Mouth-Watering 24-Hour Salad Recipe for Summer
Allow me to tantalize your taste buds with an irresistible recipe that has stood the test of time – the 24 Hour Salad Recipe. This easy-to-make salad requires only a few ingredients but delivers a scrumptious, tangy flavor that will leave you craving for more.
Originally created in the southern states of America, this classic salad was a staple at every party and gathering. The vintage recipe has since been passed down from generation to generation, and today, we bring you our version of this heavenly 24-hour vegetable salad.
Now, I know that you may be thinking – who has the patience to wait 24 hours for a salad? But let me tell you, it’s worth it. The mixture of the lettuce, peas, and water chestnuts marinated in mayonnaise and sugar salt make for a bite-sized explosion of flavors in your mouth that’s simply irresistible.
Whether it’s for a fancy dinner party or a casual potluck, this salad is guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. So grab your apron and let’s get started on this project 24 Hour Salad recipe that’s sure to become a staple in your own recipe collection!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Are you a fan of classic, traditional dishes with a modern twist? Then prepare to fall in love with the 24 Hour Salad Recipe. This heavenly recipe is a vintage favorite that’s been passed down through generations, and it’s easy to see why.
First off, the 24 Hour Salad Recipe is the perfect combination of flavors and textures. Each bite blends the crunchiness of bite-sized pieces of lettuce, cauliflower, and water chestnuts with the creaminess of mayonnaise-based dressing. And that’s not all! Crispy bacon bits and grated Parmesan cheese add a savory depth to this dish that will leave your taste buds singing with joy.
But don’t worry. If you’re looking for a healthier version of this dish, leave those bacon bits out or opt for turkey bacon instead. You can also substitute Greek yogurt for mayonnaise if you’re looking for a lighter dressing option. Plus, this salad is easily customizable – add your favorite veggies like bell peppers or green onions for an added pop of color.
And let’s not forget about the time factor. The name says it all – prep this salad ahead of time and let it meld together overnight, and voila! You have an effortless dish that feels like it took hours to make. It’s perfect for busy mornings or last-minute parties when you’re looking for something delicious but easy.
In summary, whether you’re searching for an easy dish to whip up, a healthy alternative to traditional salads, or something to wow your guests at your next gathering – this salad has got you covered! With its classic roots and modern twists, there’s no doubt the 24 Hour Salad Recipe will quickly become a staple in your household.
Ingredient List
Get your groceries ready for a 24-hour salad that is both easy and delicious! Here are the ingredients you will need for this heavenly 24-hour vegetable salad recipe:
Vegetables:
- 1 large head of lettuce
- 1 head of iceberg lettuce
- 1 cup chopped cauliflower
- ½ cup chopped red onion
- 1 bell pepper, chopped
- ½ cup chopped celery
- 3 green onions, chopped
- 1 can water chestnuts, chopped into bite-sized pieces
Dressing:
- 2 cups mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- Salt and pepper to taste
Layered Salad:
- Bottom Layer:
- The bottom of a large bowl lined with iceberg lettuce.
- Next, add a layer of chopped cauliflower.
- Then sprinkle with salt, pepper and sugar.
- Second Layer:
- Spread mayonnaise mixture over the cauliflower layer.
- Add a layer of red onion over the mayonnaise mixture.
- Now layer chopped celery, followed by the bell pepper, green onions and water chestnuts.
- Sprinkle salt, pepper and sugar evenly over this layer.
- Top Layer:
- Layer iceberg lettuce atop the salad mix.
- Next, layer frozen peas over the iceberg lettuce layer.
- Spread mayonnaise evenly on top of this layer.
- Place hard-boiled eggs atop the mayonnaise in any arrangement you desire.
The original recipe also includes Parmesan cheese, which can be sprinkled atop each serving. If you want to put your own spin on it, there are many variations to suit individual tastes.
The Recipe How-To
Are you ready to roll up your sleeves and get cooking? Well, let’s dive in! Here are the steps to make a twenty-four hour layered salad that’s sure to be a hit at your next party.
