Are you tired of running around frantically right before hosting a party? We understand the stress and the need for something quick and delicious to bring to a get-together. That’s why we’ve got you covered with our new go-to recipe: the make-ahead salad casserole!

Salads are amazing because you can customize them to your liking. In this recipe, we’ve created a tasty combination of flavors that will perfectly complement any potluck table filled with potato and pasta dishes. Our salad starts with a crisp bed of iceberg lettuce, topped with sweet peas, creamy Swiss cheese, tangy green onions, and savory chopped bacon. It’s a delightful and well-balanced combination that will please everyone’s taste buds.

What makes this recipe even better is that you can assemble all the main salad ingredients in a 9×13-inch baking dish. No need to worry about last-minute prep. Simply whisk together the mayo and miracle whip dressing, season it with a touch of sugar, and store it in a sealable container until you’re ready to serve. If your dish doesn’t have a lid, no problem! Just cover it with plastic wrap or aluminum foil, and you’re good to go.

When it’s time to serve the salad, just dress it with the creamy dressing 15 minutes before serving and toss everything together. Voila! Your make-ahead salad casserole is ready to be enjoyed. It’s that easy!

Make-Ahead Salad Recipe

Serves: 6-8 Preparation Time: 15 minutes

Ingredients

• Salad:
  • 1 head of iceberg lettuce, chopped
  • 1 (8 oz.) package of frozen peas, thawed and drained
  • 1 cup of Swiss cheese, cut into cubes
  • 3 green onions, finely chopped
  • 1/2 cup of bacon bits
• Sauce:
  • 1/2 cup of mayonnaise
  • 1/2 cup of miracle whip
  • 1-2 tablespoons of sugar
  • Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste

Preparation

1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, miracle whip, and sugar. Season to taste with salt and black pepper.
2. To chop the iceberg lettuce, place the stem of the lettuce on the counter and press it down until it releases. Discard the stem, then chop the lettuce and place it in a 9×13-inch baking dish.
3. Add the thawed and drained peas, diced Swiss cheese, and green onions to the dish. Pour the dressing over the mixture and toss everything together until evenly coated.
4. Top the salad with the bacon bits, then refrigerate until ready to serve. If serving later, cover the dish with aluminum foil or plastic wrap.

Enjoy this delicious make-ahead salad casserole that will save you time and make hosting parties a breeze! Recipe adapted from Our Thrifty Ideas.