The 4th of July is less than 2 weeks away and many of us will be either hosting or attending picnics. I like recipes that I can make ahead. I hate feeling like I’m not prepared so I try every chance I can to be “ready”!
This is another recipe from Cook’s Illustrated/Make-Ahead Recipes Spring 2009.
24-Hour Picnic Salad
Salad
1 medium head iceberg lettuce, cored and roughly chopped (about 6 cups)-I rinsed my lettuce and it is very important that you spin or blot dry the lettuce. Since this is made ahead you don’t want to the lettuce to be wilty or droopy and any extra moisture will yield that result.
1 teaspoon table salt (this is another necessary ingredient as this helps to keep the lettuce “crisp”)
1/2 medium red onion, sliced thin
6 hard-cooked eggs, peeled and chopped
1 1/2 cups frozen peas, thawed
4 celery ribs, sliced thin
1 red bell pepper, seeded and chopped
1 medium cucumber, halved, seeded, and sliced thin
1 pound bacon, cooked until crisp and crumbled (I used the precooked/pre-crumbled bacon)
1 1/2 cups crumbled blue cheese
Dressing
1 1/2 cups mayonnaise
3 tablespoons cider vinegar (I used apple cider vinegar)
2 tablespoons hot sauce (I only used 1)
2 teaspoons sugar
1 1/2 teaspoons ground black pepper
1. FOR THE SALAD: Place half of lettuce in large serving bowl and sprinkle with 1/2 teaspoon salt. Rinse sliced onion under cold water; pat dry with paper towels. Layer onion, eggs, peas, celery, bell pepper, and cucumber over lettuce. Add remaining lettuce to bowl, sprinkle with remaining 1/2 teaspoon salt, and top with bacon and cheese.
2. FOR THE DRESSING: Combine all ingredients and spread dressing evenly over top of salad.
3. TO STORE: Cover with plastic and refrigerate at least 8 hours or up to 24 hours.
4. TO SERVE: Remove plastic wrap and toss until salad is evenly coated with dressing. Serve.
There will be some moisture, i.e., water at the bottom of the bowl before mixing but this is necessary to “thin out” the thick dressing.
salady hugs, mb
I will be linking this at the wonderful sites below:
This week, A Southern Fairy Tale is featuring Sunshine Cake-it looks SOOO Delicious!
{ 9 comments… read them below or add one }
I love finding recipes that I can make ahead – less stress that way!
That sounds really good – I’m definitely going to have to try it!
Stacy (the Random Cool Chick)´s last blog ..Procrastination Monday – Recipes VGNO Style, of course!
24 hour salad is a staple around here! I remember my Granny and Mom both making it and the first time I made it for my hubby… I thought he was going to dive into the bowl
I have never seen this salad “mixed up” before, just as a 7 Layer Salad.
Mmm, this looks good. I always need a make-ahead dish for our family cookouts, may have to try this one!
Looks amazing and refreshing.
Brenda´s last blog ..Paul’s Tofu/TMTT
This looks like a great dish. I’m impressed the lettuce doesn’t wilt.
I would love to try that. Thanks for sharing.
It looks delish and has to be good as everything is better with bacon or at least that is what dh says.
Thanks for sharing!
Sherry
This looks great. I make a 7-layer that you make and keep in fridge overnight, but this is really different than mine. It sounds like a winner. Sorry I am delayed is visiting your last weeks post. Have a great week.
Lisa@blessedwithgrace´s last blog ..Tempt My Tummy Tuesday….Sloppy Joe..BBQ.. I don’t care what you call it.. Just call me to dinner ’cause this is good!