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Classic 7 Layer Salad

Close-up of a perfectly layered slice of amazing 7 layer salad showing eggs, bacon, peas, and yellow topping.
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This recipe details how to construct the traditional American 7 Layer Salad, featuring distinct layers of vegetables, eggs, cheese, and a creamy dressing, perfect for gatherings.

Ingredients

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  • 1 head iceberg lettuce, chopped
  • 1 cup frozen green peas, thawed
  • 1 cup chopped celery
  • 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
  • 4 hard-boiled eggs, sliced or chopped
  • 8 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup mayonnaise
  • 2 tablespoons 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, vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper until smooth. Set aside.
  2. Prepare the layers: Cook the bacon until crisp, drain, and crumble. Thaw the peas. Chop the lettuce, celery, and slice the eggs.
  3. Assemble the salad in a large glass bowl or trifle dish to show the layers. Start with the lettuce as the first layer.
  4. Add the peas as the second layer directly over the lettuce.
  5. Place the celery as the third layer.
  6. Arrange the sliced red onion as the fourth layer.
  7. Place the sliced hard-boiled eggs as the fifth layer.
  8. Sprinkle the crumbled bacon evenly over the eggs for the sixth layer.
  9. Spread the prepared creamy dressing evenly over the bacon layer, sealing the ingredients below.
  10. Top the dressing with the shredded cheddar cheese as the final, seventh layer.
  11. Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight, before serving.
  12. When ready to serve, remove the plastic wrap and slice down through all layers to serve portions.

Notes

  • Chilling the salad overnight allows the flavors to meld and the dressing to set, which is key for this recipe.
  • You can substitute iceberg lettuce with romaine lettuce if you prefer a slightly crisper texture.
  • For a slightly different flavor, add a layer of chopped bell peppers or shredded carrots between the celery and onion layers.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://eatableempress.com/7-layer-salad-recipe-classic-make-ahead/