7 Layer Salad

Looking for a make-ahead salad or side dish for the holidays or a party? This traditional 7 Layer Salad is what you need. With layers of chopped lettuce, peas, celery, onions, bacon, cheese and a dressing this is always a favorite recipe!

Is it just my family or do you have “staple” recipes at every holiday? I can assure this Seven Layer Salad recipe is one of those! Layers of chopped lettuce, peas, onion, celery, bacon, hard boiled eggs topped with mayonnaise and sugar.

If you want to feel really fancy layer it in a trifle bowl otherwise a 9×13 inch glass casserole pan works great.

This 7 Layer Salad is the perfect side dish or salad for your next holiday gathering, pot-luck or just because!

Why You’ll This Seven Layer Salad Recipe!

• Super easy to feed to a crowd with layers of flavor!
• It is best enjoyed when it’s made ahead of time to let the flavors meld together. Perfect for when hosting a party so you have less to do on party day!
• So many different options for layers so you can make it your own with your favorite ingredients!

Ingredients for 7 Layer Salad

• Iceberg lettuce – If you prefer romaine lettuce, spring mix or crispy head lettuce that can be used too. Traditionally the iceberg lettuce is called for in most recipes. Make sure the lettuce is dry before adding it to the salad so it doesn’t get soggy.
• Frozen peas – These will have better flavor and texture than canned peas. 
• Onion – Use chopped yellow onion, red onion or even green onion.
• Celery – Adds a little crunch!
• Bacon – Skip the grease splatter and make your bacon in the oven. Make sure it’s nice and crispy.
• Hard boiled egg – These are super easy to make on the stovetop or in your Instant Pot. In a real pinch you can buy them at the grocery store!
• Cheddar cheese – For extra flavor use a sharp cheddar, but mild cheddar will taste great too!
• Mayonnaise – If you prefer Miracle Whip this can be substituted, but it will be sweeter.
• White sugar – The perfect addition for just the right amount of sweetness in this salad. 

Healthy Substitution Idea!

A quick and easy substitute for the mayonnaise in this recipe is using low fat Greek yogurt. We recommend swapping half of the Greek yogurt for mayonnaise and not all of it, but feel free to do what you like.

How to Make 7 Layer Salad

1. Layers – Grab your 9 x 13 inch glass dish or glass bowl (we used a trifle bowl) and start assembling the layers. Start with a layer of chopped lettuce then top with peas, onion, celery, bacon and hard boiled egg.
2. Dressing – Next it’s time to top with a layer of mayonnaise and then sprinkle on the sugar.
3. Finish – The last layer is shredded cheese. After that place the cover on the glass dish or seal with plastic wrap. Place in refrigerator at least 6 hours or overnight for the sugar to meld with the mayonnaise.

Switch Up The Layers!

This 7 Layer Salad can be made so many ways here is a list of other ingredients that can be used in the layers if you’d prefer this ingredients or it’s just a great way to switch it up!

• Parmesan Cheese – Sprinkle this in with the Mayonnaise for a delicious taste.
• Meat – Diced ham or turkey would be a great addition to add.
• Cauliflower – Small florets or chopped cauliflower would add a great crunch.
• Tomatoes – Slice sweet cherry tomatoes in half, dice Roma tomatoes or use fresh garden tomatoes for another layer.
• Red Bell Pepper – Seeded and sliced thinly or you can even dice it up.
• Spinach – Add a layer of spinach on top of the lettuce to add more greens to your salad!
• Sour Cream – In some variations they use half mayo and half sour cream for a tangier dressing.
• Ranch Seasoning – Sprinkle some ranch in with the Mayo to change the dressing flavor profile.

FAQs

This Traditional Seven Layer Salad is a timeless, crowd-pleasing side dish that’s as beautiful as it is delicious. With its crisp layers, creamy dressing, and satisfying crunch, it’s the perfect make-ahead option for potlucks, holidays, and family gatherings.

Servings Suggestions

• We love serving this Pineapple Ham for the holidays with our famous salad. Another grate ham option is a honey baked ham.
• I would also recommend these Mini Meatloaves or Sweet and Sour Meatballs as a main dish.

More Of My Favorite Side Salads!

• Bean Salad is loaded with five different types of beans, corn and a delicious dressing as the final touch.
• Cold Pesto Pasta Salad is perfect for backyard parties during the summer! Full of flavor with white kidney beans, homemade pesto, pine nuts and Italian Salad Dressing!
• Keep it light healthy with a Greek Salad! Don’t worry it’s still bursting with flavor from a homemade dressing.
• Chef Salad is loaded with veggies, deli meat, hard-boiled eggs and topped with dressing. It’s a great salad for sharing!
• Ambrosia Salad is the perfect side dish, also known as 5-Cup Salad.
• Nothing like a classic Tuna Pasta Salad to beat the heat in the summer!
• Refreshing, classic Creamy Cucumber Salad is a summertime favorite at any picnic, party or potluck!