Dinner

7 Layer Salad Recipe

ByClara Bennett February 20, 2026February 20, 2026

Introduction

The classic 7 Layer Salad is a colorful, crowd-pleasing dish perfect for gatherings and potlucks. With fresh vegetables, cheese, bacon, and a creamy dressing, it offers layers of flavor and texture in every bite.

A clear glass bowl shows a seven-layer salad with distinct colorful layers starting from the bottom: green lettuce, red cherry tomato halves, green peas, white cauliflower pieces with creamy dressing above them, a thick layer of shredded orange cheddar cheese, topped with crispy bacon pieces and chopped green onions mixed with diced red tomatoes. The bowl is placed on a white marbled surface, and in the foreground, there is a gold and white fork and spoon. The background is softly blurred with plates stacked behind the bowl. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 head iceberg lettuce (chopped)
2 cups diced fresh tomatoes (or sliced cherry tomatoes)
2 cups frozen peas (thawed)
8 hard boiled eggs (cooled, peeled, and chopped)
½ cup sliced green onions (or diced red onion)
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (lightly packed)
8 slices bacon (cooked and crumbled)
1 cup mayonnaise
¾ cup sour cream
2 tablespoons granulated sugar
1 teaspoon seasoned salt

Instructions

Step 1: In a medium bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, sugar, and seasoned salt until smooth to create the dressing. Set aside.
Step 2: Wash and dry the chopped lettuce thoroughly using a salad spinner. Place the lettuce evenly at the bottom of a large trifle bowl or a 9×13-inch pan.
Step 3: Layer the tomatoes evenly over the lettuce, followed by the thawed peas, chopped hard boiled eggs, and green onions.
Step 4: Spread the prepared dressing evenly on top, reaching to the edges of the bowl or pan.
Step 5: Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight to allow flavors to meld.
Step 6: Just before serving, sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese and crumbled bacon evenly over the top.

Tips & Variations

Use smoked bacon for a richer flavor, or turkey bacon for a lighter option.
Try adding sliced avocado or cucumber for extra freshness and texture.
To make it easier to serve, layer the salad in a clear trifle bowl so the colorful ingredients show through.

Storage

Store leftover salad covered in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The lettuce may soften over time, so it’s best enjoyed fresh. If storing in advance, add the cheese and bacon just before serving to keep them crisp. Reheating is not recommended as this dish is best served cold.

How to Serve

A clear glass bowl filled with a colorful layered salad showing seven distinct layers starting from the bottom: light green lettuce, bright red chopped tomatoes, dark green peas, creamy white sour cream, light yellow shredded cheese, and topped with crispy dark brown bacon bits sprinkled with small green parsley pieces, all placed on a white marbled surface with a white plate with extra bacon bits blurred in the background, photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I prepare the salad the day before serving?

Yes, assembling the salad and refrigerating it for several hours or overnight helps the flavors meld beautifully. Just add the cheese and bacon topping right before serving for the best texture.

What can I substitute for seasoned salt?

You can use regular salt mixed with a pinch of garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika to mimic the flavor of seasoned salt if you don’t have it on hand.