This Italian cheese is so versatile that it can be used in both sweet and savory recipes from cheesecakes to lasagnas.
12 Layer Salad
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Say hello to a salad that's worth the hype. This 12-layer salad boasts twelve layers of vibrant veggies and an herby garlic dressing. Great for any meal.
serves/makes:
ready in:
30-60 minutes
30-60 minutes
ingredients
Dressing
3/4 cup fat-free mayonnaise or salad dressing
3/4 cup nonfat sour cream
4 cloves minced garlic
1 teaspoon dried basil
1 teaspoon dried oregano
3/4 teaspoon dried tarragon
Salad Layers**
2 cups sliced fresh spinach
2 medium carrots, peeled and shredded
1 1/2 cup sliced celery
2 cups shredded red cabbage
2 cups small or chopped broccoli florets
2 cups shredded iceberg lettuce
1 medium yellow bell pepper, seeded and thinly sliced
1 medium sliced tomato
1 1/2 cup cooked and chilled green beans
1 cup finely chopped fresh parsley, divided
1 can (15 ounce size) red kidney beans, rinsed and drained
1 medium red onion, thinly sliced
3 large hard-boiled eggs, shelled and sliced
directions
Whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, garlic, basil, oregano, and tarragon in a bowl. Cover the bowl and chill the dressing mixture until serving time (or at least 30 minutes).
In a 2 1/2 quart or larger glass bowl, layer the spinach, shredded carrots, celery, cabbage, broccoli, lettuce, bell pepper, tomato, green beans, half of the parsley, the kidney beans, and onion.
Spread the dressing mixture evenly over the top of the salad. Sprinkle the top of the dressing with the remaining parsley.
If serving immediately, toss the layers of the salad to coat them in the dressing. Place the hard boiled egg slices on top of the salad.
Otherwise, cover the salad and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Toss the salad and add the egg slices just before serving.
recipe tips
Make sure that the dressing is well-chilled before adding it to the salad for the best flavor. It can be used right after preparing but the flavors won't have melded together. You can prepare the dressing up to 2 days in advance.
Feel free to add additional fresh herbs like parsley, dill, or chives to the dressing.
To make the salad vegetarian or vegan, substitute the mayonnaise and sour cream with plant-based alternatives and omit the eggs.
Add a sprinkle of crumbled bacon or toasted nuts on top for added texture and flavor.
Experiment with different herb and veggie combinations for variety.
common recipe questions
What is the purpose of layering the salad?
Layering the salad allows for a visually appealing presentation prior to mixing the ingredients and coating with the dressing. It's meant to be mixed at the table or just before serving to show off the visual appeal.
Can I use a different type of mayonnaise?
You can use any type of mayonnaise or salad dressing that you prefer, but it may alter the flavor slightly.
Can I add or substitute different vegetables in the salad?
Yes, feel free to customize the salad with your favorite vegetables or those that are in season for added variety and flavor. Just make sure to cut any large vegetables into easily consumed pieces.
Can I omit the eggs from the salad?
You can omit the hard-boiled eggs if desired or substitute them with a different protein like grilled chicken or tofu.
What other proteins can I add to the salad?
Consider adding cooked shrimp, diced ham, or grilled chicken as additional protein options to make the salad more filling.
How should I store leftovers of the 12-layer salad?
Store any leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days, but note that the vegetables may lose some crispness.
tools needed
Measuring Cups and Spoons: For accurately measuring the ingredients for the dressing, such as mayonnaise, sour cream, garlic, and various herbs.
Whisk: For smoothly combining the ingredients for the dressing.
Sharp Knife or Box Grater: For slicing, chopping, or shredding various vegetables for the salad layers, such as carrots, lettuce, celery, bell pepper, and tomato.
Cutting Board: Provides a stable surface for chopping and slicing the vegetables needed for the 12 layers of the salad.
Large Glass Bowl: For layering the 12 veggie layers to create the visually appealing salad. It should be at least 2 1/2 quarts in size to hold all the ingredients and allow for enough room to toss the ingredients to mix them.
Vegetable Peeler: For peeling the carrots before shredding them for one of the salad layers.
Chilling Bowl: To chill the dressing mixture before serving time.
Spoon or Spatula: To toss the salad ingredients so they are combined just before serving.
what goes with it?
Garlic Bread: the crunchy texture of garlic bread will complement the fresh veggies in the salad nicely.
Cheese Plate: because every good salad deserves some cheese. The creamy, tangy flavors of cheese will add depth to the salad's bright and fresh taste.
Crunchy Croutons: because a little extra crunch never hurt anyone. The croutons will add a texture contrast to the layers of veggies in the salad.
Bacon Bits: because bacon makes everything better. The salty, smoky flavor of bacon will add a delicious twist to each bite.
nutrition data
213 calories, 3 grams fat, 36 grams carbohydrates, 13 grams protein per serving. This recipe is low in fat.
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