This post may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase through links on our site, we may earn a commission.
This Classic 7 Layer Salad is made with crisp lettuce, colorful veggies, hard-boiled eggs, cheese, bacon, and creamy dressing. The perfect addition to take to potlucks, picnics, and holidays for a beautiful centerpiece.
Why You’ll Love this 7 Layer Salad!
Growing up, 7 Layer Salad was always a staple at family gatherings, potlucks, cookouts and holiday tables. I remember being fascinated as a kid by the colorful layers stacked in a glass bowl, it felt like food and art all in one.
My favorite part was sneaking that first scoop and getting a little bit of everything, crisp lettuce, sweet peas, creamy dressing, salty bacon, and sharp cheddar all in a single bite. Even today, I love making this seven-layer salad for my family because it brings back those memories enjoying this salad at my grandma’s home.
This side dish is simple, beautiful, taste amazing and one of those dishes that just feels special without requiring much effort.
Ingredients
- Iceberg Lettuce – Chop into small pieces. Substitute with romaine lettuce
- Frozen Peas – I like to thaw about half way
- Shredded Cheddar Cheese – I like the flavor of sharp cheddar cheese but mild cheddar is a great option too
- Red Onion – Chop into small pieces
- Hard Boiled Eggs – See Air Fryer Hard Boiled Eggs
- Bacon – Cooked and crumbled
For the Dressing
- Mayonnaise – We recommend using real mayo
- Sour Cream – For a lower calorie option, use Greek Yogurt
- Granulated Sugar – Adds a hint of sweetness
- Apple Cider Vinegar – Balances the flavor
- Simple Spices – Salt and Black Pepper
Scroll to the recipe card for the full recipe details.
How to Make 7 Layer Salad
Step 1 – Mix together the dressing ingredients in a medium size mixing bowl. Cover and refrigerate while you prepare the other salad ingredients.
Step 2 – Prepare the other salad ingredients. Chop the lettuce and red onion. Shred the cheese and prepare the eggs and bacon.
Step 3 – Layer all the ingredients in a clear glass bowl or trifle dish (I love using trifle bowl).
Step 4 – Spread the lettuce into the bottom of the dish. Top with the onions, peas and hard boiled eggs. Pour the salad dressing on top of the hard boiled eggs and top with the shredded cheese and bacon. Make sure to layer all the ingredients and do not mix them together.
Step 5 – Then the salad is ready to serve and enjoy! Serve without mixing the layers and when serving scoop down to the bottom of the dish to get all the ingredients when enjoying this salad.
7 Layer Salad
Ingredients
- 1 Head iceberg Lettuce chopped
- 12 ounces Frozen Peas
- 2 ½ cups Shredded Cheddar Cheese
- 1 Red Onion chopped
- 6 Hard Boiled Eggs chopped
- ¾ pound Bacon cooked and crumbled
For the Dressing:
- ½ cup Mayonnaise
- ½ cup Sour Cream
- 1 Tablespoons Granulated Sugar
- 1 Tablespoon Apple Cider Vinegar
- ½ teaspoon Salt
- ¼ teaspoon Black Pepper
Instructions
- Mix together the dressing ingredients in a medium size mixing bowl. Cover and refrigerate while you prepare the other salad ingredients.
- Prepare the other salad ingredients. Chop the lettuce and red onion. Shred the cheese and prepare the eggs and bacon.
- Layer all the ingredients in a clear glass bowl or trifle dish (I love using trifle bowl).
- Spread the lettuce into the bottom of the dish. Top with the onions, peas and hard boiled eggs. Pour the dressing on top of the hard boiled eggs and top with the shredded cheese and bacon. Make sure to layer all the ingredients and do not mix them together.
- Then the salad is ready to serve and enjoy! Serve without mixing the layers and when serving scoop down to the bottom of the dish to get all the ingredients when enjoying this salad.
Recipe Notes
Nutrition Facts
Recipe Tips
- Shredded Cheese – I recommend shredding your own cheese for the best flavor in this salad recipe.
- Clear Glass Dish – We recommend using a clear trifle dish so you can see all the layers.
- Serving – Toss gently right before serving or scoop layered portions with a large spoon.
Variations
- Add Protein – For a heartier salad, add in cooked grilled chicken or deli turkey.
- Veggies – Feel free to add in more vegetables such as dice cucumber, green onions, red bell peppers, celery, grape tomatoes or shredded carrots.
- Spice – If you love to add in a hint of spice, a dash of hot sauce always adds a kick to the dressing.
Frequently Asked Questions
This salad can be made up to 1 day before serving it. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate until ready to serve. It’s best served within 1-2 days as the ingredients will become soggy from the dressing in the salad.
Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up 1-2 says. We like to pour the dressing over the top and this will help the salad to stay fresh.
More Easy Salad Recipes
We love hearing from you! If you make this 7 Layer Salad Recipe, please leave us a comment or a star review.
This salad was so fun and easy to make!