Heavenly 24 Hour Salad: An Amazing Recipe
Step right up, party-throwers and salad-lovers! It’s time to add a new recipe to your collection that will make you the talk of the town. This is no ordinary salad, my friends. I present to you the 24 Hour Salad Recipe – a perfect combination of crunch, creaminess, and tanginess that will leave your taste buds singing for hours after eating it.
This classic recipe has been passed down for generations and has stood the test of time. It’s easy to make, uses simple ingredients found in any home kitchen, and can feed a crowd. The key is to make it ahead of time – hence the name 24 Hour Salad – allowing all the flavors to meld together in perfect harmony.
But don’t let the name fool you; this salad isn’t just for a day-long event. It’s versatile enough to be enjoyed at any time – as a side dish for lunch or dinner, a star of a potluck feast, or even as a light dessert on warm summer nights.
It’s time to bring some excitement and tradition back into your meals with this heavenly 24 Hour Salad Recipe. Let’s get started!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Looking for a salad recipe to impress your guests? Look no further than the 24 Hour Salad Recipe. Trust me, you’ll love this recipe and here’s why:
Firstly, it’s easy. This original vintage recipe is a timeless classic that requires no special cooking skills or tools. All you need are some basic ingredients and a large bowl to layer everything in.
Secondly, it’s versatile. There’s no exact science to this recipe, so feel free to mix up the ingredients to fit your taste preferences or dietary restrictions. Swap out bacon for cauliflower, use sour cream instead of mayonnaise, or add in some fruit for an extra burst of sweetness.
Thirdly, it’s practical. As the name suggests, this salad can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before serving. This means you can focus on other party preparations without worrying about the salad until right before the event.
Lastly, it’s delicious. The combination of fresh lettuce and vegetables, salty bacon and cheddar cheese, and a sweet yet tangy dressing will have your taste buds singing with joy. Plus, the longer it sits in the refrigerator, the more the flavors meld together for an even tastier bite.
So whether you’re looking for an easy and practical option for your next party or simply want a delicious salad recipe to enjoy at home, you can’t go wrong with the 24 Hour Salad Recipe. Give it a try and see just how heavenly a vegetable salad can be.
Ingredient List
If you’re looking to make a 24 hour salad recipe that will steal the show at any potluck or gathering, then you’ll need to get all the right ingredients. Don’t worry, our comprehensive ingredient list has got you covered with everything you need to make this classic and easy salad recipe.
Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 large head of lettuce
- 1 cup chopped celery
- 1 cup diced bell pepper
- 1 cup chopped green onion
- 1 cup frozen peas, thawed
- 6 hard-boiled eggs, sliced
- 1/2 cup diced water chestnuts
- 2 cups mayonnaise
- 3/4 cup sour cream
- 3/4 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup chopped cooked bacon
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
For the dressing:
- 3/4 cup mayonnaise
- 3/4 cup sour cream
- 3/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- Salt and pepper to taste
This vintage recipe is a traditional 24 hour layered salad, and the dish is typically served in a large, clear glass bowl. The heavenly mix of flavors and textures is perfect for any occasion, especially during summer when these ingredients are seasonal and easy to find.
The Recipe How-To
Now let’s dive into the exciting part – the recipe itself. Follow this 24 Hour Salad Recipe to create a layered masterpiece that will be the talk of any dinner party.
Ingredients:
- 1 head iceberg lettuce, chopped into bite-sized pieces
- 1 head green leaf lettuce, chopped into bite-sized pieces
- ½ cup chopped celery
- ¾ cup diced bell pepper
- ½ cup chopped green onion
- 10 oz package frozen peas, thawed and drained
- 6 hard-boiled eggs, chopped
- 2 cups mayonnaise
- ½ cup sour cream
- 1 tbsp sugar
- salt and pepper to taste
Dressing:
In a small bowl, mix together mayonnaise, sour cream, sugar, salt and pepper until well combined. This dressing will be used in every layer of our salad.
Assembling the Salad:
- Layer the bottom of a large clear glass bowl with iceberg lettuce. Add a sprinkle of salt on top.
- Place diced bell pepper evenly over the lettuce.
- Next add the layer of celery and sprinkle with salt.
- Now add another layer of iceberg lettuce and sprinkle again with salt.
- Layer on top of the lettuce chopped green onions followed by a layer of sour cream/mayonnaise dressing.
- Sprinkle hard boiled eggs atop the dressing layer.
- Add a layer of green leaf lettuce followed by another sprinkle of salt.
- Top the lettuce with the thawed and drained frozen peas.
- Add another layer of sour cream/mayonnaise dressing, spreading it evenly over the peas so they are fully covered.
- Sprinkle generously some crispy fried bacon bits, then grated cheddar cheese over everything.
Repeat each step until all ingredients are used or until you reach the top of your dish.
Cover dish tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 24 hours before serving.
Enjoy your heavenly 24 Hour Salad creation!
Substitutions and Variations
Calling all foodies who love to experiment with new flavors and textures! This section is for you. While the original recipe for this 24 Hour Salad is sure to satisfy even the pickiest eaters, here are some easy substitutions and variations you can try to give it a personal twist.
For a vegetarian version of this classic salad, you can simply omit the bacon and replace it with cauliflower florets or chickpeas. You can also swap out the mayonnaise with sour cream to create a tangier flavor profile.
If you want to add some sweetness to this savory dish, try incorporating some fresh fruits like diced apples or blueberries into the layers. The burst of fruity flavor will beautifully complement the creamy dressing and crispy bacon.
