This classic Seven Layer Salad is a crowd-pleaser with sun-ripened tomatoes, sweet peas, hard-boiled eggs, crisp bacon, and sharp cheddar cheese. Make the five-ingredient salad dressing in just a few minutes and seal all those wonderful flavors together.
Classic Seven Layer Salad
Impress your family and friends with this delicious and visually stunning 7 layer salad. This easy salad is not only delicious but also packed with nutritious ingredients that everyone will love. We love to serve this tasty salad at potlucks, family gatherings, and parties. People love it, and it is always one of the first dishes gone. It is best prepared at least 4 hours before your event, covered with wrap, and refrigerated, but hold off on adding the final ingredients until right before you serve.
Ingredients you need for 7 Layer Salad
For the salad dressing, you need mayonnaise, sour cream, honey, kosher salt, and fresh ground black pepper.
For the 7 layer salad, you need iceberg or romaine lettuce, red onion, tomatoes, frozen peas, eggs, sharp cheddar, and bacon.
How to make a Seven Layer Salad?
Start by mixing your dressing. Whisk together the mayo, sour cream, honey, salt, and pepper. In a large clear bowl or trifle bowl, layer the chopped lettuce (reserving about 2 cups), followed by the red onions, tomatoes, and green peas. Now, position the sliced eggs on their sides while using any extra eggs and the reserved lettuce to hold them in position and finish filling the bowl. Then, spread the dressing over the top and smooth it to seal. Now cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 4 hours up to overnight.
Before serving, sprinkle with shredded cheddar cheese, crisp bacon, and a few more tomatoes. This salad is very easy to dig into and toss as you go. Once it is about 1/2 consumed, I will finish tossing together what is left in the bowl.
Recipe Tips
- A seven-layer salad is a large salad. It serves at least 12 people, so plan accordingly. Leftovers are delicious, and the salad holds up fairly well for about 48 hours.
- Spread the dressing to seal the salad. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate from 2 hours up to overnight.
- Any fresh sun-ripened tomato works in this recipe, including grape tomatoes and cherry tomatoes.
- Feel free to swap out any ingredient you are not fond of or add layers for more texture and taste. Try bite-size pieces of broccoli or cauliflower, sliced black olives, diced red bell pepper, chopped celery, sugar snap peas, sunflower seeds, edamame, or green onions.
- Don’t add the bacon, shredded cheddar, or scallions until it is time to serve.
- For added flavor, sprinkle with a couple of tablespoons of freshly grated Parmesan Cheese.
- Seven Layer Salad serves very well without tossing it.
- Bring a large pot of water to boil with a steamer basket for perfectly peeled eggs. Carefully add the eggs and steam large eggs for 15 minutes. Plunge into ice-cold water.
- For added protein, add roasted turkey or smoked ham.
Can You Make 7 Layer Salad in Advance?
You can make 7 Layer Salad up to 24 hours in advance. In fact, the salad should be made at least 4 hours in advance for the flavors to meld. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and store in the fridge.
How Long Does 7 Layer Salad Last in the Fridge?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It will not be as attractive as the day you served it, but it will still taste delicious.
More salad recipes you will love!
Seven Layer Salad Recipe
Ingredients
Dressing
- 1 1/4 cups mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
Salad
- 1 large head iceberg lettuce or romaine lettuce chopped
- 1/3 cup chopped red onion
- 2 1/2 cups chopped tomatoes
- 2 cups frozen peas thawed
- 6 hard-boiled eggs peeled and sliced
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar
- 6 slices crispy cooked bacon. chopped
Instructions
- Whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, honey, salt, and black pepper.
- In a large clear bowl or trifle dish, layer the iceberg lettuce (reserving about 2 cups), followed by the red onions, tomatoes, and green peas. Using the sliced eggs, position them on their sides while using any extra eggs and the reserved lettuce to hold them in position and finish filling the bowl.
- Spread the dressing over the top and smooth it to seal. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 2 hours up to overnight.
- Right before serving, garnish with shredded cheese, bacon, and, if desired, a few tomato wedges.
Notes
- Seven-layer salad is a large salad. It serves at least 12 people, so plan accordingly. Leftovers are delicious, and the salad holds up fairly well for about 48 hours.
- Spread the dressing to seal the salad. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate from 2 hours up to overnight.
- Any fresh sun-ripened tomato works in this recipe, including grape tomatoes and cherry tomatoes.
- Feel free to swap out any ingredient that you are not fond of or add layers for more texture and taste.
