Multi-Layered Salad: A Flavorful and Colorful Dish for Every Occasion
Description
Delight your guests with this beautifully crafted Multi-Layered Salad, a vibrant and textural masterpiece that combines a variety of fresh ingredients to create a visually appealing dish that’s as delicious as it is colorful. This salad is inspired by the classic Seven Layer Salad, blending numerous versions into one sumptuous recipe that elevates any meal or gathering. With its multitude of layers, this salad not only offers a feast for the eyes but also a medley of flavors that develop beautifully when prepared in advance. It’s essential to prepare this salad 24 hours prior to serving, allowing the flavors to meld together harmoniously and creating a refreshingly crisp experience that will have everyone coming back for seconds.
Ingredients
To create this delightful Multi-Layered Salad, gather the following ingredients, which bring both nutrition and flavor to your table:
| Quantity | Ingredient |
|---|---|
| 1 | Lettuce, chopped |
| 5 | Eggs, hard-boiled and chopped |
| 1 | Green pepper, diced |
| 5 | Fresh spinach, chopped |
| ½ | Cucumber, diced |
| ½ | Celery, diced |
| ½ | Spanish onion, diced |
| ½ | Garlic powder |
| 1½ | Fresh mushrooms, sliced |
| 1 | Frozen green peas |
| 1 | White sugar |
| 1 | Mayonnaise |
| 1 | Sour cream |
| 1 | Lemon juice |
| 1 | Cheddar cheese, shredded |
| 1 | Bacon, cooked and crumbled |
Nutritional Information
For those who are mindful of their dietary intake, here’s the nutritional breakdown per serving of this salad, making it a delightful choice that fits into a balanced diet:
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 353.8 |
| Total Fat | 27.4 g |
| Saturated Fat | 10.1 g |
| Cholesterol | 146.2 mg |
| Sodium | 501.2 mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 16 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 2.8 g |
| Sugars | 5.5 g |
| Protein | 12.3 g |
Instructions
Creating this Multi-Layered Salad is a straightforward process, but it requires a bit of time to ensure that each layer is thoughtfully assembled and that the flavors have the opportunity to develop overnight. Follow these detailed instructions to achieve the perfect result:
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Prepare the Bowl: Begin by selecting a large, straight-sided glass bowl, which not only showcases the vibrant layers but also allows for easy serving.
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Layer the Ingredients: Start by layering the ingredients in the following order:
- First, add the chopped lettuce as the base layer, spreading it evenly across the bottom of the bowl.
- Next, gently sprinkle the chopped hard-boiled eggs over the lettuce, ensuring even coverage.
- Follow with the diced green pepper, creating a vibrant green layer.
- Add the chopped fresh spinach, allowing its rich color to shine through.
- Layer the diced cucumber, followed by the diced celery, introducing a delightful crunch to the mix.
- Continue with the diced Spanish onion, then the garlic powder sprinkled evenly over the onion for added flavor.
- Next, layer the sliced fresh mushrooms and then the frozen green peas, which will add a pop of color and sweetness.
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Prepare the Dressing: In a separate mixing bowl, combine the mayonnaise, sour cream, and lemon juice. Mix thoroughly until well-blended. This creamy dressing is essential for tying all the layers together and adds a refreshing tang.
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Spread the Dressing: Carefully spread the prepared dressing evenly over the layered vegetables, ensuring that it seals the edges of the bowl to keep the layers intact. Aim for about a ½-inch layer of dressing, which will meld the flavors together beautifully.
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Refrigerate: Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator for a full 24 hours. This chilling time is crucial, as it allows the flavors to meld and develop, resulting in a salad that is bursting with freshness when served.
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Serve and Garnish: Just before serving, remove the plastic wrap from the salad. Top the salad generously with shredded cheddar cheese and crumbled bacon, which will not only enhance the flavor but also add a savory touch that elevates the entire dish.
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Enjoy: Serve the salad chilled, scooping through the layers to allow your guests to experience the delightful combination of flavors and textures in each bite. This Multi-Layered Salad is sure to be a showstopper at any gathering, whether it’s a casual family dinner or a festive celebration.
This Multi-Layered Salad not only encapsulates the essence of a wholesome, flavorful dish but also exemplifies the beauty of preparation in advance, making it a perfect addition to your culinary repertoire. Enjoy creating this delightful salad and sharing it with your loved ones!
