7-Layer Salad

This 7-layer salad recipe is a retro potluck favorite—and for good reason. Crisp veggies, savory toppings like shredded cheddar and crumbled bacon, and a creamy herbed dressing mean there’s something for everyone to love. Each ingredient in this vintage salad is layered in a glass bowl or trifle dish, so you can admire the vibrant colors before digging in.

Unlike many other salad recipes, this one can be made in advance; the thick dressing on top seals in freshness and keeps the vegetables crisp. With this salad prepped, all that’s left to do is to set it out and enjoy your gathering.

What is a 7-layer salad?

A 7-layer salad is a classic potluck and holiday side dish believed to have roots in Southern cuisine. It’s made by stacking colorful ingredients in a tall, clear glass dish that shows off the layers. Most recipes include lettuce, peas, tomatoes, eggs, cheese, bacon and a creamy dressing. While there’s plenty of room for variation—and even some debate about the “right” layers—the real charm of a 7-layer salad recipe is its make-ahead convenience and eye-catching presentation.

7-Layer Salad Ingredients

• Lettuce: The salad starts with a crunchy layer of crisp, refreshing iceberg lettuce. Swap in another type of lettuce like chopped romaine or a leafy green mix for extra color and nutrients—just keep in mind they may wilt faster under all the toppings and dressing.
• Parsley: Fresh parsley adds herbal flavor and a bright green layer above the iceberg lettuce. Have a big bunch leftover? Use it in one of these fresh parsley recipes.
• Hard-boiled eggs: Sliced hard-boiled eggs add a creamy, rich layer that balances the crunchy veggies. For perfect yellow yolks and easy peeling, use eggs that are a few days old and chill them in an ice bath right after boiling them.
• Tomatoes: This recipe calls for two large chopped tomatoes, but you can swap in cherry or grape tomatoes for a firmer texture—just halve or quarter them first.
• Peas: Peas bring subtle, natural sweetness and a bright green color to the salad. Thaw frozen peas in the fridge or under cool water, then drain them well before adding them.
• Bacon: For the best flavor, use freshly cooked bacon instead of packaged bits. Pan-fry, microwave or bake it until it’s crisp, then crumble it into bite-sized pieces for a salty, smoky crunch.
• Cheddar cheese: Use coarsely grated cheddar instead of fine shreds for the best texture and bolder cheese flavor. Sharp cheddar adds tangy contrast, but you can use mild cheddar or Monterey Jack if you prefer less of a bite.
• Red onion: To mellow the raw onion’s sharpness, soak the slices in salt water for at least 10 minutes, then drain them and pat them dry.
• Dressing: A simple blend of creamy mayonnaise, sour cream, dill, dried basil, salt and pepper ties the salad together. Prefer a lighter dressing? Replace some or all of the mayo with Greek yogurt.

Directions

Step 1: Layer the salad ingredients

In a large salad bowl, layer all the salad ingredients in the following order: Start with the lettuce, followed by the parsley, sliced hard-boiled eggs and chopped tomatoes.

Continue with the peas, bacon, cheese and onion.

Editor’s Tip: A clear glass trifle dish or deep glass mixing bowl is a must for showing off the colorful layers!

Step 2: Make the dressing

In a small bowl, stir the mayonnaise, sour cream, dill, basil, salt and pepper until they’re smooth and creamy.

Step 3: Top the salad with the dressing

Carefully spread the dressing over the top of the salad.

Editor’s Tip: Spread the dressing all the way to the edges. This will create a seal that helps keep the veggies fresh and crisp until serving time.

Step 4: Chill the salad

Cover the bowl with storage wrap or a lid and place it in the refrigerator for several hours or overnight. Just before serving, sprinkle with extra dill, if desired.

7-Layer Salad Variations

• Add more protein: For a heartier salad, add another layer of diced ham, rotisserie chicken, roasted turkey or small salad shrimp.
• Switch up the veggies: Customize the layers to include your favorite salad veggies. Swap romaine or butter lettuce for the iceberg lettuce, or add chopped bell peppers, cucumber slices, shredded carrots or sweet corn for more color and crunch.
• Include beans: Add a layer of well-drained canned black beans, chickpeas or kidney beans for a boost of plant-based protein and extra texture.
• Try a different dressing: Change the flavor profile by adding ranch seasoning to the dressing or use another dressing, like creamy Italian or a tangy buttermilk dressing.

How to Store 7-Layer Salad

Store your 7-layer salad in the refrigerator until it’s time to serve. If you have leftovers, cover the dish tightly with storage wrap or transfer the remaining salad to an airtight container. For food safety, discard any leftovers that have been at room temperature for over two hours.

How long does a 7-layer salad last?

A 7-layer salad will keep in the refrigerator for up to two days, but it’s at its freshest within 24 hours of assembly. After that, the lettuce may wilt, and the layers can turn watery.

Can you make a 7-layer salad ahead of time?

You can (and should) assemble a 7-layer salad ahead of time. You can assemble it a few hours ahead or even the night before a gathering. Chilling it allows the flavors to meld while keeping the layers cool and crisp.  Be sure to spread the dressing evenly over the top to seal in freshness.

7-Layer Salad Tips

What’s in a 7-layer salad?

While there’s some debate over what ingredients should be included, most traditional 7-layer salads include a green lettuce base followed by layers of hard-boiled eggs, peas, crumbled bacon, shredded cheese and a creamy salad dressing. Those layers are the classic choices, but you can easily swap or add layers to include your favorite salad ingredients.

How do I make this 7-layer salad recipe vegetarian?

To make this 7-layer salad vegetarian, leave out the bacon or replace it with a vegetarian-friendly salad topping. You could add beans for plant-based protein, or try roasted chickpeas, sunflower seeds, chopped nuts or crisp cucumbers for crunch.

How do you serve a 7-layer salad?

To show off the beautiful layers, assemble your 7-layer salad in a glass bowl and serve it with a large spoon for scooping rather than tossing the salad together. To ensure that each serving includes a bit of every layer, scoop from the top to the bottom of the bowl.

A crisp, creamy scoop of 7-layer salad is especially delicious alongside hearty main dishes, like grilled chicken, baked ham, hamburgers and baked casseroles. It’s also a natural fit with classic potluck dishes, like deviled eggs, pasta salad and baked beans.