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    Home » Recipes » Salad

    7 Layer Salad Recipe

    Modified: Apr 3, 2023 · Published: Feb 20, 2023 by Tonia Larson

    This post may contain affiliate links.

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    This 7 Layer Salad has seven layers of fresh salad fixings displayed in a glass bowl. Plus, you can make this classic recipe ahead of time!

    We love making this salad, as well as potato salad, coleslaw, and broccoli salad, for potlucks, backyard barbecues, and holidays since you can prepare them the night before.

    seven layer salad in glass bowl

    We use the classic 7 Layer Salad ingredients, but we’ll share lots of options for how you can make different varieties. That way, you have endless combinations for every occasion.

    Here’s What You Need To Make 7 Layer Salad

    • How To Make Seven Layer Salad Dressing
      • Dressing Variations
    • Ingredients Needed
    • How To Make 7 Layer Salad
    • 7 Layer Salad Variations
      • Add More Vegetable Layers
      • Add Meat Layers
    • Storage
    • Frequently Asked Questions
    • Similar Recipes
    a hand uses a whisk to stir salad dressing.

    How To Make Seven Layer Salad Dressing

    You have to start by making the dressing so that it is ready when you assemble the salad. To make 7 layer salad dressing, put mayonnaise, sour cream, grated parmesan, sugar, and onion powder in a bowl and stir to combine.

    Dressing Variations

    We opted to make this seven layer salad dressing similar to the dressing we use on our 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 we 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
    lettuce in a glass trifle dish.

    Ingredients Needed

    • Lettuce: For this recipe, we chose to use chopped romaine. Iceberg lettuce is a popular choice but any lettuce would work.
    • Tomatoes: We used three medium vine-ripened tomatoes that we seeded first to keep them from being too juicy. You can use whatever kind of tomatoes you prefer 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.
    • Onions: For this recipe, we chose sliced green onions, but you could also dice white or red onions and use them instead.
    • Eggs: We chopped the hard-boiled eggs, but they would also look pretty when sliced for the salad.
    • Peas: Frozen peas work great in this salad. If you are making it the night before, you can add them frozen. Otherwise, you’ll need to thaw them beforehand.
    • Cheese: We chose shredded cheddar cheese for its flavor and color. You could also use shredded colby jack, parmesan, or pepper jack.
    • Bacon: Don’t skimp on the bacon! Making your own bacon and crumbling it into bits rather than buying bacon bits will bring this appetizer to the next level. We always make bacon in the oven because it is so easy, and we can prepare the other ingredients while it is cooking.
    shredded cheddar and bacon on top of salad

    How To Make 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.

    7 Layer Salad Variations

    This 7 layer salad recipe is easily customizable to fit your family’s tastes or simply because you want to try a new combination. Another popular option is to make the salad in a 9×13 casserole dish so the dressing is evenly distributed and it’s easy to serve.

    Add More Vegetable Layers

    We added the classic vegetable layers, but there are so many other options if you want to add more layers or replace ingredients with others.

    • Chopped celery
    • Broccoli florets
    • Cauliflower florets
    • Cucumber slices
    • Diced bell peppers
    • Shredded carrots
    • Sliced mushrooms
    mixed 7 layer salad in bowl

    Add Meat Layers

    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 to the salad. Here are a few suggestions:

    • Cubed ham
    • Shredded chicken
    • Diced turkey
    • Pepperoni (slices or diced)

    Storage

    • Make Ahead: You can prepare 7 layer salad ahead of time, cover the bowl, and store it in the refrigerator for several hours or overnight.
    • Leftovers: Once the dressing has been mixed into the salad, the leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for 1-2 days.
    a layered salad in a trifle dish.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    What kind of lettuce is used in a 7 layer salad?

    We use romaine to make our salad. Other options include iceberg lettuce, spring mix, spinach, or a combination of lettuces.

    Can seven layer salad 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.

    What is 7 layer salad made of?

