The Best Homemade Seven Layer Salad Recipe

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What You’ll Love About This Recipe

This Seven Layer Salad is a crowd-pleaser that’s as fun to make as it is to eat. It’s colorful, crunchy, and perfect for potlucks or family dinners. You’ll love how easy it is to prepare, with layers of fresh veggies, cheese, and a creamy dressing that ties it all together. The mix of textures—from crisp lettuce to tender peas—keeps every bite exciting. Plus, it’s super customizable, so you can make it your own without much fuss.

Recipe

This classic Seven Layer Salad is a crowd-pleaser, perfect for potlucks, picnics, or family gatherings. Layers of crisp lettuce, veggies, cheese, bacon, and a creamy dressing make this dish both visually appealing and delicious.

Ingredients

1 head iceberg lettuce, chopped
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1 cucumber, thinly sliced
1 red onion, thinly sliced
1 cup frozen peas, thawed
1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
8 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
1 ½ cups mayonnaise
2 tbsp granulated sugar
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

In a large clear bowl, layer the chopped lettuce as the base.
Add a layer of cherry tomatoes, followed by cucumber slices.
Sprinkle the red onion evenly over the cucumbers.
Spread the thawed peas in the next layer.
Top with shredded cheddar cheese.
In a small bowl, mix mayonnaise and sugar until well combined. Spread this dressing evenly over the cheese layer.
Sprinkle crumbled bacon on top of the dressing.
Finish with grated Parmesan cheese.
Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving.

Notes

For best results, assemble the salad a few hours before serving to allow flavors to meld.
You can substitute Greek yogurt for part of the mayonnaise for a lighter dressing.

Equipment

Large clear glass bowl
Mixing bowl
Knife and cutting board

Time

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 10 minutes (for bacon)
Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes (including chilling)

Cuisine

American

Serving

8-10 servings

Nutrition

Seven Layer Salad is a classic dish packed with fresh vegetables and creamy dressing. It offers a balance of nutrients that can complement any meal.

Nutrient	Amount per Serving
Calories	320
Protein	12g
Carbohydrates	18g
Fat	22g
Fiber	4g
Sodium	450mg
Sugar	8g

What To Serve With It

I love pairing my seven layer salad with fresh bread or warm rolls, as they add a comforting, hearty touch to the meal. Grilled meats, like chicken or steak, are also a great option, balancing the salad’s creamy richness with smoky flavors. These combinations make the dish feel complete while keeping things simple and satisfying.

Bread and Rolls

When serving a hearty seven layer salad, I always find that bread or rolls make the perfect companion, adding a satisfying texture and balancing out the dish. Soft, warm dinner rolls or slices of crusty French baguette are my go-to choices—they soak up the creamy dressing so well. Garlic bread, with its flavorful kick, adds a nice twist, while focaccia’s herby richness complements the salad’s freshness. Sometimes, I’ll even opt for fluffy cornbread for a hint of sweetness. Whichever I choose, the bread always completes the meal, making every bite feel a little more comforting and complete.

Grilled Meats

Grilling meats is always a highlight of any meal, and pairing them with the right sides can take the experience to the next level. I love pairing smoky grilled chicken, juicy steaks, or flavorful burgers with a homemade seven-layer salad. The crisp veggies, creamy dressing, and cheese add a revitalizing contrast to the rich, charred flavors of the meat. It’s like they were made for each other! I also throw in some grilled corn or garlic bread—trust me, it’s a game-changer. Whether it’s a summer BBQ or a cozy dinner, this combo never disappoints. Just thinking about it makes my mouth water!