Seven Layer Salad Recipe
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.
- 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
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
- 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.
- Create Base Layer: In a large glass bowl, evenly spread the chopped iceberg lettuce as the first layer, forming a crisp and fresh foundation.
- 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.
- Add Peas Layer: Evenly distribute the thawed peas over the onion layer to add a sweet and fresh contrast.
- 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.
- Apply Dressing Layer: Carefully spread the mayonnaise and sugar mixture evenly over the peas, ensuring full coverage to seal the layers beneath.
- Top with Cheese: Sprinkle 1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the mayonnaise layer for a rich and savory flavor boost.
- Finish with Bacon: Generously top the salad with 1 cup of crispy bacon bits to add crunch and smoky flavor.
- 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.
- 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
Find it online: https://tastemadebyclara.com/seven-layer-salad-recipe/
