By Seven-Layer Salad is a comfort-food classic made simpler for home cooks. With everyday ingredients and reliable technique, it delivers big flavor with little effort.
Seven-Layer Salad captures the essence of salads while staying approachable for everyday cooking. The method focuses on maximizing flavor with minimal steps, using common pantry items and fresh ingredients. From the first bite you’ll notice a balance of texture and taste that feels both familiar and exciting. To build depth, we combine proper seasoning with simple techniques: gentle heat for aromatics, accurate measurements, and attention to doneness. Small details—like resting time or layering ingredients—make a noticeable difference in the final dish. This recipe is designed to be flexible. You can swap in seasonal produce, adjust spices to match your preferences, or adapt the base to suit dietary needs. The goal is to keep the spirit of the dish while letting you tailor it to your kitchen. Serving ideas are wide open: pair with a crisp salad, roasted vegetables, warm bread, or your favorite grains. Leftovers store well and often taste even better the next day as flavors settle. That makes the recipe suitable for meal prep and busy schedules. For best results, read the steps once before you start, assemble ingredients, and cook with confidence. Taste as you go, and don’t be afraid to adjust seasoning. With these principles, Seven-Layer Salad becomes a reliable addition to your rotation—crowd-pleasing, practical, and full of flavor.
INGREDIENTS
1 head iceberg lettuce, chopped
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1 cup cucumbers, sliced
1 cup frozen peas, thawed
6 hard-boiled eggs, chopped
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
8 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
Dressing:
1 cup mayonnaise
1/2 cup sour cream
2 tablespoons sugar
Salt and pepper to taste
PREPARATION STEPS
Layer the Salad:
In a large clear bowl, layer the salad ingredients starting with iceberg lettuce at the bottom, followed by cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, frozen peas, hard-boiled eggs, shredded cheddar cheese, and finally, the crumbled bacon on top.
Make the Dressing:
In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, sugar, salt, and pepper until smooth.
Dress the Salad:
Spread the dressing evenly over the top layer of bacon, ensuring to cover the edges to seal the salad.
Chill:
Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight, to allow flavors to meld.
Serve:
Serve chilled, making sure to scoop down deep to get a bit of each layer.
Prep Time: 20 minutes | Chill Time: 4 hours | Total Time: 4 hours 20 minutes
Calories: 420 kcal per serving | Servings: 8 servings
ORIGIN STORY
Home-style cooking inspired by classic flavors and modern, reliable methods.
META INFOS
Prep: 15 min | Cook: 0 min | Total: 15 min | Servings: 4 | Calories: ~220 kcal | Difficulty: Easy
BENEFITS
Balanced flavor with approachable prep. Nutrition-friendly options and make-ahead friendly for busy schedules.
OCCASIONS
Weeknight dinners; Family gatherings; Potlucks; Holidays; Picnics; Meal prep
VARIATIONS
Swap seasonal produce; Adjust spices; Offer gluten-free or low-carb options where suitable; Try alternative proteins.
PAIRING
Whole grain bread; Soup; Grilled protein
STORAGE
Refrigerate in airtight container 2–4 days; freeze up to 2 months. Reheat gently to preserve texture.
TIPS
Measure accurately; Preheat pans/oven; Avoid overcooking; Taste and adjust seasoning; Rest before slicing when needed.
