12-Hour Salad

12-Hour Salad is a classic and versatile dish that’s perfect for preparing ahead of time, making it an ideal choice for potlucks, holiday gatherings, or busy weeknights. This salad is layered with a variety of fresh, crisp vegetables, creamy ingredients, and a tangy dressing that melds together beautifully over several hours, resulting in a flavorful, cohesive dish. Each layer is carefully arranged to ensure that the flavors blend harmoniously, while the crispness of the vegetables is maintained. As it sits, the salad absorbs the flavors of the dressing and ingredients, creating a delicious, satisfying salad that is as convenient as it is tasty.

Ingredients:

For the Salad:

• 4 cups chopped romaine lettuce
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 cup sliced cucumbers
• 1 cup shredded carrots
• 1 cup frozen peas, thawed
• 1/2 cup chopped red onion
• 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup cooked and crumbled bacon (optional)
• 1/4 cup sliced black olives (optional)

For the Dressing:

• 1 cup mayonnaise
• 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
• 2 tbsp sugar
• 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Dressing: In a medium bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, sugar, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until smooth and well combined. Adjust seasoning to taste.
2. Layer the Salad: In a large, clear glass bowl or a trifle dish, start by layering the salad ingredients. Begin with the chopped romaine lettuce, spreading it evenly across the bottom. Follow with the cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, shredded carrots, and thawed peas. Sprinkle the chopped red onion over the vegetables.
3. Add Cheese and Bacon: Layer the shredded cheddar cheese on top of the onions. If using, sprinkle the crumbled bacon and sliced black olives over the cheese layer.
4. Add the Dressing: Spread the prepared dressing evenly over the top layer of the salad. Use a spatula to gently spread it to the edges of the bowl, covering all the ingredients.
5. Chill: Cover the salad with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for at least 12 hours to allow the flavors to meld together. This chilling time helps the salad absorb the dressing and flavors, enhancing its overall taste.
6. Serve: Before serving, gently toss the salad to mix the layers. Serve chilled, and enjoy the creamy, flavorful layers of this convenient and crowd-pleasing dish.
7. Enjoy: This 12-Hour Salad is perfect for making ahead and serving at parties, gatherings, or as a hearty, make-ahead meal option. Its layered presentation and rich flavors make it a standout addition to any menu.