This Overnight 7-Layer Salad is a delightful make-ahead dish that’s as fresh and crunchy as it is delicious. With layers of crisp lettuce, colorful vegetables, cheese, and bacon, topped with a creamy dressing, this salad is a showstopper!
What Is 7-Layer Salad?
The classic 7-layer salad starts with a base of crisp iceberg lettuce, followed by six additional layers of flavorful ingredients. This recipe includes tomatoes, peas, green onions, hard-boiled eggs, cheese, and bacon, all topped with a mayonnaise-based dressing. The salad benefits from an overnight chill, making it perfect for potlucks or meal prep. Prepare it the night before; it stays crispy and flavorful even with the dressing on top. Serve it in a trifle or glass bowl to showcase the vibrant layers!
Ingredients for Seven-Layer Salad
Feel free to mix and match ingredients! While this recipe calls for seven layers, you can customize it with your favorite veggies.
- Lettuce: Iceberg lettuce maintains its crunch well due to its high water content. Wash and dry thoroughly using a salad spinner.
- Vegetables: Tomatoes, peas, and sliced green onions add texture and color.
- Bacon & Eggs: These add protein and additional texture. For best results, sprinkle the bacon on just before serving.
- Cheese: Cheddar cheese provides a sharp contrast to the sweet peas and salty bacon. Blue cheese crumbles or parmesan are also great options.
- Variations: Add chopped celery, sliced radishes, diced bell peppers, mushrooms, shredded zucchini, corn, sundried tomatoes, or shredded Brussels sprouts for extra flavor and texture.
Dressing for Overnight Salad
The mayonnaise-based sour cream dressing is easy to make and holds up well. Customize with your favorite herbs or ranch-style seasonings.
How to Make Overnight Salad
- Prepare the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, sugar, and seasoned salt. Set aside.
- Assemble the Salad: Layer the ingredients in a large trifle bowl or a 9×13 pan, starting with lettuce, then tomatoes, peas, green onions, and boiled eggs. Spread the dressing evenly over the top, reaching the edges.
- Chill: Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight. Add cheese and bacon just before serving.
Storing 7-Layer Salad
Keep the salad covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors meld beautifully as it sits!
Prep-Ahead Side Dishes
Did you try this 7-Layer Salad? We’d love to hear your thoughts! Leave a rating and comment below.
Nutritional Information
- Calories: 348
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Protein: 13g
- Fat: 29g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Cholesterol: 165mg
- Sodium: 579mg
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 6g
Enjoy this colorful and hearty salad at your next event!
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