Step 1: Prep Work
Before starting with the layering process, make sure all the ingredients are prepped and ready. Rinse and dry a large head of lettuce then chop it into bite-sized pieces. Cut up the cauliflower into small florets. Thinly slice the red onion, and de-stem and dice the bell pepper. Drain and chop the water chestnuts, and thaw the frozen peas.
Step 2: Layering Process
It’s time to layer all of these ingredients in a clear glass bowl or dish, starting with the lettuce on the bottom. Add a layer of cauliflower, followed by a layer of onion, bell pepper, water chestnuts, peas, and so on. As you continue to layer ingredients on top of each other, sprinkle lightly with salt and pepper.
Step 3: The Dressing
Next up is our recipe’s dressing that adds flavor and ties everything together. In a separate mixing bowl, combine two cups of mayonnaise with one cup of sour cream. Add in ½ cup of sugar slowly until it blends well into the mixture. Once blended properly spread this mix over top of the layered salad.
Step 4: The Cheese Gratin
Following that cheesy lover inside you? Dish out 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese over top of your fresh juicy salad layered in front of you. Don’t be shy!
Step 5: Final touch
Add some protein with chopped boiled eggs! Make thirty-six egg wedges using eighteen large eggs sliced in half lengthwise twice, then dotted on top for effect. Then finish up by adding some chopped green onions as a garnish for color.
Now that everything is assembled it’s time to chill for twenty-four hours before serving. This lets all the flavors meld together nicely creating heavenly 24-hour vegetable salad. Serve it up high in clear glass bowls to show off its beauty!
And there you have it – this recipe makes an easy yet impressive salad fit for any occasion!
Substitutions and Variations
The beauty of the 24 Hour Salad recipe is its versatility. You can mix and match various ingredients to make it your own. Here are some substitutions and variations to try:
– Bacon: If you’re a bacon lover, add cooked and crumbled bacon as one of the layers. It adds a nice crunchy texture and smoky flavor.
– Cauliflower: Swap out the frozen peas for chopped cauliflower. It adds more nutritional value and a different texture to the salad.
– Dressing: Instead of using mayonnaise, try Miracle Whip or any other salad dressing you like. You can adjust the sugar and salt levels accordingly, depending on the sweetness or saltiness of the dressing.
– Cheese: Parmesan cheese is great in this recipe, but you can also use cheddar, feta, or any other cheese you prefer. Just make sure to layer it properly so it doesn’t get too soggy.
– Vegetables: You can add or substitute any vegetables you like in this salad. Bell peppers, water chestnuts, chopped onions, or celery are all great options.
– Fruit: For a sweeter version of this salad, add some fresh fruit as one of the layers. Pineapple chunks or mandarin oranges work particularly well.
Remember, there’s no wrong way to make this salad as long as you follow the basic layering technique. Get creative and experiment with different ingredients that you love!
Serving and Pairing
The 24 Hour Salad Recipe is a stunning dish that makes for an impressive addition to any dinner table. The salad’s colorful and layered presentation alone makes it visually appealing and will surely spark conversation among your guests. Serve the salad chilled for optimal taste, and you’ll find it is a great side dish or even a light lunch option.
This salad pairs excellently with grilled meats, such as steak or chicken, and can also be accompanied by some crusty bread. The creamy mayonnaise dressing complements the crunch of the vegetables, making it a perfect match for light summer fare.
For wine enthusiasts, check out a crisp Riesling or Sauvignon Blanc. These choices have a tangy and acidic quality that brings out the freshness of the salad. A refreshing glass of iced tea or lemonade also works wonders as an accompaniment for this classic southern-style recipe.
This recipe’s traditional flavors provide versatility in its easy pairing with other dishes. The mix of cauliflower, water chestnuts, peas, and red onions makes it great for adding some variety to your dinner meals and gets you out of your average veggie routine.
Whether you’re serving guests, project 24-hour vegetable salad is heavenly to have on hot summer days when you don’t want to cook with heat or looking for an easy meal option; this masterpiece will surely leave everyone impressed with its original taste from the vintage recipe.
