Aunt Benette’s Green Layered Salad

🥗 Aunt Benette’s Green Layered Salad 🥗

History:
Aunt Benette’s Green Layered Salad is a classic dish known for its beautiful presentation and delicious flavors. It has been a staple at family gatherings and potlucks for decades, and its exact origin is difficult to pinpoint. It’s the kind of dish that brings nostalgia and comfort to many. The recipe might have evolved over time, with variations in ingredients and dressing.

Components:
This salad is composed of several colorful and tasty layers. Here are the key components:

1. Lettuce Layer: Typically, it starts with a layer of crisp iceberg lettuce or a mix of various greens. You can chop or tear the leaves to your preference.

2. Pea Layer: A layer of green peas comes next. These can be fresh or frozen, depending on your preference and what’s available.

3. Bacon Layer: Crispy bacon bits add a savory and smoky touch. You can cook the bacon until it’s nice and crispy, then crumble it over the peas.

4. Hard-Boiled Eggs: Sliced hard-boiled eggs add a creamy texture and protein to the salad.

5. Cheese Layer: Grated cheddar cheese is a common choice, adding a rich and cheesy flavor to the mix.

6. Red Onion Layer: Thinly sliced red onions contribute a sharp, slightly spicy kick. You can adjust the amount to your taste.

7. Dressing: The salad is often topped with a creamy dressing, which typically includes mayonnaise and a hint of sugar for sweetness. The dressing binds the layers together and adds a wonderful contrast to the other components.

Steps to Prepare:

1. Start by choosing a large, clear glass serving dish. The transparency of the dish allows the beautiful layers to show through.

2. Begin with the lettuce layer, covering the bottom of the dish.

3. Add a layer of green peas over the lettuce.

4. Follow with the crumbled bacon, then the sliced hard-boiled eggs, and a layer of grated cheddar cheese.

5. Place the thinly sliced red onions on top of the cheese layer.

6. Finally, generously spread the dressing over the top, ensuring it covers all the layers.

7. Cover the dish and refrigerate for at least a couple of hours or even overnight. Chilling allows the flavors to meld and the salad to set.

8. Before serving, you can garnish it with some fresh herbs, like chopped chives or parsley.

Time Needed:
The time required to prepare Aunt Benette’s Green Layered Salad depends on your efficiency in the kitchen. Generally, it takes approximately 30 minutes to prepare the salad, and then it needs at least 2 hours of refrigeration to chill and set properly. So, in total, you should plan for at least 2 hours and 30 minutes from start to finish.

Enjoy creating this classic and delicious layered salad, and don’t forget to take a picture to capture its stunning, colorful layers! 📸🥓🥚🧀🥗

Certainly, here are some general nutrition facts and health considerations for Aunt Benette’s Green Layered Salad:

Nutrition Facts (Approximate Values for a 1-cup serving):

• Calories: 350-400 calories
• Total Fat: 25-30g
  • Saturated Fat: 7-10g
• Cholesterol: 90-100mg
• Sodium: 450-550mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 15-20g
  • Dietary Fiber: 2-3g
  • Sugars: 3-4g
• Protein: 10-12g

Health Information:

1. Calories: Aunt Benette’s Green Layered Salad can be calorie-dense, mainly due to the bacon, cheese, and creamy dressing. If you’re watching your calorie intake, consider smaller portions.

2. Fat: The salad contains a significant amount of fat, particularly from the bacon, cheese, and dressing. While fats are essential for a balanced diet, it’s important to consume them in moderation.

3. Saturated Fat: The bacon and cheese contribute to the saturated fat content. High consumption of saturated fats can contribute to heart health issues, so it’s wise to limit saturated fat intake.

4. Cholesterol: The salad is relatively high in cholesterol due to the eggs and bacon. Individuals with cholesterol concerns should be mindful of their intake.

5. Sodium: The sodium content can be relatively high, mainly due to the bacon. Excess sodium can lead to high blood pressure, so it’s a good idea to watch your salt intake.

6. Carbohydrates: The carbohydrates in the salad come mainly from the peas, onions, and any added sugars in the dressing. It’s a balanced source of energy.

7. Dietary Fiber: While the salad contains some dietary fiber, it’s not particularly high. You might want to pair it with other fiber-rich foods to increase your fiber intake.

8. Protein: The salad provides a moderate amount of protein, mainly from the eggs and cheese. Protein is essential for muscle and tissue health.

9. Vegetables: The peas and lettuce contribute to the vegetable content of the salad. These provide vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. The more vegetables, the better!

10. Balanced Diet: Like any dish, Aunt Benette’s Green Layered Salad can be part of a balanced diet. If you’re concerned about the salad’s nutritional profile, consider making some modifications, such as using leaner meats or reducing the amount of dressing.

Remember that the specific nutritional content may vary based on the exact ingredients and proportions used in your recipe. For precise nutritional information, it’s best to calculate it using a nutrition calculator or consult a registered dietitian. 🥗📊💪