This recipe is made up to 24 hours in advance, making it the perfect recipe to share.
The seven-layer salad has crisp lettuce and fresh, flavorful dressings under a simple 4-ingredient dressing.
Everyone praises this salad; I can’t wait for you to try it!
- Seven Layer Salad is pretty, easy and goes with everything!
- Why stop at 7 layers? Mix and match plus toppings for fresh, crispy deliciousness in every bite.
- Meet ahead and decorate just before serving, perfect for potlucks, parties, or as a make-and-go side dish.
What are the seven layers?
- Lettuce: Iceberg lettuce has a high water content, so it stays nice and crisp; It is the perfect base for this recipe.
- Vegetables: Tomatoes add juicy freshness, frozen peas add a touch of sweetness, and green onions add flavor.
- Bacon: Crunchy, crumbled bacon adds a salty, smoky flavor. You can bake your own or use bacon bits.
- Quick tip: If using bacon bits, cook them in a skillet or in the microwave to make them a little crispier.
- Egg: I love hard-boiled eggs in this recipe; I think the air fryer is the easiest way to cook them!
- Cheese: Sharp cheddar cheese has an intense flavor that contrasts with the other ingredients.
7 Layer Salad Dressing
Although it seems simple, this dressing is creamy and delicious. It’s made with basic ingredients that you probably have on hand.
Combine mayonnaise, sour cream, salt and sugar according to the recipe below. This spreads over the salad, keeping it fresh.
Variations
- Lettuce: Use other crisp, hardy varieties of lettuce, such as romaine lettuce, kale, or even add shredded Brussels sprouts.
- Vegetables: Try chopped celery, sliced radishes, and diced bell peppers.
- Cheese: Use your favorites like Monterey Jack, mozzarella, crumbled blue cheese, or feta cheese.
- Bandage: I’ve included our favorite ranch dressing in the notes if you’d like to change it up.
How to make 7 layer salad
- Whisk dressing ingredients according to instructions. recipe below.
- Add the lettuce to the bottom of a clear bowl. Top lettuce with tomatoes, peas, onions and eggs.
- Spread the dressing on top and cover with plastic wrap.
- Top with cheese and bacon before serving.
I love how this salad looks in a clear bowl or on a small plate. For easier serving, you can also spread it in a 9×13-inch glass baking dish.
Seven-layer salad storage
If saving leftover 7-layer salad, leave the dressing on top to keep the lettuce crispier. You may need to drain any liquid that has accumulated at the bottom. Store in a covered container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Did you make this 7 layer salad? Be sure to leave a rating and comment below.
7 layer salad
This colorful and hearty salad is made with layers of fresh ingredients and topped with a creamy homemade dressing and crunchy crumbled bacon!
Prevent your screen from going dark
-
In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, sugar, and seasoned salt for the dressing. Set aside.
-
Wash and dry the lettuce very well. Place lettuce in the bottom of a large bowl (or 9×13 pan).
-
In order, top with tomatoes, peas, green onions and hard-boiled eggs. Spread the dressing on top to the edges.
-
Cover salad and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
-
Top with cheese and bacon before serving.
- Feel free to substitute other vegetables for the layers. Options include bell peppers, corn, sliced celery, mushrooms or radishes, dried tomatoes or shredded carrots, cabbage, zucchini or Brussels sprouts!
- To make ahead, bring all layers together except the cheese and bacon, cover and chill. Just before serving, layer cheese and bacon on top.
Optional ranch dressing
1 cup mayonnaise
¾ cup sour cream
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon onion powder
1 tablespoon fresh dill
1 tablespoon fresh parsley
salt and pepper to taste
Calories: 348 | Carbohydrates: 10gram | Protein: 13gram | Fat: 29gram | Saturated fats: 9gram | Polyunsaturated fats: 10gram | Monounsaturated fats: 7gram | Trans fats: 0.04gram | Cholesterol: 165mg | Sodium: 579mg | Potassium: 298mg | Fiber: 2gram | Sugar: 6gram | Vitamin A: 1124UI | Vitamin C: 15mg | Calcium: 186mg | Iron: 1mg
Nutrition information provided is an estimate and will vary depending on cooking methods and brands of ingredients used.
Course Salad, Garnish Kitchen American© SpendWithPennies.com. The content and photographs are protected by copyright. Sharing this recipe is recommended and appreciated. Copying and/or pasting entire recipes on any social media is strictly prohibited. Please see my photo usage policy here.
