Seven Layer Salad Recipe
There's a reason this vintage 7-layer salad has stood the test of time: it's incredibly easy to make, and its vibrant layers of crispy lettuce, colorful vegetables, crumbled bacon, and cheese will undoubtedly be a hit at your next gathering. Heres how to make this classic crowd-pleaser!
Ingredients
- For the salad: 1 pound of bacon
- 1 large head of iceberg lettuce, rinsed, dried, and chopped
- 1 red onion, chopped
- 1 (10-ounce) package of frozen green peas, thawed
- 10 ounces of shredded Cheddar cheese
- 1 cup of chopped cauliflower
- For the dressing: 1 cups mayonnaise
- cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons white sugar
Directions
Follow these simple steps to create this layered masterpiece:
- Cook the bacon: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the bacon slices and cook, turning occasionally, until they are crispy and evenly browned, about 10 minutes. Once done, transfer the bacon to paper towels to drain excess fat, then crumble and set aside.
- Assemble the salad: In a large glass dish or bowl, start with a layer of chopped iceberg lettuce. Then, layer the red onion, thawed peas, shredded Cheddar cheese, cauliflower, and crumbled bacon on top, one after the other. The layers should be arranged evenly for maximum flavor in every bite.
- Make the dressing: In a bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, grated Parmesan cheese, and white sugar until smooth. This dressing will provide a creamy base that ties all the layers together beautifully.
- Drizzle and chill: Pour the dressing evenly over the assembled salad. Cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 2 hours to allow the flavors to meld together and for the salad to chill.
- Serve and enjoy: Once chilled, serve the 7-layer salad as a refreshing and satisfying side dish at your next meal or gathering!
Can You Make Seven Layer Salad Ahead of Time?
Yes! This salad is perfect for making ahead. Since it is served chilled, it holds up well in the fridge. However, to ensure the ingredients maintain their freshness, try to serve it within one or two days. The lettuce, in particular, can lose its crispness if left for too long.
Community Tips
- Betty Nelson says, "This is the best salad... makes a lot! You may think the dressing isnt enough, but trust me, it is and it's so delicious!"
- Alina Aimee Guillen shared, "I made it exactly as instructed but added some chopped green onions. The salad was a hit, and everyone came back for seconds!"
- Gina Uebel raves, "Loved the cauliflower! I also threw in some carrots for extra flavor and color. It was amazing!"
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
- Calories: 387
- Fat: 33g (42% DV)
- Saturated Fat: 10g (51% DV)
- Cholesterol: 51mg (17% DV)
- Sodium: 667mg (29% DV)
- Total Carbohydrates: 10g (4% DV)
- Dietary Fiber: 2g (8% DV)
- Total Sugars: 6g
- Protein: 15g (29% DV)
- Vitamin C: 11mg (12% DV)
- Calcium: 243mg (19% DV)
- Iron: 1mg (6% DV)
- Potassium: 264mg (6% DV)

History and Origin
The Seven Layer Salad is a classic American dish that gained popularity in the mid-20th century, particularly in the 1960s and 1970s. It is often associated with potlucks, picnics, and holiday gatherings, thanks to its ease of preparation and visually appealing layers. While its exact origins are unclear, this salad became a staple of American cuisine, especially in the Midwest and Southern states. The concept of layering ingredients in a glass dish to showcase the colors and textures of the vegetables became a signature feature of this dish. Its simplicity, combined with a creamy dressing, made it a hit at family gatherings and community events.
Regional Variations
Though the basic ingredients of a Seven Layer Salad remain consistent, regional variations are common. In the South, for example, it is not uncommon to add ingredients like boiled eggs or chopped celery for additional flavor and texture. Some variations also use a combination of mayonnaise and sour cream for the dressing, while others may substitute different cheeses or include ingredients like tomatoes or bell peppers. The dishs versatility allows for personalization, with many home cooks adjusting the layers based on local preferences or seasonal ingredients.
Distinguishing Features
What sets the Seven Layer Salad apart from other layered salads is the distinctive combination of fresh vegetables, creamy dressing, and a crunchy topping of bacon or cheese. The layering technique also ensures that each bite includes a variety of textures, from the crispness of the lettuce and peas to the creaminess of the mayo-based dressing. Unlike other salads that mix all ingredients together, the Seven Layer Salad is typically served with each ingredient layered separately, allowing guests to enjoy the visual appeal and unique textures of each component. This contrast in textures and flavors makes it a crowd-pleaser at any gathering.
