24-Hour Salad
📜 Collection: Gail Collection | ✍️ Attribution: Gail | 📂 Category: Salads A classic layered vegetable salad featuring crisp lettuce, water chestnuts, and a sealed mayonnaise-parmesan topping that sets overnight. Perfect for gatherings and easily prepared a day in advance.
| Prep Time | Cook Time | Inactive / Chill Time | Yield / Servings |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25 mins | None | 24 hours | 8–10 Servings |
🔪 Key Equipment
- Large pyrex dish
- Small bowl
- Chef’s knife
- Cutting board
Ingredients
| Measurements | Ingredients | Prep / Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Large Head Lettuce | Bite-sized pieces |
| 1 Bunch | Green Onions | Chopped |
| 1 Large | Green Bell Pepper | Chopped |
| 1 Can | Water Chestnuts | Sliced or chopped |
| 2 Cups | Celery | Chopped |
| 1 Package | Frozen Peas | Uncooked |
| 2 Cups | Mayonnaise | Room temperature |
| 3 Tablespoons | Sugar | Granulated |
| 4 Ounces | Grated Parmesan Cheese | Freshly grated |
Instructions
Step 1: Layer the Vegetables
- In a large pyrex dish, break the 1 large head lettuce into bite-sized pieces to form an even bottom layer.
- Create subsequent distinct layers over the lettuce with the 2 cups chopped celery, 1 bunch green onions, 1 large green bell pepper, and 1 can water chestnuts.
- Add the 1 package frozen peas as the next layer; do not cook them beforehand, ensuring they remain crisp.
Step 2: Top and Chill
- In a small bowl, mix the 3 tablespoons sugar with the 2 cups mayonnaise until smooth and well combined.
- Spread the mayonnaise and sugar mixture completely over the top of the layered vegetables, sealing the edges of the dish to keep the salad fresh.
- Sprinkle the 4 ounces grated parmesan cheese evenly over the top.
- Cover tightly and let set in the refrigerator overnight or for 24 hours until chilled through and flavors meld. Do not toss until ready to serve.
💡 Make-Ahead & Storage: This salad must be prepared at least a day in advance to allow the flavors to develop and the layers to set, and it can be stored covered in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours without tossing.
Original Recipe Scan
