This is a classic layered salad that is prepared ahead 24 hours and is so fresh and crisp. It is  layered with cool iceberg lettuce, frozen peas, cheese, mushrooms and is topped with a layer of tasty mayonnaise and ripe tomato.

It is a great prepare ahead salad that keeps crisp and is so delicious.

Classic Garden Salad

Ingredients:

The layers of vegetables should be distinct and the pea, mushroom and cheese layer should be at least 1 cm thick so the ingredients may vary according to the capacity of the bowl used. The following are for a bowl 21 cm diameter

• 1/2 a large iceberg lettuce
• 200 g tasty cheddar cheese, grated (It is important that this layer be 1 cm thick, especially at the edges to prevent the mayonnaise from bleeding through)
• 2 cups frozen peas
• 250 g button mushrooms, sliced
• 1 cup mayonnaise
• 2 tblsp sour cream
• 6 spring onions, sliced
• 2 tsp mustard
• 1 tblsp lemon juice
• 1 large ripe tomato, sliced into thin wedges

Method:

1. Use a large glass bowl for the salad. The bowl used in the picture is 21 cm diameter across
2. Wash and dry the lettuce leaves and shed them coarsely
3. Place the leaves in the salad bowl
4. Place the frozen peas over the lettuce
5. Put a layer of the sliced mushrooms over the frozen peas
6. Push slices of mushrooms all around the edge of the bowl as a decoration
7. Place the grated cheddar cheese over the  mushroom layer ensuring that it is thick against the sides of the bowl and at least 1 cm thick all over
8.  Stir together the mayonnaise, mustard, sour cream, and spring onions making sure everything is well combined and spread over the top of the salad
9. Decorate with the tomato wedges
10. Cover with cling wrap and place in the fridge overnight
11. Serve as an accompaniment to your favourite main course or eat it on its own as a filling and delicious lunch with your favourite bread

Growing your own ingredients-Growing Lettuce