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!
![7 Layer Salad – Spend With Pennies 7 Layer Salad – Spend With Pennies](https://www.spendwithpennies.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/7-Layer-Salad-SpendWithPennies-3.jpg)
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!
![A 7 layer salad is an easy side dish that can be made in advance, making it the perfect dish to bring to a potluck or picnic. What is not to love about the cream dressing made with just a few simple ingredients – mayonnaise, sour cream, a little sugar, and some salt? The salad itself is made with some iceberg lettuce, tomatoes, peas, eggs, and onions. The final touch is the shredded cheese topping and the crispy bacon. So easy, and so good! #spendwithpennies lettuce, mayonnaise, sour cream, bacon, cheese, peas, tomatoes, sugar, hard-boiled eggs, onions, and seasonings with labels to make 7 Layer Salad](https://www.spendwithpennies.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/IG-7-Layer-Salad-SpendWithPennies-.jpg)
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.
![Try making this 7 layer salad for an easy make ahead side dish for the next potluck, or picnic. This is a traditional Southern recipe, that combines a smooth and creamy dressing, with crispy iceberg lettuce, flavorful bacon, cheese, egg, and more. This salad has the best combination of flavors and has remained a popular dish for a reason! #spendwithpennies adding ingredients together to make dressing for 7 Layer Salad](https://www.spendwithpennies.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/7-Layer-Salad-SpendWithPennies-2.jpg)
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
![This 7 layer salad is a creamy, flavorful side dish, that can easily be made in advance. An overnight salad like this is one for the recipe books. Iceberg lettuce, tomatoes, peas, cheese, onions, and bacon are layered in a serving dish. And don't forget the creamy dressing made from sour cream, mayo, and salt that is so simple to make, and will add a creaminess to the final salad. #spendwithpennies adding lettuce to bowl to make 7 Layer Salad](https://www.spendwithpennies.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/7-Layer-Salad-SpendWithPennies-5.jpg)
![This 7 layer salad is an easy make ahead side dish, that is perfect for bringing along to the next potluck or picnic. There aren't many overnight salad recipes out there, that call for lettuce, and vegetables. In this recipe, iceberg lettuce, tomatoes, peas, onions, eggs, cheese, and bacon are layered in a dish along with a creamy dressing. So easy and oh so delicious! #spendwithpennies adding tomatoes to bowls to make 7 Layer Salad](https://www.spendwithpennies.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/7-Layer-Salad-SpendWithPennies-6.jpg)
![The overnight 7-layer salad is a classic potluck favorite, featuring layers of crisp lettuce, juicy tomatoes, hard-boiled eggs, and crunchy bacon. Topped with a creamy dressing and shredded cheese, this colorful dish is prepared the night before, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully. It's an easy, make-ahead option that's always a crowd-pleaser. #spendwithpennies adding peas to bowls to make 7 Layer Salad](https://www.spendwithpennies.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/7-Layer-Salad-SpendWithPennies-7.jpg)
![The overnight 7-layer salad is a vibrant and refreshing dish, perfect for any gathering. Layers of crunchy lettuce, sweet peas, chopped green onions, and diced bell peppers create a colorful presentation. Finished with a creamy mayonnaise dressing and crumbled bacon, this salad is as delicious as it is visually appealing. #spendwithpennies adding green onions to bowl to make 7 Layer Salad](https://www.spendwithpennies.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/7-Layer-Salad-SpendWithPennies-9.jpg)
![The overnight 7-layer salad combines fresh, crisp ingredients with rich, savory flavors for a delightful dish. Layers of iceberg lettuce, shredded carrots, hard-boiled eggs, and sharp cheddar cheese are topped with a tangy mayonnaise dressing. The result is a beautifully layered, flavorful salad that's ideal for potlucks and parties. #spendwithpennies adding dressing over ingredients to make 7 Layer Salad](https://www.spendwithpennies.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/7-Layer-Salad-SpendWithPennies-10.jpg)
![The overnight 7-layer salad is a feast for both the eyes and the palate. With layers of crisp romaine, juicy tomatoes, hard-boiled eggs, and tender green peas, each bite offers a variety of textures. The creamy dressing and bacon crumbles add a savory touch, making this salad a hit at any event. #spendwithpennies adding cheese on top of 7 Layer Salad](https://www.spendwithpennies.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/7-Layer-Salad-SpendWithPennies-11.jpg)
- 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.
![adding bacon and green onions to the top of a 7 Layer Salad](https://www.spendwithpennies.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/7-Layer-Salad-SpendWithPennies-12-800x1200.jpg)
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.
![finished 7 Layer Salad](https://www.spendwithpennies.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/7-Layer-Salad-SpendWithPennies-3-220x220.jpg)
7 Layer Salad
A delicious medley of layers topped with a creamy homemade dressing and bacon crumbles makes for a colorful and hearty salad!
Prevent your screen from going dark
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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.
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![Each individual layer of this 7 layer salad combines to make a flavorful and hard-to-resist side dish. Crispy iceberg lettuce is the base layer for this salad. Then it is topped with layers of tomatoes, peas, onions, eggs, and a creamy dressing made from mayonnaise and sour cream. Add a little shredded cheddar cheese, some bacon, and a little chill time in the refrigerator and this salad is ready to be served! #spendwithpennies light and fresh Overnight Salad with writing](https://www.spendwithpennies.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/SP-Overnight-Salad-2-SpendWithPennies-1.jpg)
![Overnight Salad with a title](https://www.spendwithpennies.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/NP-Overnight-Salad-2-SpendWithPennies-.jpg)
![This 7 layer salad is a creamy, flavorful side dish, that can easily be made in advance. An overnight salad like this is one for the recipe books. Iceberg lettuce, tomatoes, peas, cheese, onions, and bacon are layered in a serving dish. And don't forget the creamy dressing made from sour cream, mayo, and salt that is so simple to make, and will add a creaminess to the final salad. #spendwithpennies 7 layer Overnight Salad with a title](https://www.spendwithpennies.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/SP-Overnight-Salad-2-SpendWithPennies-3.jpg)
![This 7 layer salad is an easy make ahead side dish, that is perfect for bringing along to the next potluck or picnic. There aren't many overnight salad recipes out there, that call for lettuce, and vegetables. In this recipe, iceberg lettuce, tomatoes, peas, onions, eggs, cheese, and bacon are layered in a dish along with a creamy dressing. So easy and oh so delicious! #spendwithpennies bowl of Overnight Salad and top view with a title](https://www.spendwithpennies.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/LP-Overnight-Salad-2-SpendWithPennies-.jpg)