This 7 Layer Salad is the perfect way to add a variety of textures, flavors, and colors to your next meal or gathering. The combination of lettuce, hard-boiled eggs, peas, cooked bacon, and shredded cheese with a simple mayonnaise dressing create an unforgettable flavor profile that will leave your guests wanting more.
One of my favorite things about this delicious salad recipe is that it’s great for feeding a crowd. This summer when you are gathering your family and friends, make sure to include this tasty 7- layer salad.
The presentation of each layer is a treat in itself; guests will like how attractive the presentation appears as they watch you build the salad from the bottom up. If you love simple salads like this recipe you may also enjoy this Creamy Dill Salad recipe. It’s another great side dish to make for cookouts and gatherings.
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Why you’ll love this recipe
- Easy to make and doesn’t require much time or effort.
- Combines delicious ingredients like lettuce, eggs, peas, bacon pieces, and cheese for an unforgettable flavor profile that guests love.
- It’s a fresh and healthy side dish or main dish that your whole family will rave about.
Ingredients
This delicious recipe for 7 layer salad is packed full of healthy ingredients to give you a nutrient boost. Plus, doesn’t have to worry about expensive ingredients or specialty stores, since all of these ingredients are commonly found in your local grocery store.
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- Mayonnaise – This pantry staple brings a creamy and tangy flavor to your dressing.
- Sugar – Granulated sugar adds sweetness to your dressing to make it crave-worthy.
- Romaine Lettuce – Romaine is hearty and sturdy lettuce so it’s my preferred lettuce to use in this layered salad.
- Red Onion – Red onions are best for eating because they have a delicious mild flavor when raw.
- Hard-boiled eggs – Perfect for adding protein and healthy fats to your salad.
- Celery – This simple vegetable adds a nice crunchy texture to your layered salad.
- Frozen Peas – Frozen peas are a great addition to this recipe because they add texture, flavor, and extra vitamins.
- Cooked Bacon – The smoky and salty bacon bits will really make this salad pop.
- Cheddar Cheese – Cheddar Cheese adds a delicious flavor and richness to this salad that you are sure to love.
See recipe card for quantities.
How to Make 7 Layer Salad
Making this seven layer salad is really simple though it does take a few minutes of prep time. But, I promise you after the first bite you will realize that it was totally worth the work that it takes to make this salad.
- In a bowl, combine mayonnaise and sugar. Mix until blended. Set aside.
- Place lettuce in the bottom of the salad bowl.
- Top with a layer of onion.
- Add a layer of sliced eggs.
- Top with a layer of peas.
- Place the dressing we made on top of the peas.
- Now finish with the bacon and shredded cheese.
- Refrigerate until ready to serve.
Substitutions
Have you run out of an ingredient and want to avoid a trip to the grocery store? Here are a few of my favorite substitutes that you can use to help you avoid a trip to the grocery store.
- Lettuce – You can use any type of lettuce that you have on hand, iceberg lettuce is a great option because it’s also a hearty lettuce.
- Onion – Sweet onion or scallions can be used in place of red onion.
- Eggs – To make this a vegan dish you can omit the eggs entirely. You may also substitute tofu or tempeh if desired.
Variations
Do you want to add more flavor to this salad or add your own personal touch to it? Here are a few of my favorite tried and true ways to change up this recipe.
- Spicy – Spice up your 7-layer salad by adding a few dashes of hot sauce or cayenne pepper to the dressing.
- Mediterranean-Style – Swap out the bacon for some feta cheese, olives, and roasted red peppers. This makes a great vegetarian option!
- Add Protein – To make this a more substantial dish you can add cooked chicken, shrimp, or steak to the salad.
If you love making delicious side dishes like this one you may also enjoy this 7 Layer Dip recipe. It’s another simple dish that’s perfect for parties and cookouts with your friends and family.
Storage / Freezing
This salad should be assembled a couple of hours before you a ready to serve it. I don’t recommend making it more than 12 hours in advance. Just make sure that you cover your salad bowl tightly with plastic wrap to keep it fresh while it’s in the fridge.
Top tip
I like to use a trifle bowl or a large salad bowl. If you want your layers to show use a glass bowl.
FAQ
7-layer salad, sometimes known as Grandma’s Salad, was invented by an unknown homemaker sometime in the mid-20th century. It is believed to have originated somewhere in the Midwest and soon spread throughout the United States and Canada.
Yes, you can leave the onions out of this recipe, if you are not a fan of them.
This salad is best served cold, so keep it in the fridge until you are ready to serve it.
Other Salads
Looking for other simple salad recipess? Try these:
Other Potluck Recipe Ideas
Needing potluck recipe ideas? If so consider these crowd favorites:
7 Layer Salad
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cup Mayonnaise
- 2 tsp Sugar
- 1 Romaine Lettuce chopped
- 1/2 cup Red Onion diced
- 6 Hard Boiled Eggs sliced
- 1 cup Celery diced
- 2 cups Frozen Peas
- 2 cup Cheddar Cheese shredded
- 8 slices Bacon cooked chopped
Instructions
- In a bowl, combine mayonnaise and sugar. Mix until blended. Set aside.
- Place lettuce in bottom of salad bowl.
- Top with a layer of onion.
- Add a layer of the sliced eggs.
- Top with a layer of peas.
- Place the dressing we made on top of the peas.
- Now finish with the bacon and shredded cheese.
- Refrigerate until ready to serve.
Esmé Slabbert
Have not made a 7 layer salad for years, but now with summer coming this will be one I will make again.
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