Easy 7-Layer Salad

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Layer upon layer of fresh veggies and lettuce, topped with cheddar cheese and pan-fried bacon crumbles — this Easy 7-Layer Salad is to die for! Dressed in creamy homemade dressing, does it get any better?

This Classic Seven-Layer Salad recipe is made in layers of crisp and fresh ingredients with dressing poured all over the top. Then, it is placed in the refrigerator to allow the layers to soak up the dressing flavors.

The next day, the layered salad is tossed just before serving, which keeps the ingredients crisp and fresh.

Feel free to get creative with the layers as long as you are sure to include green peas, cheese, and bacon — those are a must with the tangy sweet dressing!

Often, I mix it up with whatever veggies I have in my refrigerator crisper. Bell peppers, celery, green onions, or carrots may be substituted or added.

Many 7-layer salad recipes also include a layer of chopped hard-boiled eggs.

If this recipe has you craving more hearty, delicious salad recipes, check out some of my other incredibly fresh and tasty salads, like my irresistible BRAVO Copycat Grilled Salmon Salad.

Key ingredients & substitutions for this Layered Salad Recipe

Salad Layers

• Iceberg lettuce —  Choose a fresh and crisp head of iceberg lettuce to create the base of the salad. If you prefer, you may use romaine or a combination of all your favorite salad leaves.
• Bell pepper —  I suggest using yellow or green bell peppers for a nice balance of bitter and sweet. However, the color you choose won’t make or break the recipe. So, if you’d rather use what you have on hand or your personal favorite, go for it!

• Red onion —  Thinly sliced red onions add a pop of color to this salad and a subtle kick of spice. If necessary or preferred, you can use chopped green onions as a substitute.
• Grape tomatoes —  Grape tomatoes are perfect for bringing in that classic tomato flavor. You may also use sweet cherry tomatoes.
• Green peas —  Thawing frozen green peas adds sugary sweetness to the recipe. If you’d rather use fresh peas or canned peas (but I wouldn’t), expect the taste and texture to differ.

• Cheddar cheese —  Cheddar cheese is perhaps the most delicious cheese to pair with salty bacon. However, you could swap the cheddar for parmesan, jack, Swiss, mozzarella, or any of your favorite cheeses to sprinkle on salads.
• Bacon — What’s the secret to elevating this recipe above other bland salads? Freshly fried and crispy bacon crumbles!

Homemade Dressing

• Mayonnaise —  Classic mayonnaise is the base for most homemade cream dressing recipes. It adds a tasty flavor and gives the dressing a thicker consistency. You can use Miracle Whip as well.
• Sour cream —  Sour cream brings tangy notes and a fluffier texture to this creamy dressing. Plain Greek yogurt can be used in its place or use all mayo, if preferred.

• Sugar —  Just a bit of granulated sugar adds just the right amount of sweetness to enhance the dominant acidic and creamy flavors.
• Apple cider vinegar —  Apple cider vinegar is a unique ingredient to add to a homemade creamy dressing. I love how it brings a tangy and sweet taste that melds all the other flavors together.

Equipment needed

• Large Glass Salad Bowl or Trifle Dish — You want the salad’s colorful layers to shine through!

How to make Seven Layer Salad with Creamy Dressing

This Salad recipe made in a glass dish with layers of flavor makes a beautiful showing on the table or buffet. And you can toss it right in front of your guests!

STEP 1 | Chop the lettuce

Before you begin, remember to take out the frozen peas to thaw. It’s also helpful to slice and dice the vegetables initially, so the preparation runs smoother.

And finally, cook and chop the bacon pieces. That way, they have time to cool before sprinkling on top. Now, let’s get to it!

Choose your favorite large glass salad bowl. Or, for a picture-perfect presentation, use a trifle dish to hold this easy 7-layered salad.

Then, coarsely chop the fresh lettuce into relatively large chunks and place them at the bottom of the dish.

STEP 2 | Add the veggies

Next, layer the diced bell pepper, thinly sliced red onion, and halved grape tomatoes each in its own layer. Sprinkle the green peas over the top evenly.

STEP 3 | Make the dressing

Time to create the tangy and creamy Dressing! In a medium bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, sugar, and apple cider vinegar.

And that’s pretty much it! Just taste the dressing and season with salt and pepper to your liking, and you’re good to go.

STEP 4 | Top it all off

This easy yet delicious layered salad is almost complete! Evenly spread the dressing over your salad. You want the homemade dressing to completely cover the top layer.

Next, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese layer and top it off with the savory crumbled bacon.

STEP 5 | Chill

Finally, tightly cover the salad with plastic wrap and refrigerate to chill the ingredients overnight or for about 2 hours.

STEP 6 | Toss and serve!

When you’re ready to serve, gently toss the ingredients together with the dressing.

Oh, and you can sprinkle the layered salad with freshly grated Parmesan cheese if desired—I highly recommend it!

Frequently asked questions

Serving suggestions

To put this recipe over the top, try adding crunchy fried onions or avocado slices!

Add some extra protein to make this refreshing salad a filling meal. It also makes for an incredible side salad to a delicious entree, like grilled pork chops with my quick and easy marinade or this tender and perfectly seasoned steakhouse-quality New York strip.

For a classic and comforting combination, pair this salad with a hot soup, like loaded potato soup, my easy crockpot broccoli cheddar soup, or this chicken Florentine soup with homemade parmesan croutons!