- Don't add the bacon, shredded cheddar, or scallions until it is time to serve.
- For added flavor, sprinkle with a couple of tablespoons of freshly grated Parmesan Cheese.
- Seven Layer Salad serves very well without tossing it.
- For perfectly peeled eggs, bring a large pot of water to boil with a steamer basket. Carefully add the eggs and steam large eggs for 15 minutes. Plunge into ice-cold water.
- For added protein, add roasted turkey or smoked ham.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours.
Nutrition
Are you on the hunt for more delicious recipes? Follow Small Town Woman on Facebook, Pinterest, and Instagram.
https://www.smalltownwoman.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/Beth-1.pdf
Jen P
Such a beautiful and tasty salad. I served it for a birthday gathering for my daughter and everyone loved it. I liked that I could prepare it the night before leaving me free to prepare the rest of the meal.
Beth Pierce
I love that too! It makes things easier!
Victor
I am usually not one for salads but this is one that I love. It always tastes delicious and it works with so many entrees. We served it with your oven baked ribs and the extended family loved it. I must admit it was one tasty meal.
Beth Pierce
Thanks, Victor! That does sound delicious.
Kinzie
So simple and delicious. But I think there’s also the beautiful visual and colorful choices of ingredients that make this a wonderful dish~ I love it!
Rich M
The best layer salad! It is perfect for potlucks and semi-large gatherings. I am thinking about making this for Easter Sunday. Everyone loves it and it can be made the evening before. Sounds like just talked myself into it.
Beth Pierce
Sounds like a plan!
Karletta D
Delicious salad that looks as pretty as a trifle. And that dressing, is an absolute winner! All my dinner guests loved it.
Logan D
I have been making this recipe since you first posted it. It is always a big hit with friends and family. It is big enough for a small crowd and it holds up well for parties and potlucks, thanks for sharing this delicious salad recipe.
Beth Pierce
You are most welcome, Logan!
Connie
Your Seven-Layer Salad recipe is a colorful and appetizing dish that’s perfect for gatherings and potlucks. The layers of fresh ingredients, along with the creamy dressing, create a delightful combination of flavors and textures. Thanks for sharing this delicious and visually appealing recipe. Everytime I make it someone asks for the recipe. It is a real crowd pleaser.
Beth Pierce
Thanks for sharing, Connie!
Kara
Your Seven Layer Salad recipe is a total winner! 🥗 Love the combo of tomatoes, peas, eggs, bacon, and cheddar. That creamy mayo dressing is a game-changer. Perfect for potlucks and family gatherings. Thanks for sharing the recipe.
Beth Pierce
You are most welcome, Kara!
Christopher Williams
Salad is wonderful! Love the bowl you made it in, where did you get that bowl?
Beth Pierce
Thank you, Christopher! I think I got that from Homegoods!
Sandra
This is such an amazing salad! A sure hit for parties!
Allyson
This was so flavorful and delicious thanks for the easy recipe!
Beth Pierce
Thanks, Allyson! The pleasure is all mine!
Erik
Looks incredible! Need to put this on our must make list!
Beti
WOW! This salad was incredible and easy to make!! We loved it.
katerina
This turned out gorgeous! I served it to my book club and they loved it.
Tayler
This seven layer salad is a family favorite! We make it for all get togethers and it’s always a hit!
Cynthia
This is the perfect salad for a larger group or potluck. It’s perfect for Easter! The dressing is not too sweet and has just the right amount of tang!
Beth Pierce
Thanks, Cynthia! I am so glad that you liked it!
Elizabeth
What a great recipe for a big crowd. Thank you for this recipe. We loved it!
Shelby
This salad is full of flavor and texture. It is so impressive, making it perfect for dinner parties and holiday gatherings.
Kushigalu
What an interesting and refreshing salad recipe to try. Thanks for sharing.
Trish Wagers
A coworker requested a 7-layer salad for her birthday… and I have no regrets about choosing this recipe! I just used it for the third time in the past few weeks.. it’s one of my new favorites!
P.S. I love condiments on EVERYTHING and this was enough for me!
Beth Pierce
Thanks, Trish! So glad that you enjoy the salad! We love it too!
Clarice
Wow! This looks really delicious and perfect for Thanksgiving. I think I am going to add this to our menu. Thank you for sharing the recipe. Looks easy to make. 🙂
Lisa
Wow! This looks really delicious and perfect for Thanksgiving. I think I am going to add this to our menu. Thank you for sharing the recipe. Looks easy to make.
abzstylz
This looks like a hearty salad that will be fulling! Thanks for sharing 🙂
Rosey
How fun would it be to dig right in and get those layers on a plate. Plus these look so pretty on the table.
