Seven-Layer Salad

Name: Seven-Layer Salad
Prep time: 25 min
Total time: 25 min
Yield: 8 servings
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 8 cups iceberg lettuce, shredded; 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved; 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced; 4 celery stalks, thinly sliced; 2 cups frozen peas, thawed; 8 cooked bacon strips, crumbled; 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded; 1 cup mayonnaise; 1/2 cup sour cream; 2 tsp granulated sugar; 2 tsp apple cider vinegar; 1/2 tsp salt; 1/4 tsp black pepper

A classic American potluck salad built with layered lettuce, vegetables, bacon, peas, cheddar, and a tangy mayo dressing sealed on top. Best made ahead so the layers can meld.

25 minEasyServes 8290 cal/serving

AmericanSaladNo-CookStandardHigh FiberNut-FreeCorn-Free

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Ingredients

8 cups iceberg lettuce, shredded
2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
4 celery stalks, thinly sliced
2 cups frozen peas, thawed
8 cooked bacon strips, crumbled
1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
1 cup mayonnaise
1/2 cup sour cream
2 tsp granulated sugar
2 tsp apple cider vinegar
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper

Instructions

1

In a small bowl, whisk together 1 cup mayonnaise, 1/2 cup sour cream, 2 tsp granulated sugar, 2 tsp apple cider vinegar, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper to make the dressing. Set aside.
2

In a large, straight-sided glass bowl or trifle dish, spread 8 cups shredded iceberg lettuce as the first layer.
3

Add layers in this order: 2 cups halved cherry tomatoes, 1/2 thinly sliced red onion, 4 thinly sliced celery stalks, then 2 cups thawed frozen peas.
4

Spread the prepared dressing evenly over the top of the pea layer, sealing the salad to the edges of the bowl.
5

Sprinkle 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese over the dressing, then top with 8 crumbled cooked bacon strips. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight before serving. Do not toss before serving.

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Questions

How much time should I plan for Seven-Layer Salad?

As written, 25 minutes: 25 of prep and 0 of cooking. The longest single stretch is the hands-off wait in step 5, overnight, or about 8 hours. That wait sits outside the stated prep and cook times, so plan around it.

What can I use instead of sour cream in Seven-Layer Salad?

The entry for Seven-Layer Salad calls for 1/2 cup sour cream. In its place: Full-fat plain Greek yogurt, measure for measure. In hot sauces, add it off the heat.

Can I use turkey bacon instead of bacon in Seven-Layer Salad?

Yes. Turkey bacon renders almost no fat, so add a tablespoon of oil wherever the method counts on the drippings. As written, the entry for Seven-Layer Salad uses 8 cooked bacon strips, crumbled.

Can I make Seven-Layer Salad dairy-free?

Yes. The dairy in Seven-Layer Salad is 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded, 1/2 cup sour cream. Swap the cheese for a plant-based melting cheese (expect a milder flavor); the sour cream for thick coconut yogurt with a squeeze of lemon. The richness shifts slightly, but the method does not change.

Does Seven-Layer Salad contain eggs?

Yes: 1 cup mayonnaise. The full allergen list for this entry is dairy and eggs. Packaged ingredients vary by brand, so check labels if the allergy is serious.

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