Low-calorie Seven-layer Salad Recipe - Healthy and Delicious

Low-calorie Seven-layer Salad

Low-calorie Seven-layer Salad Recipe - Healthy and Delicious
Region / culture: USA | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 5 minutes | Servings: 6

Introduction

Low-calorie Seven-layer Salad
Low-calorie Seven-layer Salad

Low-calorie seven-layer salad is a delicious and healthy dish that is perfect for a light lunch or as a side dish for a summer barbecue. This colorful salad is not only visually appealing but also packed with nutrients.

History

The seven-layer salad has been a popular dish in American cuisine since the 1950s. It is typically made with layers of lettuce, peas, cheese, bacon, and other ingredients, topped with a creamy dressing. This low-calorie version of the classic recipe is a healthier twist on the traditional dish.

Ingredients

How to prepare

  1. Wash the lettuce or spinach and tear them into bite-sized pieces.
  2. Steam the peas until they are just tender.
  3. In a large, clear salad bowl, layer the ingredients in the presented order.
  4. Repeat the layering process until all the ingredients are used up, saving the sliced egg for the top of the salad.
  5. Chill the salad.
  6. Serve the salad with the dressing on the side.

Variations

  • Substitute the turkey bacon with cooked chicken or tofu for a vegetarian option.
  • Add cherry tomatoes or bell peppers for extra color and flavor.
  • Use a different type of cheese, such as feta or goat cheese, for a different taste.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to use a clear salad bowl to show off the beautiful layers of the salad.

- Steam the peas until they are just tender to retain their bright green color and crisp texture.

- Make sure to chill the salad before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.

Serving Suggestions

This salad can be served as a light lunch or as a side dish for grilled chicken or fish. It pairs well with a crusty whole grain bread or a side of fresh fruit.

Cooking Techniques

Layering the ingredients in a clear salad bowl allows you to see the beautiful layers of the salad, making it a visually appealing dish.

Ingredient Substitutions

Feel free to customize this salad with your favorite ingredients. You can swap out the spinach for lettuce, or add in other vegetables like cucumbers or carrots.

Make Ahead Tips

This salad can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator until ready to serve. Just be sure to add the dressing right before serving to keep the salad fresh and crisp.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish the salad with fresh herbs, such as parsley or dill, for a pop of color and flavor. You can also sprinkle some extra cheese or bacon on top for added crunch.

Pairing Recommendations

This salad pairs well with a light white wine, such as a Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio. For a non-alcoholic option, try serving it with a sparkling water infused with fresh fruit.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Leftover salad can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Be sure to store the dressing separately and add it right before serving to prevent the salad from becoming soggy.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of this low-calorie seven-layer salad contains approximately 200 calories.

Carbohydrates

This low-calorie seven-layer salad is a good source of carbohydrates, with approximately 15 grams per serving.

Fats

With the use of low-fat cheese and turkey bacon, this salad is low in fat, with only 8 grams per serving.

Proteins

Each serving of this salad provides about 12 grams of protein, making it a satisfying and filling dish.

Vitamins and minerals

This salad is rich in vitamins and minerals, particularly vitamin A from the spinach and eggs, and vitamin C from the peas.

Alergens

This recipe contains dairy (cheese), eggs, and bacon, so it may not be suitable for those with allergies to these ingredients.

Summary

Overall, this low-calorie seven-layer salad is a nutritious and balanced dish that is perfect for those looking to enjoy a light and healthy meal.

Summary

Low-calorie seven-layer salad is a delicious and nutritious dish that is perfect for a light and healthy meal. Packed with fresh vegetables, protein, and flavor, this salad is sure to become a favorite in your recipe rotation. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I was filled with a sense of awe. I had always been on the lookout for healthier options in my cooking, and a low-calorie seven-layer salad seemed like the perfect addition to my repertoire. I had heard about this dish from a friend who had raved about its delicious taste and how easy it was to make. So, I decided to give it a try.

I gathered all the ingredients I needed: lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers, onions, low-fat cheese, turkey bacon, and a light dressing. I carefully washed and chopped the vegetables, cooked the turkey bacon until it was nice and crispy, and assembled the salad in a clear glass dish, layer by layer.

As I worked, I couldn't help but think back to all the recipes I had learned over the years. Some came from cookbooks, others from friends and family, and a few were passed down through generations. Each recipe held a special place in my heart, a connection to the past and a way to create new memories in the present.

I remembered my grandmother teaching me how to make her famous apple pie, with its flaky crust and spiced filling. I remembered my mother showing me how to make her comforting chicken soup, with its tender chicken and hearty vegetables. And I remembered all the friends who had shared their favorite dishes with me, from exotic curries to classic casseroles.

But as I finished assembling the seven-layer salad, I realized that this recipe was different. It wasn't just about taste or tradition. It was about taking care of myself and those I loved, about making healthy choices and enjoying delicious food at the same time.

I took a bite of the salad and savored the crisp vegetables, the tangy dressing, and the salty bacon. It was light yet satisfying, flavorful yet guilt-free. I knew right then that this recipe would become a staple in my kitchen, a go-to dish for family gatherings, potlucks, and everyday meals.

As I shared the salad with my family that evening, I couldn't help but feel proud. Proud of my cooking skills, proud of my commitment to health and wellness, and proud of the connections I had forged through food over the years.

And as my grandchildren asked for seconds and thirds, I knew that this recipe would become a part of our family's culinary history, passed down from generation to generation. Just like all the recipes that had come before it, the low-calorie seven-layer salad would be a reminder of the love and care that went into each meal, a celebration of good food and good company.

So, as I sat down to write out the recipe in my trusty recipe book, I smiled. I knew that this dish would not only nourish our bodies but also our souls, connecting us to the past and creating memories for the future. And that, to me, was the true magic of cooking.

Categories

| American Recipes | Cheddar Recipes | Hard-boiled Egg Recipes | Jack Cheese Recipes | Lettuce Recipes | Low-calorie Recipes | Pea Recipes | Prepared Salad Dressing Recipes | Spinach Recipes | Turkey Bacon Recipes |

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