Gervin Khan
Wow! This salad recipe looks absolutely delicious and yummy! It’s filled with layers of taste and flavor. A complete and healthy meal for everyone to enjoy!
Sonia Seivwright
This is an excellent salad for a crowd. A real winner for holidays and parties.
Olga
What a great salad recipe! The whole family really enjoyed it! Thanks for sharing!
Robin L McClure
I used to see this recipe often in the 70’s!! Glad to see it’s still being circulated, I love it!!
Beth Pierce
Thanks Robin! Enjoy!!
Phyllis
Plan to make this for out pot luck church meeting, Young At Heart.
Have eaten thus at cafeteria before.
I’m sure all will love it.
Beth Pierce
Thanks Phyllis! I hope everyone liked it. I am a little behind on my comments. I pulled a hamstring and it is hard to keep up lately!
Mary
It says reserve 2 cups lettuce. What do you use that for?
Beth Pierce
To help prop up the egg slices when you put them on their sides. That is if you are using a glass bowl.
Thena
Such a delicious salad recipe! I made this for my last family gathering and they loved it!
Ntensibe
Nnnniiiiccceeeee….a seven-layered salad? This is a first and it’s one my eyes have fallen in love with. I will definitely try it out.
Marysa
We have made a 7 layer dip before, but not a 7 layer salad. This looks delicious and I like all the different ingredients that go into this.
Ebony
We have a group of friends coming over tonight so this is the perfect dish to make for everyone. Can’t wait to make this today!
Beth Pierce
I am sure they will certainly love it!
Autumn Murray
Now, this is my kind of salad! So incredibly delicious. It is an entire meal all by itself. Thank you for the recipe!
Emman Damian
Wow! This is fully stacked! Seems so filling! I will make it on Sunday.
Elizabeth O
wow, Ive never had the idea of making a seven-layer salad. This is so healthy and I will definitely add it to my list
Dominique
I love a good salad, and this tickled all the boxes! Will definitely be making again!
Ave
I really love salads but I haven’t made seven-layer salad before. I love the mix of colors and textures of this salad. Have to give this recipe a try soon.
Talya Stone
Such a classic and a great choice to get plenty of nutrients and loads of different colors in one bowl. This was delicious!
Rosey
A seven layer salad is appealing too. Makes me hungry just looking at it. 🙂
April
This looks very quick and easy to make. I don’t like eggs, so I would take them out of the salad.
Monica Simpson
This is what I need to remember to bring to potlucks. It’s such a crowd pleaser!
Tara Pittman
I do love 7 layer salad. I will have to make this for dinner.
Heather
We eat salad on a pretty daily basis so I’m always looking for new options. This one looks delicious!
Angela
This salad brings back so many memories… it’s so good! Love the pretty presentation too. YUM!
Krissy Allori
Talk about a whole meal in a bowl! Love all of the ingredients.
Joanne
I’ll be bookmarking this for summer, when we can gather outside in a group again.
Beth Pierce
Thanks Joanne! I hope you enjoy it!
Laura
This is absolutely my go-to salad. It’s pretty easy to make and just has so many great flavors and crunchy bits.
Pam Greer
This is so pretty with all the layers, people always ooh and aah over it! Then after they taste it, they want the recipe!
Mama Maggie's Kitchen
Hmm yum! I am a super fan of salads and this Seven Layer Salad is perfect! Loving all those ingredients and it looks really yummy to eat.
Haley D. Williams
Wow there is so much flavor in this salad! It’s delicious and filling
Jas
Yum! A whole delicious meal in itself! I’d be all over those layers! Perfect for entertaining too!
Abigail Raines
What a show-stopping salad with seven layers of deliciousness! Perfect for any gathering!
Catalina
Look at these inviting salad layers! I will make it for Sunday dinner!
Catalina
This is the best layered salad I ever had! It’s so rich and delicious!
Beth Pierce
Thank you, Catalina!
Toni
I love everything about this salad! Packed full of amazing flavors!
Erin
This Seven Layer Salad couldn’t look any more perfect!
Amanda
I love this idea so much!
Alma Halstead
I can’t wait to make this,my family will love this ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
Dorothy Reinhold
Oh yummmmmm! Layered salad is the BEST! This is going to be a staple at my house this spring and summer.
Jessica
This is one of our favorite salads! Perfect for a crowd!
Allyson Zea
Oh I can’t wait to try this! Looks amazing and so easy!!!!