This traditional 7 layer salad with layers of lettuce, hard-boiled eggs, peas, bacon, cheese plus a creamy dressing is a classic found at any Midwest or Southern gathering!
Classic Seven Layer Salad
This traditional 7 layer salad has loads of bright colors, yummy flavors and crisp texture. This salad is kept in layers and served in a glass trifle bowl or Pyrex dish so that each of the distinct layers is visible.
My version of this old fashioned seven layer salad recipe is made with crisp lettuce, hard boiled eggs, green peas, red onions, bacon, and a sweet creamy dressing. This side dish has been a favorite at church potlucks, picnics and cookouts for generations.
Ingredient Notes
Find the full printable recipe with specific measurements below.
- Lettuce: Iceberg lettuce cored and chopped is the classic and popular choice. It’s crispy, and refreshing. Romaine lettuce is a great substitution.
- Red onion: Mild and slightly sweet, red onion adds a beautiful purple layer without being too pungent.
- Hard-boiled eggs: Sliced hard boiled eggs add some texture and protein.
- Peas: Do not use canned peas. Frozen peas that are thawed add the correct texture.
- Cheddar cheese: Use freshly grated sharp cheddar cheese. It tastes best!
- Crumbled bacon: Cooked ahead of time.
- 7 layer salad dressing: A combination of mayonnaise, Parmesan cheese, honey, garlic powder, lemon juice or vinegar, and salt and pepper to taste.
How to Make Traditional Seven Layer Salad
- Wash and dry the lettuce. This is important because any remaining liquid will cause the lettuce to be soggy and too much liquid to gather at the bottom of the bowl. Use a salad spinner to wash and dry the lettuce as best as you can, and then lay it on a paper towel-lined plate to absorb the rest of the water.
- Assemble the salad. Start with an even layer of lettuce at the bottom of the bowl. Sprinkle with salt. Then top with even layers of onion, eggs, and peas.
- Make the dressing. Whisk the mayo, Parmesan, honey, lemon juice, and garlic powder until combined. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
- Add top layers then chill. Spoon the dressing over the peas then sprinkle the final two layers of shredded cheese and bacon over top of the salad. Cover with plastic wrap and chill for at least 1 hour before serving.
Recipe Tips
- A decorative twist. If you’ve ever seen a 7 layer salad recipe that has a decorative row of sliced eggs around the edge of the bowl, you can do that too. Add a line of slices from 3 eggs around the inside of the bowl with the circles facing outwards. Then, add chopped eggs overtop the onions (inside the ring of egg slices) and continue layering as instructed.
- Use long tongs or a spoon with a long handle. To serve this salad, you want to make sure that everyone can dig deep enough to the bottom to get a little of everything.
- Add-ins: Grape or cherry tomatoes, green onions, corn and cucumbers.
- Make ahead: Assemble the 7 layer salad up to 24 hours ahead of time. The ingredients are very durable! Such an easy way to prepare an overnight salad.
Looking for more delicious salad recipes? Try my cornbread salad recipe, cobb salad, or Asian chicken salad.
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Traditional 7 Layer Salad
Video
Ingredients
Salad
- 1 large head iceberg lettuce , cored and chopped
- 1 teaspoon Kosher salt
- ½ medium red onion , chopped
- 6 large hard-boiled eggs , peeled and chopped
- 1 ½ cups frozen peas
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese , more if desired
- 1/2-1 pound bacon , cooked crispy and crumbled
Dressing
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- ½ cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1-2 Tablespoons honey or sugar , more to taste
- 1-2 teaspoons lemon juice , or vinegar
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt & Pepper , to taste
Optional toppings: Cherry tomatoes, sliced green onions
Instructions
Salad
- In a salad spinner, wash and dry one head of lettuce. Lay on a paper towel-lined plate to soak up excess water. In a small bowl of cold water, soak the onion 5 minutes to mellow flavor. Drain and pat dry.
- In the bottom of a large glass bowl or baking dish, place the lettuce in an even layer. Sprinkle with 1 teaspoon salt. Top with even layers of onion, 6 sliced hard boiled eggs and 1 1/2 cup peas.
Dressing
- In a small bowl, whisk together 1 cup mayonnaise, 1/2 cup parmesan, 1-2 Tablespoon honey, 1-2 teaspoons lemon juice and 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder until combined. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Spoon the dressing over the peas. Then sprinkle 1 cup cheese and 1 1/2 cups bacon over top.
- Cover and chill at least 1 hours or up to 24 hours. Before serving, top with any extra desired toppings. Scoop the salad to serve, or toss if desired.
Notes
- cauliflower
- green pepper
- celery
- sugar snap peas
- green onions
- red bell pepper
- cucumber
Nutrition
Nutrition provided is an estimate. It will vary based on specific ingredients used.
Did you make this recipe? Don’t forget to give it a star rating below!
Categorized as: American, Birthdays, Christmas, Dressings, Easter, Gluten-Free, Kid-Friendly, Meal Prep, Nut-Free, Salads, Thanksgiving
Jamielyn Nye is the founder and recipe creator at I Heart Naptime. She is the author of the I Heart Naptime Cookbook and shares easy family-friendly recipes and desserts for every occasion.
I make this salad for almost every party, everyone always loves it. Most of the time I have to make a triple batch or it will be gone in seconds.
So glad you enjoyed the 7 layer salad!
This is always a hit and crowd pleaser! Seriously, my favorite recipe!
This recipe is very presentable and flavorful! I love that it is handy and less messy. I’ll surely have this on repeat.