Description
This classic 7 Layer Salad is a fresh and colorful combination of crunchy iceberg lettuce, ripe tomatoes, sweet peas, chopped hard-boiled eggs, green onions, and a creamy dressing topped with shredded cheddar cheese and crispy bacon. Perfectly layered and chilled, this salad is an ideal side dish for potlucks, picnics, or holiday gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
Salad Layers
- 1 head iceberg lettuce, chopped
- 2 cups diced fresh tomatoes (or sliced cherry tomatoes)
- 2 cups frozen peas, thawed
- 8 hard boiled eggs, cooled, peeled and chopped
- ½ cup sliced green onions (or diced red onion)
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, lightly packed
- 8 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
Dressing
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- ¾ cup sour cream
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon seasoned salt
Instructions
- Prepare the Dressing: In a medium bowl, combine mayonnaise, sour cream, sugar, and seasoned salt. Mix thoroughly to blend all ingredients well, then set the dressing aside for later use.
- Prepare the Lettuce: Use a salad spinner to wash and dry the iceberg lettuce leaves very well, ensuring they are crisp. Once dry, place the chopped lettuce evenly in the bottom of a large trifle bowl or a 9×13-inch pan to create the base layer of the salad.
- Layer the Salad Ingredients: Carefully layer the diced fresh tomatoes over the lettuce, followed by the thawed peas, chopped hard-boiled eggs, and sliced green onions in that order. Make sure each layer is evenly spread to showcase the colorful layers.
- Add the Dressing: Spread the prepared dressing evenly over the top of the salad layers, extending it all the way to the edges to cover the entire surface and bind the ingredients.
- Chill the Salad: Cover the salad with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight. This resting time allows the flavors to meld and the salad to chill perfectly.
- Finish with Cheese and Bacon: Just before serving, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese uniformly over the top, then add the crumbled cooked bacon as the final layer for a savory and crunchy finish.
Notes
- For a lighter version, substitute light mayonnaise and reduced-fat sour cream.
- To save time, use pre-cooked bacon bits and pre-shredded cheese.
- If preferred, swap seasoned salt with a pinch of black pepper and garlic powder for a different flavor profile.
- This salad is best served chilled and can be prepared a day ahead of time.
- Adjust the amount of sugar in the dressing to suit your taste preference.
