Make Ahead Sarah Salad Recipe

Introduction

Sarah Salad is a flavorful, make-ahead salad perfect for holidays or dinner parties. Preparing it in advance means less stress when hosting, and the flavors have time to meld into a delicious combination. This salad has been a beloved tradition for many gatherings, from holiday dinners to BBQ cookouts.

Ingredients

• 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
• For the sauce:
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1/2 cup Miracle Whip
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Step 1: Cut the Swiss cheese into small pieces, breaking it apart to prevent sticking. Place cheese pieces in a large mixing bowl.
2. Step 2: Thaw the frozen peas by running warm water over them in a strainer. Drain well and add to the bowl with the cheese.
3. Step 3: Dice the green onions into small pieces and add them to the bowl.
4. Step 4: Prepare the lettuce by tapping the stem on the countertop to loosen it, then remove and discard the core. Slice the lettuce into roughly square pieces by slicing vertically and then horizontally. Rinse and dry the lettuce thoroughly, using a salad spinner if possible. Add the lettuce to the mixing bowl.
5. Step 5: In a separate small bowl, combine mayonnaise, Miracle Whip, sugar, salt, and pepper. Stir until well blended.
6. Step 6: Pour the sauce over the salad ingredients and mix thoroughly to ensure everything is evenly coated.
7. Step 7: Transfer the salad to an airtight container and refrigerate to allow flavors to meld. Keep chilled until ready to serve.
8. Step 8: Just before serving, toss the salad again and top with the crumbled bacon.

Tips & Variations

• Use a salad spinner to dry lettuce well and prevent sogginess.
• For a smoky depth, try substituting some bacon with smoked turkey bacon.
• Adjust sugar in the dressing to your preferred level of sweetness.
• Make sure to cook and crumble bacon ahead of time to save prep during serving.

Storage

Store the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 48 hours. Keep the bacon topping separate until serving to preserve crispness, or add it just before reheating if you prefer it warm. Toss the salad again before serving for best flavor and texture.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this salad completely ahead of time?

Yes, this salad is designed to be made ahead. The flavors improve as it chills for several hours. Just add the bacon right before serving for best texture.

Can I substitute other cheeses for Swiss?

Swiss cheese is traditional in this salad for its mild flavor, but you can try mild cheddar or Monterey Jack as alternatives. Avoid very strong or crumbly cheeses.

Make Ahead Sarah Salad Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 123 reviews

• Author: Andria
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 6–8 servings 1x

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Description

Sarah Salad is a flavorful, make-ahead salad perfect for holidays or dinner parties. Combining crisp iceberg lettuce, thawed peas, Swiss cheese, green onions, and crispy bacon, all tossed in a creamy mayo and Miracle Whip dressing with a hint of sweetness from sugar. This salad benefits from resting in the fridge, allowing flavors to meld beautifully, so you can prepare it in advance and save time on event days.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Salad

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

Dressing

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

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Instructions

1. Prepare the Cheese and Peas: Cut the Swiss cheese into small pieces, breaking any slices apart since they tend to stick together. Place the frozen peas in a strainer and run warm water over them to thaw. Drain well before adding to the mixing bowl along with the cheese.
2. Chop Green Onions: Dice the green onion stalks into small pieces and add them to the bowl with the peas and cheese.
3. Prepare the Lettuce: To separate the iceberg lettuce leaves, firmly hit the stem end of the head on the countertop a few times to loosen it. Discard the stem. Slice the lettuce into strips, then crosswise to create bite-sized squares. Rinse thoroughly and dry well using a salad spinner or clean towel. Add the chopped lettuce to the bowl.
4. Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise, Miracle Whip, sugar, salt, and pepper. Stir until smooth and well blended.
5. Combine Salad and Dressing: Pour the dressing over the salad ingredients in the large bowl. Toss thoroughly to coat every piece evenly with the dressing.
6. Refrigerate: Transfer the salad to an airtight container with a secure lid. Refrigerate for several hours or overnight to allow flavors to meld.
7. Serve: Just before serving, toss the salad again and top with the crumbled cooked bacon. Serve chilled.

Notes

• Make the salad a day in advance to let the flavors fully combine and save time on your event day.
• Use a salad spinner or thoroughly dry lettuce to avoid a watery salad.
• The salad can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 48 hours after assembling.
• Bacon can be cooked ahead and stored separately if preferred to maintain crispiness.
• Rubbermaid Brilliance containers work well for storage due to their airtight and leakproof design.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Side Dish
• Method: No-Cook
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: Make Ahead Salad, Holiday Salad, Bacon Salad, Iceberg Lettuce Salad, Creamy Salad, Party Salad, Dinner Party Salad