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Square image of overnight salad served on a white plate.

Layered Overnight Salad Recipe

This colorful overnight layered salad is packed with crisp lettuce, peas, bacon, cheddar cheese, artichoke hearts, olives, and water chestnuts, all topped with a creamy dressing. Assemble it ahead of time and refrigerate overnight for an easy potluck or holiday side dish.
4.53 from 68 votes
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Author Kori Butler
Prep Time 20 minutes
Total Time 8 hours 20 minutes
Course Salad Recipes, Side Dish Recipes
Cuisine American
Servings 10 servings
Calories 364 kcal

Ingredients
  

Salad

  • 8 cups leaf lettuce (torn into bite-sized pieces)
  • 1 small red onion (sliced thinly)
  • 1 (10-ounce) package frozen peas (do not thaw)
  • 1 (3-ounce) can sliced water chestnuts (drained)
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, divided (set aside ¼ cup of cheese for top)
  • 1 (14-ounce) can quartered artichoke hearts (drained and roughly chopped)
  • 1 (2.25-ounce) can sliced black olives (drained)
  • 1 pound bacon, divided (cooked until crisp then crumbled; set aside ¼ cup of the cooked crumbles for the top)

Dressing

  • ¾ cup mayonnaise
  • ¾ cup sour cream

Instructions
 

  • Spread the lettuce evenly in the bottom of a 9-by-13-inch glass baking dish. Layer with red onion, frozen peas, water chestnuts, ¾ cup cheddar cheese, artichoke hearts, black olives, and most of the crumbled bacon. Reserve about ¼ cup bacon for the topping.
    layering lettuce, peas, water chestnuts,, and onions.
  • Make the dressing. Stir together the mayonnaise and sour cream in a small bowl until smooth.
    mixing the salad dressing.
  • Top the salad. Spread the dressing evenly over the top. Sprinkle with the remaining ¼ cup cheddar cheese and reserved bacon.
    spreading the salad dressing over the layered salad.
  • Chill overnight. Cover tightly and refrigerate for at least 8 hours, or overnight. Serve keeping the layers intact.
    serving the layered salad.

Video

Kori's Tips

For more helpful hints, substitution ideas, cooking tips, and other delicious recipes check out my post above.
VARIATIONS: Substitute iceberg or romaine lettuce, try another cheese, or add chopped bell peppers or celery. Miracle Whip can replace mayonnaise for a sweeter dressing.
TIPS: Thoroughly dry the lettuce and drain all canned ingredients to prevent excess moisture. Cook the bacon until crisp for the best texture. Do not thaw the peas. Do not toss the dressing into the salad before serving.
SERVING SUGGESTIONS: Serve alongside grilled chicken, barbecue ribs, burgers, or sandwiches. It's especially good for summer cookouts, potlucks, and holiday gatherings.
STORAGE: Keep refrigerated in a covered container. For the best crunch, enjoy within a day or two of assembly.

Nutrition

Serving: 1cupCalories: 364kcalCarbohydrates: 12gProtein: 11gFat: 30gSaturated Fat: 11gPolyunsaturated Fat: 6gMonounsaturated Fat: 11gTrans Fat: 0.1gCholesterol: 54mgSodium: 762mgPotassium: 270mgFiber: 3gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 2167IUVitamin C: 13mgCalcium: 121mgIron: 1mg
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