7 Layer Salad Recipe

A 7 Layer Salad is a pretty way to prepare a salad for a dinner party or potluck. It is very customizable and can be prepared ahead of time.

I used the classic 7 Layer Salad ingredients but I’ll share lots of options for how you can make different varieties. That way you have endless combinations for whatever the occasion.

How to make 7 layer salad dressing

To make 7 layer salad dressing, put mayonnaise, sour cream, grated parmesan, sugar, and onion powder in a bowl and stir to combine.

Which dressing ingredients can I add or change?

I opted to make this seven layer salad dressing similar to the dressing I use on my Bacon Cranberry Salad which is a family favorite. One of the changes you can make is to use all mayonnaise to make this dressing as I did in that recipe. Here are some more options:

• replace some of the mayo with greek yogurt
• add ranch dressing mix
• skip the onion powder
• add minced dill
• use more or less sugar
• add black or white pepper

How To Make A 7 Layer Salad

Start assembling the 7 Layer Salad by covering the bottom of a glass trifle bowl (or a large glass bowl with straight sides) with chopped romaine.

Reserve some of the chopped romaine to fill in the center of the salad. One of my biggest tips is to focus on layering the remaining ingredients around the outside edge of the bowl so that they are visible from the outside. Then, fill in the middle with additional romaine to keep the layers even.

Can I use iceberg lettuce?

Yes, you can use iceberg lettuce instead of romaine to make a seven layer salad. Other options include spring mix and spinach or a combination of lettuces.

Next, add the diced tomatoes. I used three medium vine-ripened tomatoes that I seeded first to keep them from being too juicy.

What kind of tomatoes should I use?

You can use whatever kind of tomatoes you prefer to when making a seven layer salad. Roma tomatoes, cherry and grape tomatoes hold their shape well. You could also choose to use a variety of colors of tomatoes for a more colorful salad.

The next layer is the sliced green onions but you could use sliced red or sweet onions as well.

As you can see in the photo, I only put them around the outer edge so that they remain visible. Again, the empty middle can be filled in with additional chopped romaine.

The hard boiled eggs go on top of the onion layer. I chose to dice the eggs for this salad but they could also be sliced for a different look.

Top the eggs with the thawed peas.

Can I add meat to a 7 layer salad?

Yes, adding a layer of meat, in addition to the bacon, is a great way to make seven layer salad more filling and turn it into a light meal. You can add the meat instead of one of the layers or simply make additional layers in the salad. Here are a few suggestions:

• ham
• chicken
• turkey
• pepperoni

Next, carefully spread the prepared 7 layer salad dressing over the peas.

What else can I add to this salad?

This 7 layer salad is easily customizable to fit your family’s tastes or simply because you want to try a new combination. You can add more layers to the salad or replace ingredients with others. In addition to suggestions already made above, here are some more possible salad ingredients:

• broccoli
• cauliflower
• cucumbers
• bell peppers
• carrots
• mushrooms
• water chestnuts
• dried cranberries
• sliced olives

Finally, top the seven layer salad with shredded cheese and bacon bits.

What kind of cheese should I use?

You can change the flavor of your 7 layer salad by switching which kind of cheese you choose to top it with. I choose shredded mild cheddar cheese for the flavor and color. Here are some other popular choices:

• colby jack
• swiss
• parmesan
• mozzarella

Can this seven layer salad recipe be made ahead of time?

Yes, you can make it ahead of time, cover it, and store it in the refrigerator. That is one of the awesome things about a 7 layer salad! It is perfect for bringing to dinner parties, potlucks, holiday dinners, and backyard barbecues.

Want more salad recipes? Try these next:

A Tomato Cucumber Salad with fresh summer vegetables is always a hit at barbecues and picnics. This quick, easy side dish can be prepared ahead of time.

Italian Pasta Salad is an easy, flavorful side dish with veggies, pepperoni, cheese, and Italian dressing. Make for parties, potlucks, and backyard barbecues.

Cowboy Caviar is a healthy appetizer that is perfect for parties! Serve as salsa with tortilla chips or as a flavorful side salad with chicken and fish.

This fluffy Strawberry Jello Salad recipe is perfect for every occasion from summer barbecues and holiday dinners! It is a dessert salad that everyone loves.