Seven Layer Salad Recipe

Introduction

The Seven Layer Salad is a colorful and refreshing dish that combines crisp vegetables, creamy dressing, and savory toppings. It’s perfect as a side for summer gatherings or potlucks, offering a delightful mix of textures and flavors in every bite.

Ingredients

• 1 head iceberg lettuce, chopped
• 1 cup celery, diced
• 1 cup green bell pepper, diced
• 1 cup red onion, finely chopped
• 1 cup frozen peas, thawed
• 2 cups mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 cup bacon bits

Instructions

1. Step 1: Wash and chop all vegetables. Dry the iceberg lettuce thoroughly to prevent excess moisture in the salad.
2. Step 2: In a large glass bowl, spread the chopped iceberg lettuce evenly as the first layer.
3. Step 3: Add a layer of diced celery evenly over the lettuce, followed by a layer of diced green bell pepper.
4. Step 4: Sprinkle finely chopped red onion as the next layer.
5. Step 5: Spread thawed peas evenly over the onion layer.
6. Step 6: In a separate bowl, whisk together mayonnaise and sugar until smooth and combined.
7. Step 7: Carefully spread the mayonnaise mixture over the peas, covering the entire surface.
8. Step 8: Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the mayonnaise layer.
9. Step 9: Top the salad generously with bacon bits.
10. Step 10: Cover the salad with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 2 to 4 hours to allow flavors to meld and layers to set.
11. Step 11: Remove from the refrigerator about 10-15 minutes before serving to let the flavors become more pronounced and ingredients soften slightly.

Tips & Variations

• For a lighter version, substitute half of the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt.
• Try adding shredded cheddar cheese for extra flavor.
• Use fresh peas instead of frozen for a crisper texture when in season.
• Replace bacon bits with cooked pancetta or omit for a vegetarian option.

Storage

Store the salad covered in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep it chilled until ready to serve to maintain freshness and texture. If refrigerated longer, the salad may become watery as layers continue to release moisture. Before serving again, stir gently if you prefer and let it come to room temperature for about 10-15 minutes.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I prepare Seven Layer Salad ahead of time?

Yes, it’s best to prepare the salad a few hours in advance so the flavors meld. Refrigerate it covered for 2-4 hours or overnight for even better layering.

What can I use instead of frozen peas?

If fresh peas are available, they are a great substitute. Alternatively, you can omit peas or try green beans cut into small pieces for a similar crunch.

Seven Layer Salad Recipe

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4.7 from 54 reviews

Seven Layer Salad is a classic American layered salad featuring crisp iceberg lettuce, crunchy celery, bell peppers, red onion, sweet peas, a creamy mayonnaise and sugar dressing, Parmesan cheese, and crispy bacon bits. Chilled and set in a glass bowl, this salad offers a colorful presentation and a delightful blend of textures and flavors, perfect for potlucks, picnics, and family gatherings.

• Author: Clara
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes
• Yield: 8 servings 1x
• Category: Salad
• Method: No-Cook
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Salad Layers

• 1 head iceberg lettuce, chopped
• 1 cup celery, diced
• 1 cup green bell pepper, diced
• 1 cup red onion, finely chopped
• 1 cup frozen peas, thawed
• 2 cups mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 cup bacon bits

Instructions

1. Prepare Vegetables: Wash, dry thoroughly, and chop the iceberg lettuce. Dice the celery and green bell pepper, and finely chop the red onion. Thaw the frozen peas completely.
2. Create Base Layer: In a large glass bowl, evenly spread the chopped iceberg lettuce as the first layer, forming a crisp and fresh foundation.
3. Add Vegetable Layers: Spread the diced celery evenly over the lettuce, followed by a layer of diced green bell pepper, then sprinkle the finely chopped red onion evenly.
4. Add Peas Layer: Evenly distribute the thawed peas over the onion layer to add a sweet and fresh contrast.
5. Make Dressing: In a separate bowl, whisk together 2 cups of mayonnaise and 2 tablespoons of sugar until smooth and well combined, creating a sweet and creamy dressing.
6. Apply Dressing Layer: Carefully spread the mayonnaise and sugar mixture evenly over the peas, ensuring full coverage to seal the layers beneath.
7. Top with Cheese: Sprinkle 1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the mayonnaise layer for a rich and savory flavor boost.
8. Finish with Bacon: Generously top the salad with 1 cup of crispy bacon bits to add crunch and smoky flavor.
9. Chill: Cover the salad tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 to 4 hours. This chilling step allows the flavors to meld and the salad to set nicely.
10. Serve: Remove the salad from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for 10 to 15 minutes before serving for best flavor and texture.

Notes

• Dry the lettuce thoroughly to prevent sogginess in the salad.
• Use real bacon bits or freshly cooked crispy bacon chunks for best flavor.
• The salad can be prepared a day ahead for convenience as chilling enhances the flavors.
• For a lighter version, substitute mayonnaise with low-fat or Greek yogurt.
• Layer the salad gently to preserve the visual distinction between layers.
• Serve with a slotted spoon to keep the layers intact when plating.

Keywords: seven layer salad, layered salad, iceberg lettuce salad, creamy salad, picnic salad, potluck recipe, bacon salad, easy layered salad