This overnight 7-layer salad is a vibrant make-ahead dish that’s fresh, crunchy, and delicious!
Layers of fresh lettuce, veggies, cheese, and bacon are topped with a creamy dressing to make this seven layer salad!
What is 7 Layer Salad?
A classic 7-layer salad recipe starts with a base of crisp iceberg lettuce followed by 6 additional layers. We add tomatoes, peas, green onions, hard-boiled eggs, cheese, and bacon with a mayonnaise-based dressing added in the middle.
- A little “chill” time (overnight) is recommended making this salad recipe potluck perfect.
- Prepare it the night before; a seven-layer salad recipe stays crispy until ready to serve even with the salad dressing on top!
- Serve it in a trifle or glass bowl so everyone can see the delicious layers!
What’s in Seven Layer Salad?
Mix and match the ingredients! I add 7 layers but you can add as many as you’d like to this overnight salad.
Lettuce: Iceberg will stay extra crunchy due to its high water content, so it’s great in an overnight salad. Wash it first and then dry it very well (I use a salad spinner).
Vegetables: Tomatoes, peas, and sliced green onions add texture, color, and visual interest to a 7 layer salad!
Bacon & Eggs: Bacon and hard-boiled eggs add texture, color, and a boost of healthy protein. I keep the bacon on the side and sprinkle it on just before serving.
Cheese: Cheddar cheese has a sharp flavor that tastes great with sweet peas and salty bacon. Blue cheese crumbles or parmesan cheese are other excellent options.
Variations: Chopped celery, sliced radishes, diced bell peppers, sliced mushrooms, shredded zucchini, corn, sundried tomatoes, and even shredded Brussels sprouts can be added to this salad. This is a great recipe for using up leftover bits of veggies in the fridge.
Dressing for Overnight Salad
This mayo-based sour cream dressing is super easy to make. It’s thicker than a traditional dressing, so it holds up well.
Add in your favorite herbs or ranch-style seasonings to change it up.
How to Make Overnight Salad
- Whisk mayonnaise, sour cream, sugar, and seasoned salt in a small bowl for the dressing. Set aside.
- Layer the ingredients in a bowl or trifle dish according to the recipe below.
- Top with the dressing and refrigerate overnight. Add cheese and bacon before serving.
Storing 7-Layer Salad
You can keep the 7-layer salad covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors will blend and taste even better the next day!
More Prep Ahead Sides
Did you make this 7 Layer Salad? Be sure to leave a rating and a comment below.
7 Layer Salad
A delicious medley of layers topped with a creamy homemade dressing and bacon crumbles makes for a colorful and hearty salad!
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In a small bowl, mix mayonnaise, sour cream, sugar, and seasoned salt for the dressing. Set aside.
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Wash and dry the lettuce very well. Place lettuce in the bottom of a large trifle bowl (or 9×13 pan).
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In order, top with tomatoes, peas, green onions, and boiled eggs. Spread the dressing on top right to the edges.
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Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
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Top with cheese and bacon before serving.
- Feel free to substitute other vegetables for the layers. Options include bell peppers, corn, sliced celery, mushrooms, or radishes, sundried tomatoes or shredded carrots, cabbage, zucchini, or brussels sprouts!
- To make ahead, assemble all the layers except cheese and bacon, cover, and chill. Just before serving, layer cheese and bacon on top.
Optional Ranch Style Dressing
1 cup mayonnaise
¾ cup sour cream
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon onion powder
1 tablespoon fresh dill
1 tablespoon fresh parsley
salt & pepper to taste
Calories: 348 | Carbohydrates: 10g | Protein: 13g | Fat: 29g | Saturated Fat: 9g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 10g | Monounsaturated Fat: 7g | Trans Fat: 0.04g | Cholesterol: 165mg | Sodium: 579mg | Potassium: 298mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 6g | Vitamin A: 1124IU | Vitamin C: 15mg | Calcium: 186mg | Iron: 1mg
Nutrition information provided is an estimate and will vary based on cooking methods and brands of ingredients used.
Course Salad, Side Dish
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