7 Layer Salad Recipe
Fresh, crisp, and impossibly colorful, this Seven Layer Salad Recipe brings retro charm to any potluck or holiday table. Each bite is a perfect contrast of creamy, crunchy, salty, and sweet.
Built in layers and best served in a clear glass bowl, this salad is a visual and flavorful showstopper that’s endlessly customizable, yet comforting in its classic form.
What You’ll Need for This Seven Layer Salad
- Lettuce – The cool, crunchy foundation that sets the stage for every vibrant layer to come. Romaine or iceberg both work beautifully.
- Red onion – Adds a sharp bite and vibrant color, balancing the salad’s creamy and sweet elements.
- Celery – Brings in fresh, peppery crunch for extra texture and a subtle earthiness.
- Frozen peas – A sweet and starchy layer that softens slightly as it chills, creating contrast and depth.
- Mayonnaise – The creamy “dressing” that locks in moisture and melds the flavors of all layers.
- Granulated sugar – Just a touch to sweeten the mayo, making it taste like a vintage-style dressing.
- Cheddar cheese – Adds bold flavor and richness to the upper layers, anchoring the salad’s savory profile.
- Bacon – The final flourish of salty, smoky crunch that makes every forkful irresistible.
Stack It Up! How to Make This Seven Layer Salad Recipe
Start by layering the shredded lettuce in a large glass bowl for visual appeal and structural support.
Follow with the red onion, celery, and sweet peas to build your colorful middle.
Gently spread the sweetened mayo over the peas—don’t stir it in—then top with shredded cheddar and crispy crumbled bacon.
Cover the bowl and refrigerate for several hours, allowing the flavors to mingle and the textures to meld just right.
Tips, Tricks & Tasty Twists for Your Salad Stack
This salad is all about contrast—crunchy veggies, creamy topping, salty bacon—so don’t overthink it. The layers don’t need to be perfect; just keep them distinct.
Want to make it lighter? Swap out half the mayo with Greek yogurt. Prefer a punchier dressing? Add a splash of apple cider vinegar or Dijon mustard to the mayo.
You can also experiment with layers—hard-boiled eggs, cherry tomatoes, or shredded carrots are all popular (and tasty) additions. Just keep the dressing and bacon on top to lock everything in.
Leftover Love: How to Store This Salad Right
Seven Layer Salad stores best when tightly covered and kept in the refrigerator. It holds up well for up to two days, especially if untouched.
To keep the top layers crisp, avoid mixing before storing. If you anticipate leftovers, layer ingredients in individual jars or containers to preserve their texture longer.
Freezing isn’t recommended, as the fresh vegetables and mayo dressing won’t thaw well—this one’s best enjoyed fresh and cold.
7 Layer Salad Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup diced red onion
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 2 –3 ribs celery thinly sliced (approx. 1 cup)
- 1 head lettuce finely shredded
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 1/2 pound bacon cooked and crumbled
- 12 ounces frozen peas thawed
Instructions
- Distribute the shredded lettuce in an even layer across the base of a clear serving bowl. Scatter the diced red onion over the lettuce, followed by the sliced celery and the thawed peas.
- Carefully spread the mayonnaise over the peas, forming a smooth, even layer. Evenly sprinkle the granulated sugar across the surface of the mayonnaise.
- Scatter the shredded cheddar cheese over the top, then finish with the crumbled bacon.
- Cover the bowl securely and refrigerate until well chilled.
Notes
For the peas, a quick rinse under cold water speeds up thawing; ensure they are well-drained before layering.
The sugar subtly enhances the mayo, converting it into a sweet-tangy dressing. It can be omitted for a more savory profile.