This classic Italian layered salad is a vibrant and textural delight, perfect for potlucks, family gatherings, or a refreshing side dish. It features a crisp base of iceberg lettuce topped with layers of diced green peppers, onions, celery, and water chestnuts for a satisfying crunch. Frozen peas add a pop of color and sweetness, while the creamy mayonnaise dressing, lightly sweetened with sugar and finished with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese, ties all the flavors together. The salad requires chilling time, allowing the ingredients to meld and the flavors to deepen. It’s a simple, homemade dish that brings a touch of traditional comfort to your table. Serve it chilled for the best texture and taste.
Layered Salad
Description
This classic Italian layered salad is a vibrant and textural delight, perfect for potlucks, family gatherings, or a refreshing side dish. It features a crisp base of iceberg lettuce topped with layers of diced green peppers, onions, celery, and water chestnuts for a satisfying crunch. Frozen peas add a pop of color and sweetness, while the creamy mayonnaise dressing, lightly sweetened with sugar and finished with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese, ties all the flavors together. The salad requires chilling time, allowing the ingredients to meld and the flavors to deepen. It&# 226;ÂÂs a simple, homemade dish that brings a touch of traditional comfort to your table. Serve it chilled for the best texture and taste.Ingredients
Directions
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Shred the head of iceberg lettuce and place it in a large serving bowl or trifle dish to form the base layer.
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Chop the green bell pepper, dice the onion, and dice the celery stalks.
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Drain and slice the water chestnuts, and thaw the frozen peas if using from frozen.
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Layer the chopped green peppers, diced onions, diced celery, and sliced water chestnuts evenly over the lettuce.
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Spread the thawed peas evenly over the vegetable layer.
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Sprinkle the sugar evenly over the peas and vegetables.
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Spread the mayonnaise completely over the top, covering all the ingredients to seal them in.
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Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the mayonnaise layer.
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Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 24 hours before serving to allow flavors to meld.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 8
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 22.5kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 0.3g1%
- Saturated Fat 0.0g0%
- Cholesterol 0.0mg0%
- Sodium 7.5mg1%
- Total Carbohydrate 4.3g2%
- Dietary Fiber 2.0g8%
- Sugars 1.2g
- Protein 2.1g5%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Note
For best results, prepare the salad at least one day in advance to allow the flavors to fully develop and the vegetables to soften slightly in the dressing.
You can substitute iceberg lettuce with romaine hearts for a heartier texture, or add other vegetables like carrots or radishes for extra color and crunch.
If you prefer a lighter dressing, you can use Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise, though this will change the traditional flavor profile.
Store leftovers in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 3 days. The salad may become softer as it sits, so serve promptly after removing from the fridge.
