7 Layer Salad
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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.
Yes, I know. That mayonnaise and sugar layer kind of throws you for a loop but just trust me on this one. It’s amazing!
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! I assure you that everyone will love it and this salad will become your new “go to” side dish!
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 eggs – 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
- Layers – Grab your 9 x 13 inch glass dish or trifle bowl and start assembling the layers. Start with a layer of chopped lettuce then top with peas, onion, celery, bacon and eggs.
- Dressing – Next it’s time to top with a layer of mayonnaise and then sprinkle on the sugar.
- 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 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.
What People Are Saying About This Recipe
“I made your seven layer salad tonight for our potluck dinner at church tomorrow. I made a smaller size for my hubby and myself. He said it is the best. We didn’t even let it set over night. It is delicious. Thanks for sharing.”

How far ahead of time can I make this salad?
We recommend making this at least 4-6 hours before you serve it so the flavors can meld together, but you can make it up to 24 hours in advance.
How long do leftovers last?
This is best served and enjoyed in one day because when the dressing mixes with the lettuce it will start to get soggy. It will be safe to eat for up to three days after you make it though. Add some fresh lettuce and enjoy for up to three days.
Do I toss the salad together before serving?
It’s really up to you! If you do this everything is mixed together and coated with the yummy dressing, but if you don’t everyone will get dressing in their scoop of salad.

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!
- Buffalo Chicken Jar Salad – Easy, Light and Healthy Lunch Full of Flavor!
- Refreshing, classic Creamy Cucumber Salad is a summertime favorite at any picnic, party or potluck!
Did you make this? If you snap a photo, please be sure tag me on Instagram at @julieseatsandtreats or #julieseatsandtreats so I can see your yummy treat!

Seven Layer Salad
Ingredients
- 4 cups chopped iceberg lettuce
- 16 ounces frozen peas thawed
- ¼ cup chopped onion
- 1 cup chopped celery
- 1 cup bacon crumbles
- 6 hard boiled eggs chopped
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 2 Tablespoons white sugar
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Spread chopped lettuce in the bottom of a trifle bowl or 9 x 13 inch glass dish. Top with peas, onion, celery, bacon and eggs.
- Spread mayonnaise over the top of vegetables. Sprinkle with sugar. Spread cheddar cheese over the top.
- Place cover on glass dish or seal with plastic wrap. Place in refrigerator overnight.
- Toss before serving if desired.
Tips
We recommend making this at least 4-6 hours before you serve it so the flavors can meld together, but you can make it up to 24 hours in advance. How long do leftovers last?
This is best served and enjoyed in one day because when the dressing mixes with the lettuce it will start to get soggy. It will be safe to eat for up to three days after you make it though. Add some fresh lettuce and enjoy for up to three days. Do I toss the salad together before serving?
It’s really up to you! If you do this everything is mixed together and coated with the yummy dressing, but if you don’t everyone will get dressing in their scoop of salad. SWITCH UP THE LAYERS! 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 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.
Melanie C says
I made this 7 Layer Salad last night and it was a big hit! Everyone loved it. My husband is not such a huge fan of peas though. Next time I make it i want to swap out the peas – do you have any suggestions for replacing that layer?
Courtney says
Maybe cucumbers? Or add more lettuce!
Cindy says
I love the versatility of this recipe, and the flexibility for making it in advance is perfect for entertaining!
Courtney says
Definitely a favorite dish of mine to bring for entertaining!
Rita Joy says
Oh, my goodness! This 7 layer salad recipe is one my mom used to make and I’d forgotten all about it. Now I want to try making it for our family, too. Thanks for the great reminder – and recipe!
Courtney says
Thank you! Enjoy!
MARYE AUDET says
I haven’t thought about 7 layer salad in forever! I’m going to make this recipe for Labor Day – yum!
Courtney says
Great!! Always great to find recipes you love and haven’t made in awhile.
Alyssa says
I’ve never made a seven layered salad before. This would be perfect to bring to a pot luck. I love all the substitution ideas as well. You can switch it up and find the perfect combination!
Courtney says
Yes, all the substitutes helps find a combo of layers that everyone enjoys!
One Crazy House says
Perfect timing! I was on the hunt for a weekend cookout side, and stumbled upon this 7 Layer Salad recipe!
Courtney says
Everyone will love it!
Brandi says
7 Layer Salad is my go-to for summer picnics and I love the ease of this one. I just wish it would keep longer so that I could enjoy leftovers longer. My family always teases me because my favorite layers are the peas and the cheese. =)
Courtney says
I know, I wish there was a way it could keep longer too. Thank you for letting us know you enjoyed this recipe!
Camden Rusincovitch says
I’ve actually never heard of a seven layer salad like this before! It looks like an excellent option around the holidays, too. I’m excited to try it out!
Cynthia says
I admit it. I was skeptical about the mayo and sugar. But this Seven Layer Salad was really good.
Brittany says
I love a good 7 Layer Salad for potlucks..they’re so easy to toss together!
Cynthia Rusincovitch says
Seven layer salad is just so pretty when you need to take a side. This one is really good so we make it a lot.
sharon says
This 7 layer dip looks perfect for our next family party. I’m going to try your Greek yogurt swap! And I love that you can make it ahead.
Kristen Yard says
Feeling SO nostalgic after stumbling across this 7 layer salad recipe! One of my aunts always made it for family parties when I was little! It was one of those dishes that disappeared immediately!
Pat says
First time it turned out great the last few times turns to water!! Any hints?? .Getting very frustrated! Tastes good just watery
Courtney says
Are you making sure your lettuce is dry?