Classic Seven Layer Salad

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A Classic Seven Layer Salad is the perfect make-ahead choice for a spring or summer potluck or holiday gathering anytime of year. Crisp, colorful ingredients are layered in a glass dish and topped with a slightly sweet and tangy dressing. Easy to customize and sure to make an impression!

Prep Time20

Total Time20

Course: Salad

Cuisine: American

Servings:

Calories: 391kcal

Author: Valerie Brunmeier

Ingredients

For the salad:

6 to 8 cups chopped lettuce half iceberg/half romaine
3 or 4 medium tomatoes chopped
16 ounce can garbanzo beans rinsed and drained well
6 ribs celery chopped
1 bunch green onions chopped
8 hard-boiled eggs chopped
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
16 ounces frozen peas do not thaw

Garnish

1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese or to taste
8 strips bacon cooked, cooled, and crumbled (see notes below)

For the dressing:

1 cup mayonnaise
¼ cup sour cream light or regular
1 tablespoon sugar
1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
½ teaspoon Lawry's Seasoned Salt or similar all-purpose seasoning
2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives

Instructions

Layer the salad ingredients in a clear glass trifle bowl or similar dish in the order listed through the peas.
Combine dressing ingredients in a small bowl. Use a rubber spatula or icing knife to spread the dressing out over the frozen peas. Garnish with the cheese and bacon (you can reserve the cheese and bacon and garnish just before serving, if desired).
Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or up to 24 hours before serving.

Notes

Cooking Bacon in the Oven

Preheat your oven to 375 degrees F and line a rimmed baking sheet with heavy duty foil
Place the bacon in an even layer and transfer the baking sheet to the oven. Bake for about 15 minutes or until nicely crisped.
Remove the pan from the oven and transfer the bacon to paper towels to drain.

Layering Variation: If you’d like the dressing to be the final layer, layer the cheese and bacon inside the salad on top of the egg layer instead of using it as a garnish on top.

Layering Order: The order which the ingredients are layered is important. The lettuce is always on the bottom with the other ingredients layered over it to separate it from the dressing on top. This means that when you dig into the salad the next day, the lettuce and other ingredients will still have plenty of crunch.

The Peas: The frozen peas are added just underneath the dressing and help to chill the salad ingredients and peak through the dressing to create a pretty effect. They will thaw overnight and be perfect when you are ready to serve the salad.

Visible Layers: When adding each layer, scatter the ingredients around the edges of the dish first and then fill in to the center. This way you’ll be sure that each layer is visible from the side.

Garnish: If want to ensure the bacon is crisp, reserve it and garnish the salad just before serving.

Nutrition