Common Occasions for Serving
The Seven Layer Salad is most often served at large gatherings like potlucks, barbecues, family reunions, and holiday parties. Its eye-catching layers and variety of ingredients make it a favorite at events where a visually appealing and easy-to-make dish is needed. It is especially popular in the Midwest and Southern United States, where communal meals and large family get-togethers are common. The salad can be prepared in advance and chilled, making it an ideal dish for parties, as it can be prepped ahead of time and served without much fuss.
Interesting Facts
- The Seven Layer Salad has been a staple at American picnics since the 1960s and is often considered a retro dish that has stood the test of time.
- While the classic recipe includes ingredients like bacon, peas, and cauliflower, the salad can be easily customized. Some variations include ingredients such as tomatoes, olives, or bell peppers.
- The salads popularity has made it a go-to recipe for any event that requires a dish that is both easy to make and visually stunning.
- Despite its simplicity, the Seven Layer Salads layers often evoke nostalgia for many people, reminding them of family gatherings and celebrations from the past.
- Many people love making the Seven Layer Salad ahead of time because it allows the flavors to meld together as it sits in the fridge, making it even tastier the next day.
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FAQ about Seven Layer Salad Recipe
Comments
Charles Lee
02/12/2024 07:40:31 PM
I was searching for new ways to incorporate more vegetables into my husband's diet, as he prefers raw over cooked veggies. I tried out this recipe yesterday and both my husband and I absolutely enjoyed it! For next time, I plan to make these adjustments: - Use 1 cup of mayonnaise and 1 cup of sour cream instead of the original 1 and 1/4 cup of mayo - Add 3 chopped, boiled eggs - Mix a tablespoon of white vinegar into the mayo and sour cream mixture - For a final touch, sprinkle extra crumbled bacon and shredded (not grated) Parmesan cheese, along with 1/2 cup of toasted, chopped pecans. Changes I made yesterday: - I substituted half of a large sweet onion for the red onion, as the flavor was too strong for our taste - I used shredded Parmesan cheese in the mayo mix.
Linda Campbell
07/31/2022 04:03:00 PM
This recipe is fantastic! The dressing initially has a thick consistency, so it's better to "spread" it over the salad rather than "drizzle" it. As it sits and gets mixed with the vegetables, it becomes thinner. The salad can be made ahead of time and refrigerated for 8-12 hours before serving. I swapped Cheddar cheese with Swiss, and included 3 chopped hard-boiled eggs and 1 cup of diced celery. I adore recipes that can be prepared in advance!
Nicholas Lewis
02/16/2024 10:50:30 AM
I prepared this dish for a recent party and it was a huge success. The only adjustment I would suggest is to layer the dressing within the salad rather than just drizzling it on top.
James Rodriguez
06/19/2023 03:57:05 PM
Rewritten review: I used to be unimpressed with my sister-in-law's layered salad due to the thick layer of mayo on top and the need to mix it up before each bite. However, everything changed when my friend showed me a new way to make a salad during a cookout. She mixed lettuce, mozzarella cheese, eggs, bacon, peas, and optional onions, then tossed them all with a mayo and sugar dressing. It was absolutely delicious! I started making this salad recipe for my family, and now it's their favorite at all gatherings. I suggest trying this as an alternative to the traditional layered salad. Remember to add the mayo just before serving, and make sure to dry the lettuce thoroughly to prevent it from becoming soggy. Personally, I rinse the lettuce a day before and let it dry in the fridge with paper towels.
Carol Rodriguez
03/08/2025 02:59:36 PM
I absolutely adore the uncomplicated yet delightful dressing in this recipe. I prefer assembling mine in a 9x13 glass cake pan as it makes serving and layering much simpler. I start with a base of crisp lettuce, followed by red onion, fresh broccoli, 3 hard-boiled eggs, and then the mayo mixture. To finish, I sprinkle cheddar cheese and crispy bacon on top for a delicious finishing touch.
Raymond Collins
12/11/2023 06:46:12 AM
This recipe is fantastic! The dressing is very versatile, allowing you to adjust the ingredients to your preference. I didn't have Parmesan cheese, so I substituted with garlic powder and salt, which worked great. I suggest using a wide, flat dish like a casserole dish for easy serving, even though it might look better in a trifle dish. Layering the ingredients in the suggested order – lettuce, peas, cauliflower, onion (optional), dressing, cheddar cheese, tomato, bacon – ensures that the salad remains crisp and flavorful, making it easier to serve and enjoy. The bacon stays crispy on top, the salad holds together well, and the dressing is evenly distributed throughout the layers. Highly recommended! 😊
Debra Wright
05/01/2025 12:46:47 PM
I have been making a variation of this salad for 50 years. My version excludes cauliflower and parmesan cheese in the mayonnaise. In our region, we opt for adding a sprinkle of sugar over the mayo layer. After chilling for a few hours or overnight, I enjoy mixing it just before serving to evenly distribute the dressing and ingredients. I prefer using sweet onions like Vidalia instead of red onions. Some also like to incorporate a layer of chopped hard-boiled eggs.
