Lettuce Salad, a classic American layered salad, became a popular staple in potlucks and family gatherings in the 1950s and remains beloved for its fresh ingredients and simple preparation. Known for its vibrant layers and satisfying crunch, this salad often showcases familiar favorites like peas, bacon, cheese, and a sugar-mayo dressing. Originating from the Midwest, this dish reflects a time when convenience and presentation met in home kitchens. It is traditionally prepared in a glass bowl to showcase its beautiful, colorful layers and is refrigerated overnight to meld flavors, making it perfect for make-ahead meals and summer get-togethers.
Ingredients
- 6 cups head lettuce ( shredded )
- ½ cup green pepper (chopped )
- 1 cup celery (chopped )
- ½ cup yellow onion (finely chopped )
- 10 oz frozen peas
- 2 tbsp sugar
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 1 cup shredded cheese (shredded )
- ½ cup bacon chips (or 6 slices cooked and crumbled bacon)
- 3 eggs (sliced, hard-boiled )
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Base
- Shred the lettuce and layer it into a large salad bowl, filling it about halfway.
Step 2: Layer the Vegetables
- Add a thin layer of chopped green pepper.
- Follow with a heavier layer of chopped celery.
- Add a thin layer of chopped onion.
- Sprinkle frozen peas evenly over the top.
Step 3: Make and Add Dressing
- Mix 2 tbsp sugar with ½ cup mayonnaise.
- Spread this mixture over the pea layer, covering completely.
Step 4: Add Final Layers
- Sprinkle a layer of shredded cheese.
- Top with bacon chips.
- Arrange sliced hard-boiled eggs over the top.
Step 5: Chill
- Cover and refrigerate the salad overnight to allow flavors to meld.
Tips
- Substitute frozen corn or mixed vegetables for the peas.
- Use Greek yogurt or sour cream instead of mayonnaise for a lighter version.
- Add chopped ham or chicken for extra protein.
- Sprinkle paprika or chives on top for color.
- Use romaine lettuce for a crisper texture.
- Can be made a day ahead for potlucks or picnics.
Transcription of the Original Recipe
Read or copy the transcription
Refrigerate over nite! Here's what's cookin' LETTUCE SALAD Recipe from: Karol Serves:____ 1 head shredded lettuce to cover a bowl ½ full 1 thin layer chopped gr. pepper 1 heavier layer chopped celery 1 thin layer chopped onion 1 PKG frozen peas 2 TBSP sugar in 1 to ½ pt. Mayonnaise Layer Shredded Cheese Layer of bacon Chips Layer hard boiled eggs (Over)
From Transcription to Instructions
Hi from Salvaged Recipes. The original recipe is a short list of layers and the emphatic "Refrigerate over nite!", but it leaves the order and the dressing vague. The instructions break that down: shred the lettuce to half fill the bowl, add a thin green pepper layer, a heavier celery layer, onion, then peas, and mix 2 tbsp sugar into 1/2 cup mayonnaise to spread over the peas before topping with cheese, bacon and sliced hard boiled eggs. We kept the same parts and the overnight chill; we just spelled the order and dressing out so you can follow along easily.
Nutrition
Calories: 310kcalCarbohydrates: 14gProtein: 8gFat: 26gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 6gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 100mgSodium: 310mgPotassium: 420mgFiber: 4gSugar: 7gVitamin A: 7200IUVitamin C: 30mgCalcium: 110mgIron: 1.8mg
