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.
Sharron says
I omit the sugar and add Parmesan cheese on top of the mayo! Love this 7 layer salad! Often times I even add cup up tomatoes for color!!!
Julie Evink says
That’s another great way to make it. I’m going to try it!
K says
That would be a great addition. Maybe some cherry tomato.
Kristen says
I love it when people bring 7 Layer Salad to family events – and am really disappointed when they don’t. This recipe is just like the one my sister uses too and I absolutely love it!
Julie Evink says
They are always a hit!
Jamie says
This is a year round favorite for all of our family get togethers!
Julie Evink says
It’s a staple at our holidays too!
Christy Denney says
I love this salad. Great for potlucks!
Julie Evink says
It’s always a hit at parties!
Carrian says
This would be gobbled up at our dinner table! Or at a family party! So yummy!
Julie Evink says
It’s a staple holiday dish of ours!
Mandy @ South Your Mouth says
I always get excited when somebody brings a 7-layer salad to the party!
Julie Evink says
It seems to be a staple at our parties too!
Marika says
this will be my first ever 7layer salad. I’m still don’t get the part of the Mayo. Spread it at the end or on each layer?
Is it just Mayo for dressing or do I serve some extra on the side.?
Julie Evink says
Spread it on at the end before the cheese! It’s a dressing. You’ll toss everything together after it refrigerates 🙂 Don’t serve on the side.
Jackie says
Hi, I make this salad for the dressing I use 1/2 cup of mayo and 1/2 of sour cream mix them together then pour on top. Yummy salad thanks for reminding me about it!
Justine Howell says
This is going to be perfect for our holiday weekend party, thank you!
Julie Evink says
Enjoy!
Lane says
You have just reminded me of one of my favorites that I haven’t made forever! Time to change that! Thanks for the recipe!
Julie Evink says
Enjoy!
Jean says
How many does the 7 layer salad recipe serve?can the sugar be mixed in the dressing rather than sprinkled on top?
Julie Evink says
I think it would work fine to mix it in the dressing, but I have never tried it! I would say it serves about 10ish? Depends on how big of servings people want!
Kay Moore says
Took two of these salads to Fellowship at church and only brought home empty dishes! Everyone thanks you!
Julie Evink says
So glad you enjoyed them!
Melissa Howell says
Yes! This is my husband’s all-time favorite salad! I make it for Thanksgiving and Christmas, but I should make it a lot more often! I actually never cook the peas. I just put them on top frozen and they thaw out while the salad is chilling.
Julie Evink says
Another time saver! I’m all for that!
Cathy says
I’m assuming the cheese goes over the Mayo mixture? Is this just before serving or before it is refrigerated?
Julie Evink says
I add it before I refrigerate it. Either is fine!
Malinda Linnebur says
Yes!!! We have this for almost every holiday and for good reason, it’s easy to make and tastes so good!
Julie Evink says
Such a trusted recipe by so many!
Danielle Green says
This is one of the most versatile and delicious salads there are! Yours looks amazing!
Julie Evink says
Such a staple at so many holidays!
Julie Evink says
Never have heard it called that! So interesting how the same recipe can have so many names!