Sensational 7 Layer Salad Recipe

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My 7 Layer Salad Recipe is a rainbow of fresh veggies served with a delicious, tangy, homemade dressing. Savor every crisp bite and enjoy every layer!

Sensational 7 Layer Salad Recipe in glass bowl


 

A delicious dish that is also hearty and beautiful to look at — what more can you ask for? This recipe for 7 layer salad will surely impress your guests.

Old fashioned 7 layer salad ingredients in bowls

Old Fashioned 7 Layer Salad Recipe

I’ve found that this 7 layer salad recipe is one that actually has people coming back for seconds!

With a good amount of protein, crunchy veggies, and creamy dressing, it’s almost a main dish on its own.

My summer vegetable salad is another bright and zesty option that has a bounty of seasonal flavors and is packed with nutrients.

The colors of this one are also beautiful and impressive!

And what’s the best thing to go with salads? Soup! This loaded baked potato soup warms the soul and is incredibly satisfying.

Plus, the ingredients make it great for any time of the year!

Whisking 7 layer salad dressing.

Ingredient Notes and Substitutions

  • Sour cream and mayonnaise – Both are key to getting the creamiest 7 layer salad dressing ever.
  • Fresh veggies – It wouldn’t be an old fashioned 7 layer salad without plenty of crisp and refreshing vegetables.

    You’ll need lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers, red onion, and peas.
  • Bacon – One of my favorite layers is the crunchy applewood smoked bacon. The saltiness pairs wonderfully with the creamy 7 layer salad dressing.
  • Cheese – You can use your preference. I love the triple cheddar blend from Tillamook.
  • Eggs – For more added protein and flavor, don’t skip the hard-boiled eggs.
Adding bacon layer to 7 layer salad.

7 Layer Salad Recipe Tips

If you’ve ever been to a potluck, chances are good that you’ve seen some version of an old fashioned 7 layer salad.

The fun of making this recipe is deciding what ingredients to use for the layers!

  • Kitchen hacks: Cook your bacon in the oven and the hard boiled eggs in the air fryer!

    Not only are both methods completely hands-off, but the eggs are easier to peel this way as well.
  • Perfect for meal prep. The vegetables, bacon, and eggs can all be chopped ahead of time for quick assembly later on.

    That makes this recipe for 7 layer salad perfect for meal prep without sacrificing flavor and crunch.
  • Make it seasonal. Another great thing about my 7 layer salad recipe is how customizable it is!

    Flavorful, ripe vegetables that give you the taste of the season are always delicious.

    Replace any ingredient with what is in season, such as cauliflower or bell peppers.
Adding onions to 7 layer salad

Serving Suggestions

While always best served fresh, this salad will stay nice and crisp for up to 24 hours —  even after tossing in the dressing.

This is thanks to the iceberg lettuce and hearty vegetables.

7 layer salad dressing is delicious, tangy, and creamy on its own, but it also tastes great with additional herbs and seasonings.

Include your favorites and make it your own!

7 Layer Salad FAQ

What is the best way to serve a 7 layer salad?

Don’t mix before serving! Use a large spoon or spatula with a very long handle so each plate gets a little bit of everything.

Do I have to assemble the layers like the recipe calls for?

You can switch things up, but I think that the order of ingredients that I have here make it easiest to serve. Plus, the colors look great!

Is the 7 layer salad dressing sweet?

The dressing does have sugar, but it’s mostly creamy, tangy, and has just a touch of sweetness. Of course, you can always taste-test and add more or less sugar as desired.

Pouring 7 layer salad dressing on 7 layer salad.

Enjoy!
With love, from our simple kitchen to yours. 

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MORE SALAD RECIPES

Strawberry Panzanella Salad

sensational 7 layer salad

Sensational Seven Layer Salad Recipe (Homemade Dressing)

Donna Elick
My 7 layer salad recipe combines a rainbow of fresh veggies with a tangy, homemade dressing. Savor every crisp bite and enjoy every layer!
5 stars from 1 review
Tried this recipe?Please comment and review!
Prep Time 30 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Salad, Side Dish
Cuisine American
Method Mixed
Servings 8 – 10

Ingredients
 

  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 1/4 cup white wine vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 1/2 head iceberg lettuce, washed and chopped (about 2 cups)
  • 1 pound applewood smoked bacon, cooked and chopped
  • 8 ounces bag of thick grated cheese, we used Tillamook triple cheddar blend
  • 3 hard-boiled eggs, peeled and chopped
  • 1/2 English cucumber, sliced
  • 2 cups frozen peas, thawed and pat dry
  • 2 cups grape tomatoes, halved
  • 1/4 red onion, thinly sliced

Instructions
 

  • Prepare the dressing by whisking together the sour cream, mayonnaise, white wine vinegar, and granulated sugar. Add salt and pepper to taste, if desired.
  • Wash and pat dry all vegetables: the lettuce, cucumber, peas, and tomatoes. Chop or slice bacon, eggs, cucumber, grape tomatoes, and red onion.
  • In the following order, layer ingredients into a trifle or glass bowl with tall, straight sides: lettuce, bacon, cheese, eggs, cucumber, peas, tomatoes, and finally, the onion.
  • Drizzle the prepared sauce over the salad and toss or serve the dressing alongside the salad.
  • Refrigerate, covered, up to 6 hours before serving or serve right away.

Donna’s Notes

Salad is best served fresh, but will stay crisp for up to 24 hours after tossing with dressing. Chop and prep vegetables, bacon, and eggs ahead of time for quick assembly of the salad.
The iceberg lettuce and hearty vegetables in this salad help it maintain its crispness even the next day after mixing with the dressing.
The dressing is creamy, with a bit of tang and a touch of sweetness. You can add herbs or seasonings if desired to make the dressing your own.

Nutrition

Serving: 1 | Calories: 557cal | Carbohydrates: 13g | Protein: 19g | Fat: 48g | Saturated Fat: 17g | Cholesterol: 150mg | Sodium: 686mg | Sugar: 7g | Fiber: 3g | Calcium: 251mg | Iron: 1mg

All nutritional information is based on third party calculations and is only an estimate. Each recipe’s nutritional value will vary depending on the ingredients used, measuring methods, and portion sizes.

Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
Sensational 7 layer salad recipe closeup

Originally published  February 2022, updated and republished April 2023

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2 Comments

  1. Oh my that is really a winner. I'll have to cut it down as I'm just a single person, but I'll make enough for 2 or 3 days. Or maybe I'll share it with my single lady neighbors.

  2. 5 stars
    The bacon adds such a nice savory taste to this salad, and really brings it up to 10 stars. This was amazing and I will be making it again.

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