7 Layer Salad

Sharp cheddar cheese, creamy dressing, salty bacon and crisp vegetables make for the delicious & beautiful 7 Layer Salad. Delicious as a side or main, it goes well with soup and bread!

this recipe

The Best 7 Layer Salad

Welcome to the delightfully tasty and surprisingly filling 7 Layer Salad!

This seven layer salad recipe boasts 7 beautiful layers topped with mouthwatering, easy homemade dressing that makes for a gorgeous, eye-catching centerpiece at any holiday gathering. It makes the perfect companion to classic dishes like Pineapple Casserole.

Let’s find out what the seven layers look like, and how they add to this salad’s overall greatness!

What Are the Ingredients in a Seven Layer Salad?

So, what’s in a 7-layer salad, anyway? You’ll find that the seven layer salad consists of 7 layers, including: 5 layers of veggies, 1 layer of dressing, and 1 layer of toppings. (And let’s face it, pizzazz!).

A typical seven layer salad includes bacon, mayo with sugar, lettuce, cheese, and peas, with the remaining vegetable ingredients being easily swapped according to preference.

For another impressive salad, try this delicious Christmas Salad.

What is a 7 Layer Salad?

A 7 Layer Salad is a salad that is made with 7 key ingredients that are typically layered in a transparent serving dish, such as a trifle dish.

The clear dish showcases every beautiful layer in the 7 Layer Salad, which includes a creamy homemade dressing to seal in the freshness of the veggies, then a topping of bacon, etc.

When serving, you can elect to keep the layers somewhat intact with dressing atop, or my preferred method: mixing the entire salad before serving.

How to Make a 7 Layer Salad

To make a 7 layer salad, you’ll first do a good bit of washing and chopping, then layering and topping. Easy, right? Let’s begin.

First, make sure you have a glass trifle bowl. Clean and set aside.

Wash and Chop

First, make sure to wash and chop all vegetables as needed. This way, you’ll be ready for each layer as we place them.

Prepare the 7 Layer Salad Dressing

Next, prepare the dressing. Add mayonnaise, sour cream, parmesan cheese, sugar, salt and pepper to a small bowl.

Whisk together until well mixed. Then, cover and refrigerate until needed.

Create the 7 Layers

Now, we’ll start placing each of the layers of this beautiful 7 Layer Salad.

Layer 1: Lettuce

Use shredded or chopped lettuce—about 1 head of lettuce worth for the first layer. You may need to add or subtract from that head depending on its size.

Layer 2: Tomatoes

For the second layer of the salad, we’ll use grape tomatoes that have been halved. These are juicy and delicious.

Layer 3: Red Onions

I’ve use about 1 onion’s worth of chopped onion to add a little crunch and crispness to the salad.

Layer 4: Cauliflower

For the fourth layer, you can use cauliflower or broccoli, but I find that cauliflower compliments the creamy dressing so well.

Layer 5: Peas

Simply thaw a bag of frozen peas for the fifth layer of vegetables. Make sure to pat the peas dry so the salad isn’t too soft or mushy.

Layer 6: Salad Dressing

Now, grab the homemade dressing you just made for this 7 layer salad. Spread the dressing into an even layer.

Layer 7: Toppings

The seventh layer includes a tangy layer of shredded cheddar cheese and bacon.

This is garnished with fresh dill and green onions for bright color.

Enjoy the tastiest and most gorgeous seven layer salad!

Q&A

Can you make 7 layer salad the night before?

Yes, you can, but I recommend keeping the dressing and toppings layers separate and adding only before serving for best results.

This salad is best served within 1 day of assembling.

How Long Does 7 Layer Salad Last in the Fridge?

The 7 Layer Salad lasts about 2-3 days in the fridge. However, serving the first day or two is best.

Can I change any of the ingredients in this salad recipe?

Yes, you can! In fact, I’d encourage it after trying this recipe as is. If you still want to make changes, feel free.

But this recipe is best as-is. I always encourage changes after you try the original. 😉

Tools You Need

• Glass Trifle Bowl with Acacia Lid
• Cutting Board
• Chef’s Knife
• Small Whisk
• Glass Mixing Bowls

Do you love it?

This recipe was so fun to make! I hope you have as much fun as Erik and I did. Remember to take a pic of your creation and tag us @beamingbaker and #beamingbaker on Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest! ‘Til next time…

Sending you all my love and maybe even a dove, xo Demeter ❤️

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