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
One of the benefits of this recipe is that you can make it ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours without compromising its freshness. In fact, storing the salad overnight enhances its taste as all the flavors blend together perfectly.
To prepare it, simply layer all the ingredients in a large clear glass bowl, starting with lettuce on the bottom and ending with frozen peas on top. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate until ready to serve.
When it comes to reheating the salad, we advise against it. The lettuce and vegetables lose their crispness and texture when heated, and the dressing may separate or become runny. Therefore, it is best to serve this dish cold directly from the refrigerator.
If you have leftovers, you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Before serving, give it a quick toss and add more dressing if needed. Note that the stored salad may lose some of its crunchiness due to moisture absorption from vegetables like cauliflower, so adjust seasonings accordingly.
In summary, this dish is great for meal prepping or for occasions when time is limited. Its make-ahead feature saves you time on the day of your event, while still impressing your guests with its delicious taste and refreshing texture.
Tips for Perfect Results
Now, it’s time to go over some tips that will help you perfect this 24 Hour Salad Recipe.
Firstly, be sure to mix the mayonnaise and sugar together thoroughly before adding them to the dish. This ensures a homogeneous mixture and avoids any undesired lumps of sugar in your salad.
Additionally, it is essential that you use bite-sized pieces of vegetables to ensure even distribution and consistency in every bite. Cutting your cauliflower and lettuce into small pieces will make an enormous difference in the overall texture of the salad.
Also, consider using frozen peas instead of fresh ones for this recipe. Frozen peas are already blanched, so they are ready to eat once they are thawed. In contrast, fresh peas need several minutes of cooking, making them softer than desired for this 24 Hour Salad.
Furthermore, layering your salad in a large clear glass bowl is both practical and visually appealing. You can see all the colorful ingredients and layers from different angles, making it more attractive to serve.
In terms of seasoning, before adding salt and pepper, give it a taste test. The parmesan cheese adds saltiness to the dish; therefore, you might not need as much salt as you would expect.
Lastly, don’t be afraid to experiment with different types of dressings or add-ons such as bacon bits or croutons. You can make this recipe your own by creating substituting some ingredients for others or adding a personal touch that fits your taste.
By following these simple tips, you’ll be able to deliver heavenly 24 Hour Salad Recipe results that suit your preferences and will have your guests coming back for more!
Bottom Line
In conclusion, the 24 Hour Salad recipe is a delicious and easy-to-prepare dish that will impress your guests at any party or gathering. With its unique combination of ingredients, including lettuce, cauliflower, red onion, frozen peas, and water chestnuts, this salad is both tasty and nutritious.
What’s more, this vintage recipe has stood the test of time and is still enjoyed by many today. Whether you’re new to cooking or an experienced chef looking to try something new, this salad recipe is the perfect choice.
So why not give it a try? With simple instructions and handy tips for perfect results, this 24 Hour Salad recipe is sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection. Don’t hesitate to make it ahead of time as it only gets better with time!
In summary, this salad recipe is not only easy-to-make but also incredibly delicious. It’s a classic dish that has been enjoyed for generations and will continue to be enjoyed for many more. So go ahead and give it a try – your taste buds will thank you!
24 Hour Salad Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 large head of lettuce (rinse, dry well, and tear into bite size pieces)
- 1 large red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 lb cooked bacon, diced
- 1 large cauliflower, cut into bite size pieces
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 2 cups mayonnaise (NOT Miracle Whip style dressing)
- 1/2 cup parmesan cheese
- salt and pepper, to taste
Optional
- frozen peas
Instructions
- Layer the first four ingredients in the order listed above, starting with lettuce on bottom.
- Mix sugar, mayo, cheese, and salt/pepper.
- Spoon mayo mixture on top of layered ingredients.
- Refrigerate and then toss AFTER 24 hours.
- I like to add frozen peas for color. *Prep time is mostly cutting veggies and cooking bacon, cooking time is refrigeration time.*.
Your Own Notes
Nutrition
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Anna is a culinary expert who specializes in grilling delicious BBQ dishes. She also enjoys sharing her recipes and experiences with her foodie community on her blog. She’s the total package for any backyard barbecue!