Ingredients
Vegetable Layers
• 1 large head iceberg lettuce, chopped
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 cup cucumber, sliced thin
• 1 cup frozen peas, thawed and drained
• ½ cup shredded carrots (optional)
• ½ cup red onion, thinly sliced
• ½ cup bell peppers, diced (optional)
Protein & Extras
• 6 hard-boiled eggs, sliced
• 1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 6–8 slices cooked bacon, crumbled
Creamy Dressing
• 1 cup mayonnaise
• ½ cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 1 tablespoon white vinegar or lemon juice
• Salt and black pepper to taste
⸻
🧰 Equipment
• Large clear glass bowl (very important for layers)
• Knife
• Cutting board
• Mixing bowl
• Spoon
⸻
👩🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1 – Prepare the Vegetables
Wash everything thoroughly.
Chop the lettuce into bite-sized pieces. Dry it well using paper towels or a salad spinner. Excess water will make the salad soggy.
Slice tomatoes, cucumbers, onions, and peppers.
Thaw the peas and drain completely.
Crisp vegetables = better texture later.
⸻
Step 2 – Hard-Boil the Eggs
Place eggs in a saucepan and cover with water.
Bring to a boil, then turn off heat and cover.
Let sit 10–12 minutes.
Transfer to cold water, peel, and slice.
Set aside.
⸻
Step 3 – Cook the Bacon
Cook bacon in a skillet until crispy.
Drain on paper towels.
Once cool, crumble into small pieces.
Crispy bacon adds amazing salty crunch.
⸻
Step 4 – Make the Creamy Dressing
In a bowl, combine:
• mayonnaise
• sour cream or yogurt
• sugar
• vinegar or lemon juice
• salt and pepper
Whisk until smooth and creamy.
Taste and adjust seasoning.
It should be slightly sweet, slightly tangy, and rich.
⸻
🥗 How to Build the Layers
Now comes the fun part!
Always layer from heavy to light.
Layer 1 – Lettuce
Spread chopped lettuce evenly at the bottom.
Press gently to create a firm base.
Layer 2 – Tomatoes
Add cherry tomatoes evenly.
Layer 3 – Cucumbers + carrots + peppers
Add crunchy vegetables.
Layer 4 – Peas
Spread peas in a nice green layer.
Layer 5 – Eggs
Arrange sliced eggs neatly around the sides for a beautiful look.
Layer 6 – Cheese + Bacon
Sprinkle shredded cheddar and bacon bits.
Layer 7 – Dressing
Spread dressing carefully over the top, sealing everything.
Important: Cover completely to prevent air from entering. This keeps vegetables fresh.
Optional: garnish with extra bacon, cheese, or green onions.
⸻
❄️ Chill Time
Cover bowl with plastic wrap.
Refrigerate at least 2–4 hours.
Overnight is even better.
This resting time:
• blends flavors
• keeps lettuce crisp
• thickens dressing
• makes slicing easier
⸻
🍽 Serving
Do NOT toss the salad before serving.
Instead, use a large spoon and scoop deep down to get all layers in one serving.
Each portion should include:
lettuce + veggies + egg + cheese + bacon + dressing.
That’s the magic.
⸻
😋 Taste & Texture
This salad gives you:
✔ Crisp lettuce
✔ Juicy tomatoes
✔ Fresh crunch
✔ Creamy dressing
✔ Soft eggs
✔ Salty bacon
✔ Melty cheese
Every bite has contrast — creamy, crunchy, fresh, rich.
Super satisfying.
⸻
🧊 Storage
Store covered in refrigerator up to 2 days.
Best eaten within 24 hours for maximum crunch.
Do not freeze.
⸻
🔁 Tasty Variations
🐔 Chicken Version
Add grilled chicken or shredded rotisserie chicken.
🥑 Avocado
Add sliced avocado before serving.
🧀 Mexican Style
Add corn, black beans, taco cheese, ranch dressing.
🥗 Healthy Light
Use Greek yogurt instead of mayo.
🌱 Vegetarian
Skip bacon or replace with roasted chickpeas.
🥓 Extra Bacon
Double the bacon (trust me… amazing).
⸻
💡 Pro Tips
⭐ Use a glass bowl for presentation
⭐ Dry lettuce completely
⭐ Layer tightly for clean slices
⭐ Chill long enough
⭐ Keep dressing on top only
⸻
❤️ Why Everyone Loves This Salad
Because it’s:
• beautiful
• colorful
• crunchy
• creamy
• easy to make
• great for crowds
• make-ahead friendly
• always a hit
It looks impressive, but takes almost no effort.
It’s one of those “grandma-style classics” that never goes out of fashion.