Seven Layer Salad Recipe
Seven Layer Salad is a classic layered salad perfect for picnics and potlucks, featuring crisp iceberg lettuce, crunchy vegetables, sweet peas, a creamy mayonnaise dressing, savory Parmesan cheese, and crispy bacon for a delightful combination of textures and flavors.
- Author: Rico
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes (including chilling time)
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Salad Layers
- 1 head iceberg lettuce, chopped
- 1 cup celery, diced
- 1 cup green bell pepper, diced
- 1 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1 cup frozen peas, thawed
- 2 cups mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup bacon bits
- Prepare Ingredients: Wash and chop all vegetables thoroughly. Make sure to dry the iceberg lettuce completely to avoid excess moisture in the salad.
- Layer Lettuce: Spread the chopped iceberg lettuce evenly in the bottom of a large glass bowl to create the base layer for the salad.
- Add Celery Layer: Evenly distribute the diced celery over the lettuce layer to add a fresh crunch.
- Add Green Bell Pepper: Spread the diced green bell pepper evenly on top of the celery to bring color and mild sweetness.
- Add Red Onion: Sprinkle the finely chopped red onion as the next layer, providing a sharp, aromatic component.
- Add Peas: Spread the thawed frozen peas evenly over the onion layer, adding a sweet and slightly earthy flavor.
- Make Dressing: In a separate bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise and sugar until smooth and well combined to create a sweet, creamy dressing.
- Top with Dressing: Carefully spread the mayonnaise mixture evenly over the pea layer to cover the salad and help bind the layers together.
- Add Parmesan Cheese: Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the mayonnaise layer to add a salty, savory depth.
- Finish with Bacon Bits: Generously top the salad with crispy bacon bits for a smoky crunch that complements all layers.
- Chill Salad: Cover the salad with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 to 4 hours to allow the flavors to meld and the layers to set before serving.
Notes
- For best texture, ensure lettuce is completely dry before layering.
- Adjust sugar in dressing to taste if you prefer less sweetness.
- Use freshly cooked bacon and crumble it yourself for extra flavor.
- This salad can be prepared a day ahead and refrigerated.
- Serve chilled for optimal taste and texture.
Keywords: Seven Layer Salad, layered salad, picnic salad, no-cook salad, mayo salad, bacon salad, summer salad