7 Layer Salad

This recipe is prepped up to 24 hours ahead, making it the perfect potluck recipe.

Seven layer salad has crisp lettuce and fresh flavorful toppings under a under a simple 4-ingredient dressing.

Everyone raves about this salad; I can’t wait for you to try it!

Seven layer salad is pretty, easy, and goes with everything!
Why stop at 7 layers? Mix and match more toppings for fresh and crispy goodness in every bite.
Assemble ahead and garnish just before serving, perfect for potlucks, the holidays, or as a make-and-take side dish.

lettuce, mayonnaise, sour cream, bacon, cheese, peas, tomatoes, sugar, hard-boiled eggs, onions, and seasonings with labels to make 7 Layer Salad

What are the Seven Layers?

Lettuce: Iceberg lettuce has high water content so it stays nice and crunchy—it’s the perfect base for this recipe.
Veggies: Tomatoes add juicy freshness, frozen peas add a pop of sweetness, and green onions add flavor.
Bacon: Crispy, crumbled bacon adds a salty, smoky flavor. You can either bake your own or use bacon bits.
- Quick Tip: If using bacon bits, cook them in a skillet or the microwave to add a little more crisp
Egg: I love hard boiled eggs in this recipe; I find the air fryer is the easiest way to cook them!
Cheese: Sharp cheddar cheese has a bold flavor that stands up to the other ingredients.

Dressing for 7-Layer Salad

While it sounds simple, this dressing is creamy and delicious. It’s made with staple ingredients you likely have on hand.

Combine mayonnaise, sour cream, salt, and sugar according to the recipe below. This is spread over the salad, keeping it fresh.

Variations

Lettuce: Use other varieties of sturdy crisp lettuce like romaine, kale, or even add in shredded Brussels sprouts.
Veggies: Try chopped celery, sliced radishes, diced bell peppers.
Cheese: Use your favorites like Monterey Jack, mozzarella, blue cheese crumbles, or feta cheese.
Dressing: I have included our favorite ranch style dressing in the notes if you’d like to change it up.

adding tomatoes to bowls to make 7 Layer Salad

adding peas to bowls to make 7 Layer Salad

How to Make 7 Layer Salad

Whisk dressing ingredients together according to the recipe below.
Add the lettuce to the bottom of a clear bowl. Top lettuce with tomatoes, peas, onions, and eggs.
Spread dressing overtop and cover with plastic wrap.
Top with cheese and bacon before serving.

I love how this salad looks in a clear bowl or trifle dish. For easier serving, it can also be spread into a 9×13-inch glass baking dish.

adding dressing over ingredients to make 7 Layer Salad

adding bacon and green onions to the top of a 7 Layer Salad

Storing Seven-Layer Salad

If storing leftover 7-layer salad, leave the dressing on top to keep the lettuce more crisp. You may need to drain any liquid that accumulated in the bottom. Store in a covered container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Did you make this 7 Layer Salad? Be sure to leave a rating and a comment below.

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This colorful and hearty salad is made with layers of fresh ingredients and topped with a creamy homemade dressing and crispy bacon crumbles!

Prep Time 20 minutes

Cook Time 5 minutes

Chill Time 4 hours

Total Time 4 hours 25 minutes

Cook ModePrevent your screen from going dark

In a small bowl, mix mayonnaise, sour cream, sugar, and seasoned salt for the dressing. Set aside.
Wash and dry the lettuce very well. Place lettuce in the bottom of a large trifle bowl (or 9×13 pan).
In order, top with tomatoes, peas, green onions, and boiled eggs. Spread the dressing on top right to the edges.
Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
Top with cheese and bacon before serving.

Feel free to substitute other vegetables for the layers. Options include bell peppers, corn, sliced celery, mushrooms, or radishes, sundried tomatoes or shredded carrots, cabbage, zucchini, or brussels sprouts!
To make ahead, assemble all the layers except cheese and bacon, cover, and chill. Just before serving, layer cheese and bacon on top.

Optional Ranch Style Dressing
1 cup mayonnaise
¾ cup sour cream
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon onion powder
1 tablespoon fresh dill
1 tablespoon fresh parsley
salt & pepper to taste

Nutrition information provided is an estimate and will vary based on cooking methods and brands of ingredients used.

Course Salad, Side Dish

Cuisine American

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