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The Ultimate Make-Ahead Classic Seven Layer Salad Recipe

A tall, layered seven layer salad in a clear glass bowl, topped with cheese, eggs, peas, and onions.
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You can assemble this classic seven layer salad ahead of time, making it a perfect, stress-free side dish for potlucks, parties, and family gatherings. It features crisp vegetables, hard-boiled eggs, cheese, and a creamy dressing, all displayed beautifully in a glass bowl.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 head iceberg lettuce, chopped
  • 1 cup frozen peas, thawed
  • 4 hard-boiled eggs, chopped
  • 1 cup chopped celery
  • 1/2 cup red onion, thinly sliced
  • 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup crumbled bacon (optional)
  • 1 cup mayonnaise
  • 1/4 cup sour cream
  • 1 tablespoon white vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

  1. Prepare the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, white vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper until smooth. Set aside.
  2. Prepare the layers: Ensure all vegetables are washed, dried, and chopped. Chop the hard-boiled eggs. Shred the cheese.
  3. Assemble the salad in a large, clear glass bowl for presentation. This order keeps the crisp ingredients away from the dressing until serving.
  4. Layer 1: Place the chopped iceberg lettuce on the bottom of the bowl.
  5. Layer 2: Sprinkle the thawed peas evenly over the lettuce.
  6. Layer 3: Add the chopped hard-boiled eggs.
  7. Layer 4: Distribute the chopped celery and sliced red onion over the eggs.
  8. Layer 5: Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the vegetables.
  9. Layer 6: If using, sprinkle the crumbled bacon over the cheese layer.
  10. Layer 7: Spread the prepared creamy dressing evenly over the top layer, sealing the ingredients below.
  11. Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight, before serving.
  12. When ready to serve, remove the plastic wrap. You can sprinkle a few extra bacon crumbles or chopped parsley on top for garnish if desired. Serve directly from the glass bowl.

Notes

  • To keep this make ahead salad crisp, do not add the dressing until you are ready to chill it, and make sure the lettuce is very dry before layering.
  • If you are serving a large crowd, you can easily double this recipe.
  • For a different flavor, substitute half the cheddar cheese with grated Parmesan cheese.
  • This salad is excellent for summer side dishes for barbecue events.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://www.purecookingjoy.com/seven-layer-salad-recipe/

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