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Classic 7 Layer Salad: Easy Make-Ahead Side Dish

Close-up of a clear glass bowl filled with Amazing 7 Layer Salad, topped with bacon and cheese.
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Make the ultimate classic 7 layer salad for any gathering. This recipe features fresh ingredients and distinct layers for an easy, crowd-pleasing side dish perfect for potlucks and holidays.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 head iceberg lettuce, chopped
  • 1 cup frozen peas, thawed
  • 1 cup chopped celery
  • 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
  • 4 hard-boiled eggs, sliced
  • 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 8 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
  • 1 cup mayonnaise
  • 2 tablespoons white vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

  1. Prepare the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, white vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper until smooth. Set aside.
  2. Prepare the vegetables: Wash and chop the lettuce. Thaw the frozen peas. Chop the celery and slice the red onion thinly. Cook the bacon until crisp, then crumble it. Slice the hard-boiled eggs.
  3. Assemble the layers in a large, clear glass bowl or trifle dish to show the distinct layers. The order is important for presentation and flavor separation.
  4. Layer 1: Place half of the chopped lettuce in the bottom of the bowl and press down lightly.
  5. Layer 2: Add half of the thawed peas evenly over the lettuce.
  6. Layer 3: Add half of the chopped celery.
  7. Layer 4: Add half of the sliced red onion.
  8. Layer 5: Arrange half of the sliced hard-boiled eggs over the vegetables.
  9. Layer 6: Sprinkle half of the shredded cheddar cheese over the eggs.
  10. Layer 7: Spread half of the prepared creamy dressing evenly over the cheese layer, sealing the vegetables underneath.
  11. Repeat the layers: Add the remaining lettuce, peas, celery, red onion, eggs, and cheese.
  12. Final Layer: Spread the remaining dressing over the top layer of cheese.
  13. Chill: Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to meld and the dressing to set. Do not add the bacon until just before serving.
  14. Serve: Sprinkle the crumbled bacon over the top layer immediately before you take the 7 layer salad to your potluck or table. Cut into wedges and serve cold.

Notes

  • You can prepare all the layers, except the bacon, up to 24 hours ahead of time. Keep it tightly covered in the refrigerator.
  • For a slightly sweeter dressing, increase the sugar to 1.5 tablespoons.
  • If you are making this for a smaller group, you can reduce the recipe by half, but use the same size bowl for better layering visibility.
  • This classic layered salad works well as a make ahead side dish for summer picnics or holiday meals.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://chefsily.com/7-layer-salad-classic-make-ahead-side-dish/