Looking for an alternative dressing? Experiment with using different types of mayo like Miracle Whip, or mix in a spoonful of Dijon mustard for an added kick.
For those who prefer their salads with a bit of heat, replace the bell pepper with diced jalapeños or serrano peppers. If spice isn’t your thing, substitute the iceberg lettuce with spinach leaves which have a more mild flavor.
If you’re feeling extra adventurous, consider changing up the cheese. While shredded cheddar is my personal favorite, you could always try using feta or parmesan cheese for some variation.
Regardless of what substitutions and variations you opt for, this beloved 24 Hour Salad will remain a crowd-pleaser at any party or gathering amongst friends and family.
Serving and Pairing
The 24 hour lettuce salad is an all-time party favorite and can be served as a side dish for any meal. The combination of crispy lettuce, sweet peas, and crisp bacon bits makes it perfect to pair with grilled meat or seafood. This classic Southern recipe has a unique taste that can add variety to your table.
This dish can be served in a large clear glass bowl that beautifully showcases its different layers or on individual plates for more formal gatherings. For casual events, the 24-hour layered salad can be complemented with white bread and pickles.
Moreover, this vegetable salad can be modified to include different ingredients without compromising its taste. Adding fruits like apples and pineapples will give it a sweet and fresh flavor that perfectly complements its other components. You can also make the salad vegetarian by omitting the bacon bits and replacing them with cauliflower shreds.
This heavenly 24-hour vegetable salad is versatile enough to accompany any meal, be it lunch or dinner. Its tangy mayonnaise dressing adds an exquisite twist to the dish that might take you back to vintage times. It’s traditional, easy to make, and will leave your guests craving for more – making it a perfect side dish for any occasions, from small get-togethers to festive potlucks.
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
Ah, the age-old question: can I make this ahead of time? The answer, my friends, is yes – this 24 hour salad recipe is perfect for making ahead of time. In fact, it’s actually better if you do!
After letting the salad sit in the fridge for a day, all those flavors meld together in a way that will have everyone asking for the recipe. And don’t worry about the lettuce getting limp – it holds up surprisingly well.
To store any leftover salad (if there is any left), simply cover with plastic wrap and store it in the fridge. It will keep well for up to three days.
When it comes time to serve, simply give everything a good, gentle stir to redistribute the dressing and toppings. If you’re feeling fancy, you can even transfer the salad to a new bowl or serving dish to freshen things up a bit.
If you’re planning on reheating leftovers, I wouldn’t suggest it – this salad really is best enjoyed cold. However, if you do decide to heat it up, be warned that the lettuce may get even more wilted.
So go ahead and make this 24 hour salad recipe ahead of time – your future self will thank you!
Tips for Perfect Results
Preparing the perfect 24-hour salad can be a daunting task, but with the right tips and techniques, you can create a layered salad that everyone will love. Here are some tips to help you achieve perfect results every time.
First, make sure that all of your ingredients are fresh and properly washed. It’s essential to use a large, clear glass bowl to show off the beautiful layers of the salad. A deep dish layer will give your guests plenty of room to dig in and enjoy each bite.
When it comes to layering, begin with a layer of iceberg lettuce on the bottom of the bowl. This acts as a barrier between the other ingredients and keeps them from getting soggy. Make sure that you chop or dice all of your ingredients into bite-sized pieces so that they’re easy to eat.
Next, add a layer of frozen peas followed by chopped celery and bell peppers. You can add cauliflower or water chestnuts as well for extra crunch. Layer some crumbled bacon, diced tomatoes, green onions, and cheddar cheese on top.
For the finishing touch, spread a generous amount of mayo and sour cream mixed with sugar over the top layer of vegetables. Then sprinkle parmesan cheese over everything for an extra burst of flavor.
Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate it for at least 24 hours so that all of the flavors meld together. Just before serving, garnish with hard-boiled eggs and more bacon bits on top to give it an extra pop of color.
With these tips and tricks in mind, you can create a heavenly 24-hour layered vegetable salad that is both easy and delicious. This southern classic is sure to impress your guests and leave them asking for seconds!
Bottom Line
In conclusion, the 24 hour salad recipe is a classic and easy-to-prepare dish that you will love serving at your next party or gathering. Its mix of ingredients – from crunchy iceberg lettuce to juicy tomatoes, crispy bacon, and savory cheddar cheese – creates a heavenly vegetable salad that will please even the most discerning of palates.
The ability to make this salad ahead of time allows you to focus on other dishes during the day of your event, while still producing an impressive and delicious result. Plus, with its traditional ingredients and original dressing recipe, it’s sure to be a hit with both young and old alike.
In case you are looking for some variation, you can always experiment with substitutions like different types of lettuce or the addition of cauliflower or water chestnuts. No matter which direction you take it in, this dish is a surefire crowd-pleaser that promises to make your next event truly unforgettable.
So do yourself a favor and try out the 24 hour salad recipe today – we assure you that it won’t disappoint!
24 Hour Salad Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 medium head of lettuce
- 1/2 cup bell pepper
- 10 ounces frozen peas
- 8 ounces grated cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup celery
- 1 bunch green onion
- 1 lb bacon
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 chopped tomatoes, if desired
Instructions
- Layer lettuce in bottom of 9/13 dish. Chop and mix celery, onions and peppers, add thawed peas on top of lettuce. Mix mayo, sour cream and sugar. Spread over celery mixture. Seal all edges. Sprinkle cheddar cheese on top. Cook bacon and crumble on top. Refrigerate over night. Top with tomato if using.
Your Own Notes
Nutrition
Recommended Recipes Just For You
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!