Best Seven Layer Salad Recipe

I’ll be honest, and the first time I tried making Seven Layer Salad, it was kind of a mess because my kitchen looked like a mini storm had passed through, and the lettuce was everywhere, and the dressing was dripping on the counter, and the beef bacon was burned not just once but twice, so I almost gave up and thought that maybe

I should stop, but then, I scooped a spoonful of that crooked Seven Layer Salad, where the layers were leaning to the side, and it was still delicious, and that surprised me a lot.

It made me think of a summer when my cousins came over and we tried to build a tower out of toy blocks, and no matter how hard we tried, the tower always leaned. It looked messy, not at all like the perfect towers we saw in books, but it was still the most fun we had that whole day. This Seven Layer Salad feels just like that because it is fun and tasty, even if it is not perfect.

So, do not worry if your layers are not perefect or if your cheese does not sprinkle like magical confetti because, that is not the main point, since the real point is sitting down and grabbing a big spoon to enjoy something crunchy, maybe you have had a dish that made you smile even when it looked a little strange, if you have not then this seven layer salad will.

Ingredients

• Iceberg lettuce (1 head, chopped)
• Cherry tomatoes (2 cups, halved)
• Frozen peas (2 cups, thawed)
• Red onion (1 small, diced)
• Cheddar cheese (2 cups, shredded)
• Beef bacon (10 slices, cooked and crumbled)
• Hard-boiled eggs (4, sliced)
• Mayonnaise (1 cup)
• Sour cream (1 cup)
• Sugar (2 tablespoons)
• Salt (½ teaspoon)
• Black pepper (½ teaspoon)

Ingredients notes

• Lettuce is the crunchy green part that makes the salad fresh and light.
• Tomatoes are red and juicy and give a pop of sweetness.
• Peas are tiny green balls that are soft and a little sweet.
• Red onion makes the salad a bit zingy, but if you don’t like it strong, you can use less.
• Cheddar cheese is orange and tastes creamy and sharp at the same time.
• Beef bacon is crispy and salty and makes the salad taste even better.
• Eggs are soft and mild, and they add protein.
• Mayonnaise and sour cream are creamy and mix together to make the dressing.
• Sugar, salt, and pepper are small things that make all the flavors come together.

How to make Seven Layer Salad?

Step 1: Prepare the lettuce

Wash the lettuce really well under cold water. Dry it with a towel or spin it in a salad spinner. Then chop it into small bite-sized pieces so it is easy to eat.

Step 2: Layer the lettuce

Place the chopped lettuce in the bottom of a big clear bowl. A clear bowl is nice because you can see all the pretty layers.

Step 3: Add the tomatoes

Scatter the halved cherry tomatoes on top of the lettuce. Make sure they spread out so you see the red color everywhere.

Step 4: Add the peas

Take your thawed peas and gently sprinkle them over the tomatoes. This makes a green layer that looks very pretty.

Step 5: Add the onion

Now sprinkle the diced red onion on top of the peas. Try not to put too much in one spot, so every bite has just the right amount of onion.

Step 6: Add the eggs

Lay the sliced eggs gently on top of the onion layer. You can make a circle with them or just spread them out.

Step 7: Add the beef bacon

Crumble the cooked bacon and scatter it over the eggs. This makes the salad smell amazing.

Step 8: Add the cheese

Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the beef bacon layer. The orange color will stand out and make the salad look delicious.

Step 9: Make the dressing

In a small bowl, mix together mayonnaise, sour cream, sugar, salt, and pepper. Stir it until it is smooth and creamy.

Step 10: Spread the dressing

Take the dressing and spread it gently on top of the cheese layer. Try to cover the whole top so it looks neat.

Step 11: Chill before serving

Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and put it in the fridge for at least 1 hour. This helps the flavors mix together and makes the salad taste even better.

Step 12: Serve and enjoy

When you are ready to eat, take off the wrap and use a big spoon to scoop down through all the layers so everyone gets a little of everything.

Kitchen equipment you need

• A big, clear glass bowl
• A sharp knife (with an adult’s help if you’re a kid)
• A cutting board
• A salad spinner or a clean towel for drying lettuce
• A small mixing bowl
• A spoon for mixing dressing
• A big serving spoon

Storage options!

Seven layer salad is best eaten fresh, but you can keep leftovers in the fridge. Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap or put the salad into smaller containers. It will stay good for about 1 to 2 days. After that, the lettuce may get soggy. If you want to make it ahead of time, you can prepare the layers, but don’t add the dressing until closer to serving time. That way, the salad stays crisp.

Variations!

You can change a seven layer salad in so many fun ways. If you don’t like peas, you can use corn instead. For a healthier option, use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream in the dressing. You can add cucumbers, bell peppers, or even avocado slices. For a different cheese flavor, try mozzarella or pepper jack. For a vegetarian option, omit the bacon and substitute it with roasted chickpeas or sunflower seeds for added crunch. This recipe is like a playground, where you get to choose your favorite toys.

What to enjoy with Seven Layer Salad?

This salad reminded me of my Chocolate Zucchini Muffins that I baked last week. They were perfect, plus, I loved eating them both. Then, I thought maybe some BBQ Chicken Zucchini Boats would be amazing because they are smoky and fun; it just hit me how great flavors can mix.

I also love pairing it with roasted sweet potatoes because they are sweet and soft. My salad is like a little balance dance on your plate, and sometimes I sprinkle some feta on top just to make it extra cheesy, then I ask myself why I don’t do this more often.

Tips for making the best seven layer salad

The best seven layer salad starts with fresh ingredients. Make sure your lettuce is crisp and not soggy. Chill your salad before serving so the flavors blend nicely. Always use a clear glass bowl if you have one, because the layers look amazing and people eat with their eyes first. Don’t press the layers down too hard; keep them light and fluffy so the salad is easy to scoop. If you want extra crunch, add croutons just before serving. And remember, you can always adjust the layers to what you like best.

FAQ

What is seven layer salad made of?

It is made of lettuce, tomatoes, peas, onion, eggs, bacon, cheese, and a creamy dressing.

What does seven layer salad taste like?

It tastes crunchy, creamy, salty, a little sweet, and very fresh all at the same time.

Can I make seven layer salad ahead of time?

Yes, you can make it the night before. Just keep it covered in the fridge.

How long does seven layer salad last?

It lasts about 1 to 2 days in the fridge before it gets soggy.

Do I have to use bacon?

No, you can skip bacon or use something else crunchy like roasted chickpeas.

Can I use a different cheese?

Yes, mozzarella, Swiss, or pepper jack cheese all taste great.

Can kids eat this salad?

Yes, kids love it because it is colorful and has layers of fun flavors.

Do I need a clear bowl?

It is not required, but a clear bowl makes the layers look pretty.

What kind of lettuce is best?

Iceberg lettuce is the most common, but you can use romaine or spinach.

Can I use store-bought dressing?

Yes, but homemade dressing is creamier and fresher.

Is this salad healthy?

It can be healthy because it has veggies and protein, but the dressing makes it richer. You can use lighter ingredients to make it healthier.

Why is it called seven layer salad?

It has seven colorful layers stacked on top of each other, like a rainbow tower of food.