| Green onions, finely chopped | 3 |
| Bacon bits | 1/2 cup |
Sauce:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Mayonnaise | 1/2 cup |
| Miracle Whip | 1/2 cup |
| Sugar | 1-2 tablespoons |
| Kosher salt | To taste |
| Freshly ground pepper | To taste |
Instructions:
- Prepare the Dressing: In a medium bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Miracle Whip, and sugar. Season to taste with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. Set the dressing aside.
- Chop Lettuce: To easily chop the iceberg lettuce, smash the stem of the lettuce on the counter to loosen it. Then, push the stem into the lettuce until it releases completely. Discard the stem. Chop the lettuce into bite-sized pieces and place it in a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Layer and Dress: Add the thawed and drained frozen peas, diced Swiss cheese, and finely chopped green onions on top of the chopped lettuce. Pour the prepared dressing evenly over the mixture.
- Toss & Top: Toss all the ingredients together gently until everything is evenly coated with the dressing. Finally, sprinkle the bacon bits over the top of the salad.
- Chill and Serve: Refrigerate the salad until you are ready to serve. If you’re making it ahead, cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil or plastic wrap to keep it fresh.
