7 Layer Salad Recipe
A classic 7 Layer Salad perfect for potlucks and family gatherings, featuring fresh iceberg lettuce, juicy tomatoes, sweet peas, hard boiled eggs, green onions, a creamy dressing, shredded cheddar cheese, and crispy bacon, all layered to create a colorful and flavorful dish.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes (for hard boiling eggs and cooking bacon)
- Total Time: 4 hours 35 minutes (including chilling time)
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
Vegetables and Eggs
- 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)
Dressing
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- ¾ cup sour cream
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon seasoned salt
Toppings
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (lightly packed)
- 8 slices bacon (cooked and crumbled)
Instructions
- Prepare the dressing: In a medium bowl, combine the mayonnaise, sour cream, granulated sugar, and seasoned salt. Mix well until smooth and set aside to let the flavors meld.
- Wash and dry the lettuce: Using a salad spinner, thoroughly wash and dry the chopped iceberg lettuce to remove excess moisture. Then place the lettuce evenly in the bottom of a large trifle bowl or a 9×13 inch pan, creating the first layer of the salad.
- Layer the vegetables and eggs: Carefully layer the diced tomatoes over the lettuce, followed by the thawed peas, chopped hard boiled eggs, and sliced green onions, spreading each ingredient evenly across the surface.
- Add the dressing layer: Spread the prepared dressing evenly over the green onions, making sure it reaches the edges to cover the salad fully. This creamy layer helps bind the flavors together.
- Chill the salad: Cover the bowl or pan with plastic wrap and refrigerate the salad for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight, allowing the flavors to meld and the salad to chill thoroughly.
- Add cheese and bacon before serving: Just before serving, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top, followed by the cooked and crumbled bacon. Serve chilled for the best texture and flavor.
Notes
- Ensure the lettuce is well dried after washing to avoid a soggy salad.
- Thaw frozen peas completely and drain any excess water before using.
- The salad can be prepared a day in advance but add cheese and bacon just before serving to keep them crisp.
- Seasoned salt can be substituted with a blend of salt, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder if desired.
- For a lighter option, use reduced-fat mayonnaise and sour cream.
- To make the salad vegetarian, omit bacon and consider adding toasted nuts or seeds as a crunchy topping.
Keywords: 7 layer salad, layered salad, iceberg lettuce salad, classic American salad, potluck salad, creamy salad dressing, bacon salad topping
Find it online: https://cookwithyana.com/7-layer-salad-recipe/
