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Classic 7 Layer Salad: The Best Potluck Side Dish

A beautiful, layered glass bowl filled with a classic 7 layer salad topped with bacon and cheese.
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Make the ultimate classic 7 layer salad. This recipe features fresh ingredients layered perfectly and a creamy dressing, making it an easy make-ahead salad ideal for any gathering.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 head iceberg lettuce, chopped
  • 1 cup frozen peas, thawed
  • 1 cup chopped celery
  • 1 cup chopped red onion
  • 4 hard-boiled eggs, sliced
  • 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
  • 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup chopped tomatoes
  • 1 cup mayonnaise
  • 2 tablespoons white vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard

Instructions

  1. Prepare the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, white vinegar, sugar, and Dijon mustard until smooth. Set aside.
  2. Prepare the vegetables and bacon: Ensure the peas are thawed. Chop the celery and red onion. Slice the hard-boiled eggs. Cook the bacon until crisp, then crumble it. Shred the cheddar cheese. Chop the tomatoes.
  3. Assemble the layers in a large glass bowl or trifle dish in this specific order: Start with half of the chopped lettuce on the bottom.
  4. Add the next layer of peas over the lettuce.
  5. Follow with the celery layer.
  6. Add the red onion layer next.
  7. Place the sliced hard-boiled eggs over the onions.
  8. Spread half of the creamy dressing evenly over the egg layer.
  9. Sprinkle half of the shredded cheddar cheese over the dressing.
  10. Add the crumbled bacon layer.
  11. Top with the remaining lettuce.
  12. Spread the remaining dressing over the top layer of lettuce.
  13. Finish by topping with the remaining cheddar cheese and the chopped tomatoes.
  14. Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap. Chill the salad for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow the layers to set and the flavors to meld.
  15. When ready to serve, slice down through all the layers to serve portions.

Notes

  • Prepare this salad the night before your event; chilling overnight makes it a perfect make-ahead salad.
  • Use a clear glass bowl to show off the distinct layers, which is key for this retro salad recipe.
  • If you are serving a large crowd, you can easily double this recipe for a bigger potluck side dish.

Nutrition

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