Description

Make Ahead Salad, also known as Sarah Salad, is a flavorful, layered salad perfect for holidays or dinner parties. This easy-to-prepare salad combines iceberg lettuce, swiss cheese, peas, green onions, and crispy bacon, all tossed in a creamy, slightly sweet dressing. Designed to be made ahead, it allows the flavors to marry beautifully, reducing last-minute meal prep stress while impressing your guests.

Ingredients

Scale

Salad

1 large head of iceberg lettuce
6 oz frozen peas
1 (8 oz) package sliced swiss cheese
3 stalks green onion
12 oz bacon, cooked and crumbled

Sauce

1/2 cup mayonnaise
1/2 cup Miracle Whip
2 tablespoons sugar
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Prepare the cheese and peas: Cut the sliced swiss cheese into small pieces, breaking it apart to prevent clumping. Place frozen peas in a strainer and run warm water over them to thaw. Drain thoroughly and add both cheese and peas to a large mixing bowl.
Chop the green onion: Dice the green onions into small pieces and add them to the bowl with the cheese and peas.
Prepare the lettuce: Remove the core of the iceberg lettuce by hitting the stem on the countertop until loosened and discard the core. Slice the lettuce crosswise and lengthwise to create small squares. Rinse and thoroughly dry the lettuce using a salad spinner or clean towel. Add the chopped lettuce to the large bowl.
Make the sauce: In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise, Miracle Whip, sugar, and season with salt and pepper. Stir until well mixed and smooth.
Combine salad and dressing: Pour the sauce over the salad ingredients and stir thoroughly to ensure everything is evenly coated.
Refrigerate: Transfer the salad to an airtight container, such as a Rubbermaid Brilliance container, and refrigerate to allow flavors to meld and the salad to chill.
Serve: When ready to serve, toss the salad again and sprinkle the crumbled bacon over the top. Serve immediately. Store any leftovers refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 48 hours.

Notes

Making this salad ahead of time enhances the flavor as the ingredients meld together in the fridge.
Ensure the lettuce is thoroughly dry before mixing to avoid wilting the salad.
Use an airtight container to keep the salad fresh and prevent odors from contaminating other foods in the fridge.
Crumble the bacon fresh just before serving to retain its crisp texture.
This salad is ideal for holiday gatherings and potlucks, reducing last-minute preparation stress.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes (bacon cooking time)
Category: Salad
Method: No-Cook
Cuisine: American

Keywords: Make Ahead Salad, Sarah Salad, Holiday Salad, Picnic Salad, Party Salad, Creamy Salad, Bacon Salad, Easy Salad, Lettuce Salad