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A 7 Layer Salad is a classic potluck dish great that’s perfect for feeding a crowd. It’s simple to make with beautiful layers of crunchy veggies, hard boiled eggs, bacon and cheese that can be made ahead of time for the easiest side dish ever!
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Simple and Easy Side Dish
When it comes to backyard BBQs, potlucks, or serving a big family, easy to make recipes are a must at my house. No need to drive myself crazy trying to make something super fancy that eats up a whole afternoon. That’s why I love this 7 Layered Salad so much!
You do need to make it ahead of time. Okay, “need” might be a strong word, but it definitely gets better when you let it sit for at least 6 hours before serving. No rushing around last minute, and plenty of time to get myself ready for company.
What goes in 7 Layer Salad?
These ingredients are typical of the original 7 layer salad recipe. Sometimes you’ll see cucumbers instead of carrots, but it’s all about the pretty layers of different colors to catch the eye and meld into a yummy salad on your plate.
- Lettuce – Crispy, crunchy iceberg is the best option, with romain a close second.
- Red Onion – I like red onions for the pretty purple color, but let your preference guide you here.
- Hard-Boiled Eggs – You can make these the traditional way or use your Air Fryer or Instant Pot.
- Peas – steam some frozen peas or use canned as long as you drain them really well.
- Carrots – peel and shredded or buy pre-shredded.
- Bell Pepper
- Homemade dressing – a creamy mayo based salad dressing. You can also use your favorite bottled dressing.
You can see in the photos I top my my salad with shredded cheese and bacon. This layer is optional, but really adds a nice finish to the top and extra delicious flavor to the dish.
What Order do the Seven Layers Go In?
It’s perfectly fine to make substitutions in the layers to fit your tastes. When you plan out your salad ingredients just make sure to choose lots of different colors. We’re going for more of a rainbow effect here that’s going to be pleasing to the eye.
In a large trifle bowl layer the lettuce on the bottom, then onions, eggs and so on. The most important thing is that the bottoms layers are sturdier to hold all the other goodness you’re adding to the bowl.
How to Make 7 Layer Salad
The real trick to a traditional seven layer salad is making sure you can see all those layers! Be sure to start placing ingredients around the edge of the bowl and then filling in the center of the layer.
- Lettuce: The bottom layer of the salad is chopped lettuce. Iceberg or romaine are recommended since they hold up well and are nice and crunchy. Place half of the lettuce in the bottom of a trifle bowl, a large glass bowl, or even a 9-inch x 13-inch baking dish will work. Sprinkle some salt over the lettuce.
- Red Onions: slice some onion and sprinkle all around on top of the lettuce. Red cabbage will also work; you just want a bright and colorful second layer.
- Eggs: Make sure to cook your hard boiled eggs in advance, or purchase some already cooked and peeled. Cut about 3-4 slices per egg and save the end pieces or later. You want the slices to be about the same size around and to see the white and the yellow. Place the slices around the edge of the bowl pressing slightly to stick them to the glass. Chop up any remaining eggs and sprinkle them over the onion.
- Chopped Veggies: You can get a little creative here with the veggies if you like. I used green peas, orange carrots, and red bell pepper. Layer them on top of the onion and egg.
- More lettuce: Finish off the salad with the other half of the lettuce. Press down gently to make room for the dressing. Pour on the dressing, then cover salad with plastic wrap until ready to serve.
- Dressing: Make the homemade salad dressing and pour over the 7 Layer Salad and spread it out over the lettuce. This seals the top of the salad.
- Optional layers: Totally optional, but completely delicious, add shredded cheddar cheese and bacon for garnish. (Yes, you’ll have a 9 layer salad now). Green onions, olives, Parmesan cheese can all be added as well.
- Chill: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and chill in the fridge for at least 6 hours. Unwrap and serve cold.
Can this salad be made a day ahead?
Yes! I usually make this salad the night before or the morning of the day it’ll be served. Seven Layer Salad will keep in the fridge for up to 24 hours before serving, even with the dressing.
This is just one of our favorite potluck salads, so be sure to try our Broccoli Salad, Macaroni Salad, Chinese Chicken Pasta Salad, or Bacon Ranch Chicken Pasta Salad, too.
7 Layer Salad
Ingredients
- 1 head iceberg lettuce chopped
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 red onion thinly sliced
- 8 hard-boiled eggs
- 15 ounces peas (frozen & thawed or canned)
- 1 cup carrots shredded
- 1 red bell pepper chopped
- 1 cup cheddar cheese shredded
- 4 strips bacon cooked crispy and chopped
Dressing
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 1/2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1/2 tablespoon hot sauce (I used Cholula)
- 1/2 tablespoon sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
Instructions
- Place half of the lettuce in the bottom of a trifle bowl. Sprinkle with salt. Top lettuce with red onion. (The trick for this salad is to see everything, so make sure your layers go all the way to the sides of your bowl.)
- Slice the eggs, so both the white and yolk show. (Save the ends.) Place egg slices around the side of the bowl, pressing into the side a bit so it'll stick. Chopp any remaining eggs, slices, and ends. Sprinkle all over the salad.
- Top eggs with peas, then carrots, and then bell pepper.
- Add the remaining lettuce on top, being sure it spreads all the way to the side of the bowl. Use your hands to gently press down a little.
- Make the dressing by whisking together the mayo, sour cream, vinegar, hot sauce, sugar, salt, and pepper in a mixing bowl until smooth. Pour the dressing over the salad and spread it into an even layer.
- Top the dressing with cheese and then bacon, for garnish. (This is optional but delicious!)
- Cover the salad in plastic wrap and chill in the fridge for at least 6 hours, and up to 24 hours.
- Uncover and serve cold.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information provided is an estimate and will vary based on cooking methods and brands of ingredients used.
Your salad is close to my version and just as tasty! I blanch frozen peas and they stay pretty and taste fresh. Also like chopped scallions on top of dressing. Love all your recipes!
Sandra
Awesome feedback Sandra! Thanks for stopping by.
Do you mix the salad before serving or just scoop it out?
Just scoop it out!
Dressing had a good kick to it, better than the older version
Love the feedback Ella! Thanks for stopping by.
GREAT FOR THE SUMMER.
I love the recipes and will try them all.
Thank you Dolores! We would love to here your feedback when you have a chance. Thanks for stopping by.