This salad is a visual feast and a nutritional powerhouse. It layers crisp romaine lettuce, creamy avocado, juicy cherry tomatoes, crunchy cucumber, sweet green peas, rich cheddar cheese, and protein-packed boiled eggs—all topped with a sprinkle of fresh parsley. The optional addition of mayonnaise or ranch dressing between layers adds a luscious creaminess that ties everything together.
It’s perfect for warm-weather meals, brunch spreads, or as a make-ahead dish for gatherings. The beauty of this salad lies in its versatility—you can build it in a large glass bowl for dramatic effect or assemble individual portions in jars or cups for easy serving.
🧾 Ingredients:
- Romaine lettuce, chopped or torn into bite-sized pieces
- Shredded cheddar cheese (about 1 cup)
- Sliced cucumber (1–2 medium cucumbers)
- Cherry tomatoes, halved (1–2 cups)
- Avocado, diced (2 ripe avocados)
- Green peas, cooked and cooled (1 cup)
- Boiled eggs, sliced (4–6 eggs)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Mayonnaise or ranch dressing (optional, for layering or drizzling)
👩🍳 Instructions:
1. Prep the Ingredients:
Start by washing and chopping all vegetables. Slice the cucumbers thinly, halve the cherry tomatoes, dice the avocado, and chop the romaine lettuce. Boil the eggs, cool them, and slice them into rounds. Cook the green peas briefly if using fresh or frozen, then cool.
💡 Tip: Toss avocado in a little lemon juice to prevent browning and add a bright flavor boost.
2. Choose Your Serving Dish:
For a dramatic presentation, use a clear glass bowl or trifle dish to showcase the layers. For individual servings, use mason jars, cups, or small bowls.
🎨 Presentation tip: Layer by color contrast—green peas next to red tomatoes, white eggs beside orange cheddar—for a stunning visual effect.
3. Build the Layers:
Start with a generous layer of chopped romaine lettuce at the bottom. Then, layer in this order (or mix it up to suit your style):
- Sliced cucumber
- Cherry tomatoes
- Green peas
- Diced avocado
- Sliced boiled eggs
- Shredded cheddar cheese
Between each layer, you can add a thin spread of mayonnaise or ranch dressing if desired. This adds creaminess and helps bind the layers together.
🥄 Want a lighter version? Use Greek yogurt mixed with herbs as a dressing alternative.
4. Top and Garnish:
Finish with a final sprinkle of cheddar cheese and chopped parsley. Add a few extra slices of egg or avocado on top for flair. Drizzle with dressing or serve it on the side.
5. Chill and Serve:
Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld and keeps the salad crisp and refreshing.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions:
- Serve as a main dish with crusty bread or grilled chicken
- Pair with iced tea or lemonade for a refreshing combo
- Make mini versions for picnics or potlucks
- Add croutons or roasted chickpeas for extra crunch
🔄 Variations & Twists:
- Sugar-Free Friendly: Naturally low in sugar—just skip the dressing or use a sugar-free version
- Tropical Flair: Add mango or pineapple chunks for a sweet-savory twist
- Savory-Sweet Mashup: Sprinkle with dried cranberries or roasted nuts
- Faith Gathering Friendly: Make a large tray version and serve with tongs for easy sharing
💖 Why You’ll Love It:
- Packed with nutrients and flavor
- Visually stunning and easy to customize
- Perfect balance of creamy, crunchy, and fresh
- Great for make-ahead meals and gatherings
- A guaranteed hit with kids and adults alike
My, this salad is more than a side—it’s a statement. Want help turning it into a tropical brunch bowl or pairing it with a sugar-free dessert next time? I’ve got ideas layered up and ready to serve!