If you’re searching for the quintessential potluck or family gathering dish, look no further than the Classic 7 Layer Salad. This vibrant and flavorful salad is a staple at Midwestern potlucks and family reunions, and for good reason. It’s easy to make ahead and always a crowd-pleaser.
This recipe is a cherished classic, often found in well-loved family cookbooks passed down through generations. Much like other comforting and hearty recipes such as Taco Soup, Make-Ahead Mashed Potatoes, and Creamy Coleslaw, the 7 layer salad holds a special place in home-style cooking.
While technically it boasts more than seven layers when you count the creamy dressing and generous sprinkle of cheese, the name “7 Layer Salad” is iconic. The beauty of this salad lies in its distinct layers, each contributing to the overall flavor and texture experience. Typically, you’ll find:
- Crisp Iceberg Lettuce
- Crunchy Celery
- Protein-rich Hard Boiled Eggs
- Sweet Peas
- Fresh Green Pepper
- Sharp Diced Onion
- Smoky Crispy Bacon
What truly sets this salad apart, making it ideal for potlucks and large gatherings, is its simple yet delicious dressing. This slightly sweet dressing acts as a protective barrier, preventing the lettuce and other fresh ingredients from browning or becoming soggy. This ingenious feature allows you to prepare the 7 layer salad well in advance, even a day before serving, ensuring a fresh and flavorful dish when you need it.
Traditionally assembled in a 9×13 inch baking dish, you can elevate the presentation by using a glass trifle bowl, a technique popularized by home cooking enthusiasts and figures like The Pioneer Woman. Displaying the layers in a trifle bowl not only looks beautiful but also allows guests to appreciate each ingredient.
Whether you opt for a classic baking dish or a stylish trifle bowl, be prepared for rave reviews and requests for the recipe. This 7 layer salad is guaranteed to be a hit!
Classic 7 Layer Salad Recipe
A timeless and easy 7 Layer Salad recipe perfect for potlucks, holidays, and casual family dinners. This Seven Layer Salad with its creamy dressing is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
Course: Salad, Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Chill Time: 8 hours
Total Time: 8 hours 5 minutes
Servings: 16
Author: My Farmhouse Table
Ingredients
- 1 head Iceberg Lettuce, torn into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup Diced Celery
- 4 Hard Boiled Eggs, diced
- 1 package (10 oz) Frozen Peas, thawed
- 1/2 cup Diced Green Bell Pepper
- 1 medium Onion, diced
- 8 slices Bacon, cooked crispy and crumbled
- 2 cups Mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons Sugar
- 1 cup Shredded Cheddar Cheese
Instructions
- In a large glass dish (such as a 9×13 inch baking pan or a trifle bowl), layer the ingredients in the following order: torn lettuce, diced celery, diced hard-boiled eggs, thawed peas, diced green bell pepper, diced onion, and crumbled bacon.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise and sugar until smooth. Gently spread this dressing evenly over the top layer of bacon, ensuring it seals the salad.
- Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the dressing.
- Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 8 hours, or ideally overnight, to allow the flavors to meld and the salad to chill thoroughly.
Recipe Notes
Feel free to customize this 7 layer salad to your liking! Many ingredients can be substituted or adjusted based on your personal preferences and what you have on hand. For example, you can add water chestnuts for extra crunch, or swap cheddar for another cheese variety. Enjoy!
