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Seven Layer Salad Recipe

4.9 from 115 reviews

Seven Layer Salad is a classic, colorful layered salad perfect for gatherings and potlucks. It features crisp iceberg lettuce, fresh vegetables, sweet peas, a creamy mayonnaise and sugar dressing, savory Parmesan cheese, and crunchy bacon bits. Chilled before serving, this salad offers a delicious blend of textures and flavors in every bite.

Ingredients

Scale

Vegetables

  • 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

Dressing & Toppings

  • 2 cups mayonnaise
  • 2 tablespoons sugar
  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 cup bacon bits

Instructions

  1. Prepare Vegetables: Wash and chop the iceberg lettuce, celery, green bell pepper, and red onion. Make sure the lettuce is thoroughly dried to prevent excess moisture in the salad.
  2. Layer Lettuce: Spread the chopped iceberg lettuce evenly at the bottom of a large glass bowl, creating the base layer for the salad.
  3. Add Celery & Bell Pepper: Evenly distribute diced celery over the lettuce, followed by a layer of diced green bell pepper to add color and crunch.
  4. Layer Red Onion: Sprinkle the finely chopped red onion evenly over the bell pepper layer for a sharp, aromatic touch.
  5. Add Peas: Spread the thawed frozen peas on top of the onion layer, adding sweetness and color contrast.
  6. Make Dressing: In a separate bowl, whisk together mayonnaise and sugar until smooth and well combined, forming a sweet and creamy dressing.
  7. Spread Dressing: Carefully spread the mayonnaise-sugar mixture evenly over the pea layer, covering the entire surface to seal the layers beneath.
  8. Add Parmesan Cheese: Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the dressing layer to add richness and a savory flavor.
  9. Top with Bacon Bits: Generously cover the Parmesan cheese with crispy bacon bits to add crunchy texture and smoky flavor to finish the salad.
  10. Chill Salad: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 to 4 hours to allow the flavors to meld and the layers to set before serving.

Notes

  • Be sure to dry lettuce thoroughly to avoid a soggy salad.
  • Use freshly cooked and crumbled bacon if preferred instead of store-bought bacon bits.
  • For a lighter version, try using reduced-fat mayonnaise.
  • This salad is best served chilled to enhance flavor and texture.
  • The salad can be prepared a day ahead and refrigerated.

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