    Lettuce, tomatoes, onions, hard-boiled eggs, peas, cheddar cheese, and bacon.

    7 layer salad in glass trifle bowl

    Similar Recipes

    A Tomato Cucumber Salad is popular at summer barbecues and picnics since it is easy to make and can be prepared ahead of time.

    Italian Pasta Salad includes veggies, pepperoni, cheese, and Italian dressing. It goes well with sandwiches and burgers.

    This fresh Strawberry Spinach Salad is topped with chicken, blueberries, pineapple, strawberries, glazed pecans, and homemade poppy seed dressing!

    We think this is the best Cobb Salad recipe, and it’s topped with homemade croutons and homemade ranch dressing!

    7 layer salad in a trifle dish.

    7 Layer Salad

    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.
    5 from 7 votes
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    Prep Time: 15 minutes minutes
    Total Time: 15 minutes minutes
    Servings: 12 servings
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    Equipment

    • Oblong Salad Servers
    • Trifle Bowl with Stand

    Ingredients

    Dressing

    • ¾ cup mayonnaise
    • ¾ cup sour cream
    • ⅓ cup grated Parmesan
    • 2 tablespoon granulated sugar
    • 1 teaspoon onion powder

    Salad

    • 5 cups chopped romaine
    • 3 medium tomatoes seeded and diced
    • 1 bunch green onions sliced
    • 8 hard boiled eggs peeled and chopped
    • 2 cups frozen peas thawed
    • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
    • 1 lb bacon cooked and crumbled

    Instructions

    Dressing

    • Mix together the mayonnaise, sour cream, grated parmesan, sugar, and onion powder. Set aside.
      ingredients for making salad dressing.

    Salad

    • In a clear glass trifle bowl cover the bottom with most of the chopped romaine, reserving a little to fill in the center of the bowl.
      lettuce in a glass trifle dish.
    • Layer diced tomatoes, sliced green onions, chopped hard-boiled eggs, and peas on top of the lettuce. Concentrate ingredients on the other edges of the bowl and use reserved chopped romaine to fill in the center to keep the layers even.
      peas, eggs. onions, tomatoes and lettuce in a dish.
    • Spread the prepared dressing over the peas layer.
      layers of salad in a glass dish.
    • Top with the shredded cheddar cheese and crumbled bacon.
      salad in a trifle bowl.
    • Cover and refrigerate for several hours or overnight. Toss before serving, if desired.
      a white bowl with salad in it.

    Video

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    Nutrition

    Serving: 1serving | Calories: 420kcal | Carbohydrates: 10g | Protein: 14g | Fat: 36g | Saturated Fat: 11g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 10g | Monounsaturated Fat: 12g | Trans Fat: 0.1g | Cholesterol: 175mg | Sodium: 500mg | Potassium: 335mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 5g | Vitamin A: 2561IU | Vitamin C: 15mg | Calcium: 142mg | Iron: 1mg
    Course: Salad
    Cuisine: American
    Author: Tonia Larson

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    About Tonia Larson

    Hi! I’m Tonia, the owner and recipe creator at The Gunny Sack, where I’ve shared easy recipes for busy people for 14+ years! My family-friendly meals, easy side dishes, and delicious desserts include mouthwatering photos, dynamic videos, and step-by-step instructions to help you cook at home.

    « Rainbow Rice Krispies Treats
    Cheese Fries »

    Comments

      5 from 7 votes (5 ratings without comment)

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      Recipe Rating




    1. Barbara Lee says

      June 22, 2024 at 6:34 pm

      5 stars
      Been making this for years but am going to try your variations.

      Reply
    2. Daphne Thomas says

      July 6, 2023 at 1:18 am

      5 stars
      Excellent!!! I made this recipe yesterday and took to over an in-laws and everyone absolutely loved it including myself! 💕

      Reply
    Tonia Larson from The Gunny Sack.

    Hi, I'm Tonia! Welcome to The Gunny Sack, where I’ve shared easy recipes for busy people for 14+ years! Meet Tonia Larson →

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