Let’s face it, salads can get pretty boring after a while. One way to change things up is to make a layered salad. Layered salads differ from other types of salads in that the ingredients are layered on top of each other, kind of like a lasagna.
The idea is that once you dig in, all the ingredients will mix together to get the perfect combination of all the components in every forkful. Plus, layered salads look really nice when served in a clear dish!
Just like any other salad, a layered salad can include any number of ingredients. This article will take a look at some variations you can make as well as some more traditional choices.
Traditional Layered Salad
A traditional layered salad is much like the one we have here. The layers are as follows:
- Bottom layer: Shredded lettuce
- Second layer: Bacon, egg and onion combination
- Third layer: Peas
- Fourth layer: Carrots
- Fifth layer: Mayonnaise and sour cream mixture
- Sixth layer: Swiss cheese topping
This makes a great meal because it is both filling and healthy. The bacon and eggs are both excellent sources of protein. Onions are good for digestion and for regulating blood sugar. Peas are high in fiber, vitamins, and minerals, carrots are rich in lutein, making them beneficial for eye health, and the swiss cheese is a good source of calcium.
What’s more, salads are low in calories and carbs making them a great alternative to higher calorie dishes that can increase weight gain. Layered salads are also great for bringing to potlucks, church functions, and picnics. They are easy to carry and serve, they are colorful and attractive, and they can feed a lot of people.
Layered Salad Variations
Of course, when you think of the ingredients you can include in a layered salad, the sky is the limit. Here are just some ideas for the types of salads you can make.
Tex Mex Seven Layer Salad: Bring some kick to your layered salad by adding red onion, avocado, black beans, cilantro, and any other type of exotic flavor that suits your fancy. Top it off with a creamy salsa vinaigrette to give it a great authentic taste.
Cauliflower Broccoli Bacon Corn Salad: Not only does this recipe call for ingredients that vary from the original recipe, like broccoli, cauliflower, and corn; the presentation changes as well. The layers are no longer on top of each other but side by side, creating a great rainbow effect that will make all your guests want to dive in… or maybe they’ll be too scared to mess it up!
Southern Living Layered Cornbread and Turkey Salad: In typical Southern-style, in this salad, the bottom layer of lettuce is replaced by a hearty cornbread. Smoked turkey, cubed ham, tomato, celery, and cheese are just some of the ingredients you can add to make it delicious. Be sure to top it all off with some Parmesan peppercorn dressing to complete that downhome goodness.
For some simpler variations on the traditional layered salad, you can replace the lettuce with spinach or mixed greens, add chicken or other meats, and introduce different veggies, cheeses, and dressings into the mix.
How to Create Your Own Layered Salad
Trying pre-existing layered salad recipes is great and all, but what if you want to make your own? There are few things as great as someone being wowed by something you created on your own. Here are some tips for making your own layered salad.
First, you need to decide what style you want your layered salad to have. Do you want it to be more traditional, or do you want it to be a unique spin on the concept? The sky's the limit here; you could even make a dessert layered salad if you wanted! Think about how this layered salad will be served. Will it just be for your family, or will it be for a gathering of some kind?
Next, decide what each layer will be. You'll want to have at least three layers, but generally we don't recommend going over six. More than six layers can be too much for many dishes to hold, and it can also make the dish look a little unsightly. Plus, having that many layers will make your ingredients list quite long!
Finally, you'll want to gather everything and assemble. This is your last chance to make sure you have your layering plan set up exactly how you want it. Make sure the order of the ingredients makes sense. Remember, for example, that any sauce or dressing will sink into the lower layers, but will not have much effect on any layers above it. Keep in mind that you may have to experiment a couple of times before you get your layered salad creation just right!
Layered salads are great because they are plentiful, healthy, and easy on the eyes. They are perfect for just about any occasion and you can make several variations with one that is sure to please even your pickiest of eaters. Which combination will you serve your guests?
If you enjoyed this recipe, make sure to check out our Sweet Butternut Squash and our Zucchini Cheese Bake.
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Layered Salad Recipe
(1 votes, average: 5.00 out of 5)
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- Total Time: 20 Minutes
Description
The idea is that once you dig in, all the ingredients will mix together to get the perfect combination of all the components in every forkful. Plus, layered salads look really nice when served in a clear dish!
Ingredients
- 2 cups shredded romaine
- 2 cups shredded iceberg lettuce
- 4 oz. cooked bacon
- 4 large eggs, hard cooked
- 1 cup chopped red onion
- 1 cup fresh or frozen peas, boiled until tender
- 1 cup grated carrots
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1 cup sour cream
- ½ lb. shredded Swiss cheese
Instructions
- Place romaine and iceberg lettuce in bottom of a 10 to 12 cup clear glass bowl with a generous diameter and set aside.
- Finely chop bacon and eggs. Layer bacon, eggs, and onion separately over shredded greens.
- Add a layer of peas and a layer of carrots. Mix mayonnaise and sour cream together and spread on top of salad.
- Top with Swiss cheese and serve.
- Prep Time: 20 Minutes
- Cook Time: N/A
- Category: Salad
- Method: Layered
- Cuisine: American
The image featured at the top of this post is ©kostrez/Shutterstock.com.