7 Layer Salad Recipe
This classic 7 Layer Salad is a vibrant, flavorful combination of crisp iceberg lettuce, fresh tomatoes, peas, hard-boiled eggs, green onions, shredded cheddar cheese, and crispy bacon, layered and topped with a creamy, tangy dressing. Perfect for potlucks, picnics, or a refreshing side dish, this make-ahead salad is both visually appealing and satisfying.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes (for boiling and cooking bacon)
- Total Time: 4 hours 35 minutes (includes chilling time)
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
Vegetables and Toppings
- 1 head iceberg lettuce, chopped
- 2 cups diced fresh tomatoes or sliced cherry tomatoes
- 2 cups frozen peas, thawed
- 8 hard boiled eggs, cooled, peeled and chopped
- ½ cup sliced green onions or diced red onion
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, lightly packed
- 8 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
Dressing
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- ¾ cup sour cream
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon seasoned salt
Instructions
- Prepare the dressing: In a medium bowl, combine mayonnaise, sour cream, granulated sugar, and seasoned salt. Whisk together until smooth and creamy, then set the dressing aside.
- Wash and dry lettuce: Using a salad spinner, thoroughly wash and dry the chopped iceberg lettuce to remove any moisture; this ensures the salad stays crisp. Place the lettuce evenly in the bottom of a large trifle bowl or a 9×13-inch pan.
- Layer the salad: Carefully layer the diced tomatoes over the lettuce, followed by the thawed peas, chopped hard-boiled eggs, and sliced green onions, spreading each layer evenly.
- Add the dressing: Spread the prepared dressing evenly over the top of the layered ingredients, making sure to reach the edges for full coverage.
- Chill: Cover the salad tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or preferably overnight. This allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.
- Add final toppings before serving: Just before serving, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the salad, then top with the crumbled bacon for a delicious and colorful finish.
Notes
- For best results, prepare the salad at least a few hours in advance to allow flavors to meld.
- You can substitute the iceberg lettuce with Romaine for a slightly different texture.
- To keep bacon crispy, cook it just before serving and crumble on top.
- Seasoned salt can be replaced with regular salt and a pinch of black pepper if preferred.
- This salad is best served chilled and eaten within 24 hours for optimal freshness.
Keywords: 7 layer salad, layered salad, bacon salad, classic American salad, picnic salad, potluck salad, creamy salad
Find it online: https://ellaeatsdaily.com/7-layer-salad-recipe/
