Layered Dublin Salad

 

Layered Dublin Salad: A Fresh Take on Irish-Inspired Flavor

Looking for a salad that’s as impressive in presentation as it is in taste? Meet the Layered Dublin Salad — a beautifully stacked, flavor-packed dish that brings the heart of Ireland to your table in a vibrant and refreshing way.

This isn’t your average leafy green side. With layers of crisp lettuce, sweet peas, hard-boiled eggs, savory meats, sharp Irish cheddar, and a creamy, tangy dressing, this salad is hearty enough to stand on its own, yet versatile enough to pair with a variety of mains. It’s the kind of dish that turns heads at potlucks and adds a festive touch to holidays like St. Patrick’s Day or Easter brunch.

---

🥗 What Is a Layered Dublin Salad?

A Layered Dublin Salad is inspired by the classic layered salad format that has graced countless picnic tables — but with an Irish twist. Named after Ireland’s capital, this version uses ingredients like sharp Irish cheddar, green onions, and optionally, traditional Irish bacon or ham. The result is a salad that’s not only delicious but visually stunning when served in a clear glass bowl or trifle dish.

It’s all about balance: freshness from veggies, richness from eggs and cheese, and a creamy, tangy dressing that ties everything together.

---

🛒 Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe serves about 6–8 people.

Salad Layers:

• 4 cups chopped crisp lettuce (romaine or iceberg)

• 1 cup thinly sliced green onions

• 1 cup frozen peas, thawed

• 4 hard-boiled eggs, chopped

• 1 cup diced cooked Irish bacon, ham, or thick-cut bacon (optional)

• 1 1/2 cups shredded sharp Irish cheddar cheese

• 1–2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved

For the Dressing:

• 1 cup mayonnaise

• 1/2 cup sour cream

• 1 tbsp Dijon mustard or wholegrain mustard

• Salt and black pepper to taste

• Optional: 1 tsp sugar or honey for slight sweetness

---

👩‍🍳 How to Assemble the Salad

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

Chop all vegetables and herbs. Cook and cool your eggs, and dice the ham or bacon if using. Thaw the peas and pat them dry.

Step 2: Make the Dressing

In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, mustard, and season with salt and pepper. Add a touch of sugar or honey if you like your dressing slightly sweet.

Step 3: Start Layering

In a clear glass bowl or deep trifle dish, layer the ingredients in this order for a perfect presentation:

1. Lettuce – fresh, crisp base

2. Green onions – mild onion flavor

3. Peas – sweet pop of color and taste

4. Hard-boiled eggs – creamy and hearty

5. Ham or bacon – savory protein layer (optional)

6. Creamy dressing – spread evenly to seal in moisture

7. Shredded cheddar – rich, nutty Irish flavor

8. Cherry tomatoes – juicy and bright topping

Step 4: Chill and Serve

Refrigerate the salad for at least 1 hour before serving. This gives the flavors time to meld and the layers to settle. Serve cold, scooping deep into the bowl to get a bit of every layer.

---

💡 Tips & Variations

• Vegetarian? Skip the ham and add diced roasted potatoes or chickpeas for a meatless version.

• Make it your own: Add cucumbers, shredded carrots, or even a layer of cooked barley for more texture.

• Don’t like mayo? Substitute part of the dressing with Greek yogurt for a lighter touch.

• Make ahead: Assemble up to a day in advance, but add tomatoes and cheese just before serving to keep them fresh.

---

🍀 Perfect For:

• St. Patrick’s Day celebrations

• Easter brunch tables

• Family potlucks and holiday buffets

• Picnic baskets and summer cookouts

• Meal prepping a hearty salad for the week

---

🧊 Storage & Leftovers

• Refrigerate any leftovers tightly covered for up to 2 days. The lettuce may begin to wilt after that, but the flavors will still be delicious.

• Pro tip: Serve with tongs or a wide spoon to keep the layers neat when serving.

---

✨ Final Thoughts

Layered Dublin Salad is more than just a pretty dish — it’s a celebration of flavor, tradition, and texture. Whether you’re preparing it for a festive Irish-themed meal or simply want to wow your dinner guests with something colorful and delicious, this salad delivers on every level.

Easy to customize, fun to assemble, and even better to eat, it’s a true crowd-pleaser. So grab your favorite bowl and start stacking — your taste buds will thank you.