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Classic 7 Layer Salad: Make-Ahead Potluck Staple

Close-up cross-section of an amazing 7 layer salad showing layers of eggs, lettuce, red onion, and topped with bacon.
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Prepare this traditional 7 Layer Salad ahead of time for your next gathering. It features crisp layers of lettuce, peas, bacon, cheddar cheese, and a creamy dressing, making it a reliable potluck favorite.

Ingredients

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  • 1 head iceberg lettuce, shredded
  • 1 cup frozen peas, thawed
  • 1 cup chopped celery
  • 1 cup chopped red onion
  • 4 hard-boiled eggs, sliced or chopped
  • 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup crumbled bacon
  • 1 cup mayonnaise
  • 2 tablespoons white vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

  1. Prepare the creamy dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, white vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper until smooth. Set aside.
  2. Prepare the vegetables and toppings: Ensure the peas are thawed. Chop the celery and red onion. Slice or chop the hard-boiled eggs. Shred the cheddar cheese and cook the bacon until crisp, then crumble it.
  3. Assemble the layers in a large glass bowl or trifle dish, starting with the lettuce at the bottom.
  4. Layer 1: Place all the shredded lettuce over the bottom of the bowl.
  5. Layer 2: Distribute the thawed peas evenly over the lettuce.
  6. Layer 3: Add the chopped celery.
  7. Layer 4: Add the chopped red onion.
  8. Layer 5: Arrange the sliced or chopped hard-boiled eggs over the onions.
  9. Layer 6: Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the eggs.
  10. Layer 7: Spread the creamy dressing mixture completely over the cheese layer, sealing the salad.
  11. Just before serving, sprinkle the crumbled bacon over the top of the dressing layer.
  12. Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap and chill for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight, before serving. Do not add the bacon until just before serving if making ahead.

Notes

  • You can assemble all layers except the dressing and bacon the day before. Cover tightly and refrigerate. Add the dressing layer and bacon right before you serve the salad.
  • This recipe works well in a 9×13 inch baking dish if you do not have a deep glass bowl.
  • For a slightly sweeter dressing, increase the sugar to 1.5 tablespoons.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://mayaplate.com/7-layer-salad-recipe-make-ahead-joy/