The Crowd-Pleasing Classic: A 7-Layer Salad Recipe for Any Occasion
There’s a reason the 7-layer salad remains a staple at potlucks and summer BBQs. It’s a vibrant, flavorful dish that’s easy to make and universally loved. This recipe is a variation of my mom’s famous version, and it’s sure to become a favorite at your gatherings too!
The beauty of the 7-layer salad lies in its versatility. It’s a complete meal in itself, with layers of crunchy lettuce, juicy tomatoes, protein-packed eggs and bacon, and creamy mayonnaise dressing. Plus, it’s easily customizable. Don’t love peas? Swap them for chopped bell peppers or corn. Craving a heartier option? Add a layer of cooked chicken or shrimp.
This salad is perfect for feeding a crowd. The layered presentation makes it visually appealing, and the individual flavors come together to create a refreshing and satisfying bite. So next time you’re looking for a potluck dish that’s sure to impress, whip up this 7-layer salad recipe. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that will have everyone asking for seconds!
Don’t miss our favorite Summer Salad Recipes:
Creamy Red Potato Salad: Nothing says “picnic” like potato salad. Fresh herbs add a lot of flavor to this creamy version that comes together in just a few minutes. For best results, make this dish a day in advance so the flavors have a chance to fully mingle.
Bow Tie Italian Pasta Salad: Elevate your pasta game with a delicious and vibrant Bow Tie Italian Pasta Salad! Bursting with flavors and colors, this salad is a perfect blend of classic Italian ingredients, creating a dish that’s both satisfying and refreshing.
Grilled Chicken Pesto Pasta Salad: With the weather getting warmer, we are looking for lighter meals and/or dishes we can serve with our grilled foods. Look no further than this delicious Grilled Chicken Pesto Pasta Salad! It is perfect as a light meal and is also a favorite for potluck and barbecue meals!
Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad: If you love pasta AND bacon, then you will love this delicious Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad! And did I mention the delicious Ranch dressing?
Bacon Cheddar Ranch Tortellini Salad: Need a unique pasta salad for the family get-together? Try this Bacon Cheddar Ranch Tortellini Salad! It only has 5 ingredients and you can whip up a batch in no time! It’s the perfect side dish for a backyard BBQ, 4th of July party and more!
You will need the following items to make this recipe:
- Sharp knife
- cutting board
- medium pot
- 8-cup glass bowl
- casserole dish
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 cups lettuce, chopped
- 1-pint cherry or grape tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup mayonnaise (I prefer Hellman’s for this recipe)
- 1 tbsp sugar
- 1 cup frozen peas, thawed (tastes best with frozen instead of canned)
- 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
- 6 boiled eggs, sliced or cut into eighths
- 1 cup bacon bits
7 Layer Salad Directions:
Chop the lettuce and tomatoes.
Add the eggs to a boiling pot of water and boil for 10 minutes, then cover, remove from heat, and allow to set for 10 minutes.
Rinse eggs in cold water until slightly cooled, and then peel. Cut eggs into slices or eighths.
Add the lettuce in the first layer, then the tomatoes on top of the lettuce.
Mix the mayonnaise and sugar in a small bowl, and spread that over the tomatoes for the third layer.
Sprinkle the peas for the fourth layer.
Top the peas with the cheese for the fifth layer.
Arrange the eggs for the 6th layer, then top with bacon bits for the final layer.
Serve and Enjoy!
FAQs:
- Can I make this salad ahead of time? Yes! The salad can be assembled up to a day in advance. Just wait to add the dressing until right before serving to prevent the lettuce from wilting.
- Do I have to use mayonnaise? If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can substitute Greek yogurt for the mayonnaise.
- What kind of cheese should I use? Sharp cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese are classic choices, but feel free to experiment with other shredded cheeses you enjoy.
Print the Recipe:
7 Layer Salad Recipe
A summer BBQ classic, this 7 layer salad is a favorite! A variation of my mom's famous recipe, this is one of my favorite summer salads to serve at gatherings.
Ingredients
- 2 cups lettuce, chopped
- 1 pint cherry or grape tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup mayonnaise (I prefer Hellman’s for this recipe)
- 1 tbsp sugar
- 1 cup frozen peas, thawed (tastes best with frozen instead of canned)
- 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
- 6 boiled eggs, sliced or cut into eighths
- 1 cup bacon bits
Instructions
- Chop the lettuce and tomatoes.
- Add the eggs to a boiling pot of water, and boil for 10 minutes, then cover, remove from heat, and allow to set for 10 minutes.
- Rinse eggs in cold water, until slightly cooled, and then peel. Cut eggs into slices or eighths.
- Add the lettuce in the first layer, then the tomatoes on top of the lettuce.
- Mix the mayonnaise and sugar in a small bowl, and spread that over the tomatoes for the third layer.
- Sprinkle the peas for the fourth layer.
- Top the peas with the cheese for the fifth layer.
- Arrange the eggs for the 6th layer, then top with bacon bits for the final layer.
Notes
You will need the following items to make this recipe:
Sharp knife, cutting board, medium pot, 8 cup glass bowl or casserole dish
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