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This classic 7 Layer Salad is a fresh, colorful, make-ahead dish perfect for parties, potlucks, and holidays. Simple ingredients layered for maximum flavor.
7 Layer Salad is a timeless classic that’s perfect for potlucks, holidays, and family gatherings. With crisp lettuce, colorful vegetables, creamy dressing, and savory toppings, this layered salad is as beautiful as it is delicious.
One of the best parts of this salad is that it can be made ahead of time, making it a stress-free option when entertaining.
How to make this 7 Layer Salad:
Start by mixing together the ingredients for the dressing in a bowl. Set that aside until you build the rest the salad. Start by layering the lettuce first, then follow with the onions, peas, eggs, cucumbers and any other veggies you are adding. Next layer the dressing on top of the veggies. Top with the cheese and bacon. Serve and enjoy!
Ingredient Notes:
Dressing:
- Mayonnaise – Use full-fat mayo for the creamiest texture.
- Sour Cream – Use full-fat sour cream for the creamiest texture.
- Brown Sugar – I prefer light brown sugar for this
- Apple Cider Vinegar – adds a little zing to the dressing.
- Garlic Powder
Salad:
- Lettuce (cut in bite size pieces) – I like to use iceberg lettuce for this salad, but you could also use a mix of romaine, spinach, or arugula.
- Red Onion – Soak briefly in cold water to mellow the sharp onion flavor.
- Boiled Eggs – Quartered.
- Frozen Peas – Thaw completely and drain well before layering.
- Cucumber, (sliced and halved)
- Tomato, (diced)
- Cheddar Cheese – Sharp cheddar adds the most flavor.
- Bacon (crumbled) – Bake bacon for even crispness and less mess. Use my Oven Baked Bacon recipe.
Directions:
Step One – To make the dressing add all the dressing ingredients to a medium sized bowl and whisk together until smooth then set aside
Recipe Tip
This classic salad traditionally has peas and a thick creamy dressing, but it is also very versatile. You can take away what you don’t like or add your favorite salad ingredients, such as celery, green onions, or green peppers. You can even use your favorite dressing instead of making your own.
Step Two – Layer the salad in a trifle bowl or large serving bowl starting with the lettuce on the bottom. To the lettuce layer on the onion, eggs, peas, cucumber, and tomato.
Recipe Tip
I like to sprinkle my tomatoes and eggs with a little salt and pepper while layering.
Step Three – Pour as much of your prepared dressing on top as you like. Top the dressed salad with cheese and bacon.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make 7 Layer Salad ahead of time?
Yes! It’s best when made a few hours ahead so flavors can meld.
Can I substitute ingredients?
Absolutely. Swap peas for corn or add cucumbers or bell peppers.
How long does it last in the fridge?
This salad is best eaten fresh, but if preparing ahead of time wait to add the dressing and toppings until ready to serve.
Refrigerate leftovers for up to one day; any longer and it gets very soggy
Try some of my other favorite Salad recipes:
Wedge Salad – This Wedge Salad is a great side dish for dinner. A big wedge of Iceberg Lettuce topped with tomatoes, red onions and bacon and served with a homemade Blue Cheese dressing.
Chef Salad – A Classic Chef Salad is a salad that can be served as an entree. It is a super popular lunch salad, that is hearty and loaded with veggies, meat and cheese and topped with a Homemade Ranch Dressing.
Broccoli Salad – The best Broccoli Salad! Broccoli, carrots, raisins and even bacon tossed in a simple homemade dressing. It will be great for your next summer BBQ!
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7 Layer Salad
Ingredients
Dressing:
- 1 Cup Mayonnaise
- 1 Cup Sour Cream
- 2 Teaspoons Brown Sugar
- 2 Teaspoons Apple Cider Vinegar
- ¼ Teaspoon Garlic
Salad:
- 4-5 Cups Lettuce, (cut in bite size pieces)
- 1 Cup Red Onion, (chopped)
- 6 Boiled Eggs, (quartered)
- 1 Cup Frozen Peas, (thawed)
- 1 Cup Cucumber, (sliced and halved)
- 1 ¼ Cup Tomato, (diced)
- 1 Cup Cheddar Cheese, (shredded)
- ¾ Cup Bacon, (crumbled)
Instructions
- To make the dressing add all the dressing ingredients to a medium sized bowl and whisk together until smooth then set aside
- Layer the salad in a trifle bowl or large serving bowl starting with the lettuce on the bottom. To the lettuce layer on the onion, eggs, peas, cucumber, and tomato.
- Pour as much of your prepared dressing on top as you like. Top the dressed salad with cheese and bacon.
