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Seven Layer Salad Recipe

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.

Ingredients

Scale

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