Thomas Miller
02/22/2023 04:02:20 AM
This dish always receives incredible reviews. I believe the secret ingredient in the dressing is the parmesan, setting it apart from similar recipes. The only modification I made was adding boiled eggs to the salad without removing any other ingredients. As a result, it became an 8-layer salad!
Virginia Smith
07/29/2023 07:31:35 PM
I chose to use a 9 x 13 dish for a shallower layer and better blending of flavors. Instead of cauliflower, I used hard boiled eggs. I added the dressing after the peas, allowing the cheese, eggs, and bacon to meld with the dressing, while also ensuring the lettuce, onion, and peas absorbed the flavors as it sank in.
George Gonzalez
08/25/2022 03:14:38 PM
Throughout the years, I have prepared this salad countless times and it never fails to impress. However, in Indiana, we have a little extra step before serving – we mix all the ingredients together for a more cohesive blend. Assembling it "by the layer" can be a bit of a hassle and not all the delicious components get evenly distributed. Therefore, I highly recommend tossing the salad right before serving! :)
Betty Anderson
11/17/2023 11:46:18 PM
I have been preparing this dish for years. I like to include a layer of diced tomatoes atop the cauliflower, as well as some diced English cucumber for a refreshing crunch. To finish it off, we sprinkle crumbled Bleu Cheese on the crispy bacon. This salad always disappears quickly at picnics or potlucks, and it's incredibly simple to put together.
Nancy Martin
09/25/2024 01:53:52 AM
Substituted tomatoes for broccoli.
Rebecca Sanchez
10/23/2023 10:38:12 AM
I absolutely adore this recipe! Packed with flavor and vegetables, it's a fantastic way to incorporate a variety of veggies into your meal!
Mary Johnson
02/17/2023 10:50:35 PM
I absolutely adore this recipe! It brings back memories of the 1980s.
Jessica Wilson
12/14/2023 11:45:55 AM
Decent, but it's recommended to let it rest for 2 days before serving to allow the flavors to blend. I also included diced tomatoes and chopped water chestnuts for an added layer of texture. A fellow diner recommended adding hard-boiled eggs, which seems like an interesting idea. Perhaps a touch of lemon juice in the dressing could enhance the overall taste? I will experiment with these suggestions in my next batch.
Diane Gonzalez
10/18/2022 09:09:55 AM
This salad is truly exceptional - not only does it look stunning, but it lives up to all expectations. Surprisingly simple to prepare, following the recipe resulted in a quick assembly. The mix of textures was delightful, and the dressing was incredibly flavorful. When I presented it at my dinner gathering, it outshined even the main dish, garnering more compliments than I could have imagined.
Helen Campbell
01/07/2025 11:45:01 AM
Here is the revised review: "Each member of my family of 5 has different preferences when it comes to our 7-layer salad, so I have started making individual servings in small round Pyrex dishes. The biggest change is that my husband prefers a protein-packed version and dislikes most vegetables except for peas. To accommodate everyone, I set up a mini salad bar where each person can customize their own salad. My husband's version includes a base of elbow noodles mixed with mayo dressing, topped with shaved turkey, either ham or grilled chicken, eggs, peas, mayo, cheese, and bacon. My daughter prefers no onions, while the boys enjoy everything with the addition of turkey, ham, and egg. Personally, I stick to the original recipe but skip the egg."
Ruth Wright
05/14/2023 04:49:32 PM
I run a BnB in Italy and I serve this dish for our weekly Pizza Night, and it's always a crowd favorite. I make some modifications by doubling the dressing and including a couple of tablespoons of cider vinegar for extra tang. I layer the dressing in the middle and on top, and add cooked beets, crumbled blue cheese, and hard-boiled eggs between the layers. Guests always request the recipe after trying it!
Timothy Cruz
02/18/2025 10:50:25 PM
Awful salad with bacon and cheese.
Rachel Sanchez
08/09/2024 04:15:36 PM
I have been making this salad since the early 1970s. In addition to the recommended veggies, I like to include chopped carrots and celery for extra crunch and flavor. The dressing typically calls for a ratio of 1 tablespoon of sugar for every cup of mayonnaise, but since I make large salads, I often double or triple the dressing. I've learned not to add any "wet" veggies like tomatoes or cucumbers to prevent the salad from getting soggy. Before serving, I always mix the salad well to ensure each bite has all the delicious ingredients, avoiding plain lettuce at the end. Both my family and guests love this salad, and so do I!