If you’re looking for a crowd-pleasing, refreshing salad that’s perfect for potlucks, picnics, or family gatherings, then you can’t go wrong with a delicious 7-layer salad.
Packed with layers of vibrant vegetables, cheese, and dressing, this salad is easy to make and a visual delight. While it’s a classic summer BBQ salad and is sure to impress everyone at your next gathering, it can be enjoyed all year. So, let’s get to it!
7-Layer Salad
Ingredients
- 8 cups Lettuce, chopped (about 2 romaine hearts lettuce)
- 1 pint Cherry tomatoes, halved (2 cups chopped Roma Tomato)
- 1 cup Mayonnaise
- 1/3 cup sour cream
- 1 T. Sugar (optional) – Sugar is traditionally found in 7-layer salad, but it can be left out for those who are on a low-sugar diet as the peas add enough sweetness
- 1 1/4 cup Frozen Peas (do not use canned peas), defrosted
- 1 1/4 – 1 1/2 cup Cheddar or Mexican blend cheese, shredded
- 6 Lage Boiled Eggs, sliced or cut into 8ths
- 8-10 pieces thick cut Bacon, cooked and rough chopped (substitute with 3/4 – 1 cup store-bought cooked bacon bits)
- 1/4 tsp. paprika
- 1/4 tsp. black pepper
- 1/4 tsp. garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp. onion powder
Kitchen Supplies
- Knife
- Cutting board
- Medium pot – to boil eggs
- Fry pan – only if cooking bacon
- Tongs or fork – for flipping bacon
- Mixing bowl and spoon – to mix dressing
- Large glass salad bowl – clear glass/plastic with straight sides is best to showcase the layers
How to Make 7-Layer Salad
Preparation
Step 1. Add eggs to a pot of boiling water (high heat), reduce heat to medium, and cook for 12 minutes. Immediately after boiling, rinse in cold water. Set the eggs aside to cool before peeling and slicing. Once cool, cut eggs into slices or eighths.
Step 2. While the eggs are sitting, chop the lettuce and tomatoes. Set aside.
Step 3. In a small bowl, mix together mayonnaise, sour cream, paprika, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. If you want a sweeter dressing, add 1 T. of sugar. Set aside.
7-Layer Salad Assembly
Step 4. Place lettuce on the bottom of a large glass salad bowl, making sure to evenly spread it out. Next, layer the tomatoes, dressing, peas, and cheese.
Layering the Salad
The lettuce should be the first layer, but all the other layers can be arranged to your liking. You can also add or swap ingredients like onions, avocado, corn, etc…
Step 5. For the egg layer, try to arrange some of the chopped eggs against the salad bowl so it looks visually appealing. Finally, top with the chopped bacon. To serve, it’s best to toss the salad to combine all the ingredients.
7-Layer Salad
This delightful 7-layer salad is a colorful and flavorful addition to any gathering. It features a medley of vibrant vegetables, creamy dressing, and crispy bacon for a perfect combination of textures and tastes.
Ingredients
Salad
- 8 cups Lettuce, chopped (about 2 romaine hearts lettuce)
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes, cut in half (substitute with 2 cups chopped Roma tomatoes)
- 1 1/4 cup frozen peas, defrosted (do not use canned peas)
- 1 1/4 – 1 1/2 cup Cheddar or Mexican blend cheese, shredded
- 6 Lage Boiled Eggs, sliced or cut into 8ths
- 8-10 pieces thick cut Bacon, cooked and rough chopped (substitute with 3/4 – 1 cup store-bought cooked bacon bits)
Dressing
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1/3 cup sour cream
- 1/4 tsp. onion powder
- 1/4 tsp. garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp. pepper
- 1/4 tsp. paprika
- 1 T. sugar (optional)*
Instructions
- Add eggs to a pot of boiling water (high heat), reduce heat to medium, and cook for 12 minutes. Immediately after boiling, rinse in cold water. Set the eggs aside to cool before peeling and slicing. Once cool, cut eggs into slices or eighths.
- While the eggs are sitting, chop the lettuce and tomatoes. Set aside.
- Dressing - In a small bowl, mix the mayonnaise, sour cream, paprika, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. If you want a sweeter dressing, add 1 T. of sugar. Set aside.
- Place lettuce on the bottom of a large glass salad bowl, making sure to evenly spread it out. Next, layer the tomatoes, the dressing, peas, and cheese.
- For the egg layer, try to arrange some of the chopped eggs against the salad bowl so it looks visually appealing. Finally, top with the chopped bacon. To serve, it’s best to toss the salad to combine all the ingredients.
Notes
*Sugar is traditionally found in a 7-layer salad, but it can be left out for those who are on a low-sugar diet as the peas add enough sweetness
- Store any leftover salad in the fridge for up to 2 days.
- Salad is best served and eaten on the day it is made. To save time, prepare the salad ingredients ahead of time and assemble it on the day it is being served.
- Swap out or add salad elements to your taste. For example, swap or add onions, corn, or avocado with existing salad ingredients.
Recommended Products
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Salad Glass Bowl | 9.4" | Glamour Collection | Mixing and Serving | Fridge Safe -
Lipper International Bamboo Wood Thin Kitchen Cutting Boards with Oval Hole in Corner, Set of 2 Boards, 6" x 8" -
3-Piece Nylon Kitchen Baking Knife Set: 3 Sizes & Colors/Firm Grip, Serrated Edges, BPA-Free -
Stainless Steel Heat Resistant BBQ Kitchen Tongs Set of 2
How to Store
Leftover 7-Layer salad can be covered and stored in the fridge for up to 2 days. Storing it any longer is not advised as the lettuce tends to get soggy.
Can I Make 7-Layer Salad Ahead?
It’s best to make and eat the salad the day it is made. But if you must make it ahead of time, it can be assembled and chilled in the fridge several hours before serving. Another option is to prepare all the ingredients ahead of time and assemble before serving.
So there you have it – a simple yet fantastic recipe for a 7-layer salad that is sure to impress everyone. Give it a try and enjoy the delicious flavors and textures of this classic dish!
