Discover the irresistible charm of the classic 24 Hour Lettuce Salad, a layered masterpiece perfect for potlucks, holiday gatherings, or family dinners. This make-ahead salad combines crisp iceberg lettuce and baby spinach with colorful layers of sweet frozen peas, tangy red onions, and smoky bacon, all topped with shredded cheddar cheese for a rich, savory finish. The creamy dressing—featuring mayonnaise, sour cream, and a touch of sugar—seals in the vibrant flavors, allowing them to blend beautifully during its 24-hour chill in the refrigerator. Presented in a glass bowl, this visually stunning dish turns heads while delivering unmatched flavor in every bite. A true crowd-pleaser, this chilled lettuce salad is as easy to assemble as it is delicious, making it the ultimate balance of convenience and culinary delight.
Wash and pat dry the iceberg lettuce. Chop it into bite-sized pieces and place a layer evenly at the bottom of a large glass bowl or trifle dish.
Add a layer of baby spinach on top of the lettuce.
Evenly distribute the thinly sliced red onion as the next layer.
Spread the frozen peas (no need to thaw) over the onion layer.
Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the peas.
Add a layer of crumbled bacon on top of the cheese.
In a small bowl, mix the mayonnaise, sour cream, granulated sugar, salt, and black pepper until smooth and well combined.
Gently spread the dressing mixture over the top of the salad using a spatula. Ensure it completely covers the top to seal in the layers below.
Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate the salad for 24 hours to allow the flavors to meld together.
When ready to serve, uncover and optionally garnish with additional cheddar cheese or fresh herbs if desired. Serve chilled.
Calories |
3059 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 247.6 g | 317% | |
| Saturated Fat | 55.9 g | 280% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2.9 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 434 mg | 145% | |
| Sodium | 3693 mg | 161% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 152.1 g | 55% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 24.7 g | 88% | |
| Total Sugars | 53.3 g | ||
| Protein | 66.2 g | 132% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.2 mcg | 1% | |
| Calcium | 910 mg | 70% | |
| Iron | 9.4 mg | 52% | |
| Potassium | 2388 mg | 51% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.