Retro Revival: The Ultimate 7-Layer Salad

This 7 layer salad recipe is a retro dream! Layers of crisp lettuce, bacon, & creamy mayo dressing – the ultimate Southern 7 layer salad recipe! Get the recipe now!

Recipe Introduction

Quick Hook

Remember those family gatherings where the 7 layer salad recipe always stole the show? Honestly, this isn't just a salad; it's a delicious time machine! This Southern 7 Layer Salad Recipe is a crunchy, creamy, sweet, and savory experience that'll have everyone asking for seconds!

Brief Overview

This iconic dish, often found at picnics and potlucks across america, represents a shared love for simple, layered goodness. this 6 layer salad or eight layer salad only needs 40 minutes of active prep time and at least 2 hours to chill.

This layers salad yields around 8-10 servings, perfect for a crowd, or a hungry family.

Main Benefits

One of the best things about this 7 layer salad with mayo is that you can make it ahead of time.

It makes it stress-free for any party. you know? this recipe is special. it is all about the contrast of textures and tastes.

Honestly, i’ve been making a 7 layers salad for years, and it always goes down a treat. it also has a surprising health benefit! all those veggies? hello, fiber boost! this classic from the salads from the 80s is perfect for bringing to a barbecue, potluck, or even a simple summer weeknight dinner.

It’s easy, colorful, and, dare i say, kinda impressive.

I tell you what, even though some recipes call it the "ten layer salad", the 7 layer salad recipe is just fantastic as it is.

This 7 layer salad mayo dressing is what ties all these delicious ingredients together, but you can alter the dressing by using sour cream or greek yogurt!

Time to gather those ingredients, let’s go!

Alright, let's get ready to make this amazing salad. you know, the 7 layer salad recipe is more about assembly than actual cooking.

It's a throwback, but it's a crowd-pleaser. honestly, it’s like a deconstructed sandwich, but way more fun.

Ingredients & Equipment

Main Ingredients

Okay, so, here’s what you'll need to construct this layers salad . don't stress too much. these southern 7 layer salad recipe ingredients are pretty flexible.

My nan used to make a 6 layer salad . we're going old school!

• Iceberg lettuce: 1 head (about 8 cups shredded)
• Frozen peas: 1 (10 ounce/283g) package , thawed
• Green bell pepper: 1 , chopped (about 1 cup)
• Red onion: ½ , thinly sliced (about ½ cup)
• Celery: 1 cup , chopped
• Bacon: 1 pound/454g , cooked crisp, and crumbled
• Hard-boiled eggs: 6 , peeled and chopped
• Mayonnaise: 1 cup/237ml
• Granulated sugar: 2 tablespoons
• Sharp cheddar cheese: 1 cup/113g , shredded
• Optional: Cider vinegar: 1 tablespoon

Look for crisp, firm iceberg lettuce. it should have a good weight for its size. you know, avoid anything slimy or wilted.

For the bacon, i prefer thick-cut. it just holds up better in the 7 layer salad with mayo . the cheddar should smell like cheddar, and not much else!

Seasoning Notes

This ain't rocket science, but let’s talk flavour boosters. for the 7 layer salad mayo dressing , sweetness is key! the sugar balances the tang of the mayo.

A dash of cider vinegar adds a nice zing.

Don't be afraid to play around. i sometimes add a pinch of garlic powder to the mayo. it gives it a little extra oomph .

If you like a little heat, a tiny pinch of cayenne pepper works wonders.

Equipment Needed

You don’t need fancy stuff here. A basic glass bowl is essential. Think salads from the 80s . We would serve this in a proper trifle bowl.

• Large glass bowl/trifle dish (3-4 quarts)
• Skillet (for bacon)
• Cutting board
• Knife
• Large mixing bowl
• Measuring cups and spoons

Don't have a skillet? you can bake the bacon. a baking sheet works just fine. honestly, most of this salad just needs your hands for assembly.

If you don't have measuring cups. eyeballing is fine, too! think of this recipe as the eight layer salad, or a 10 layer salad , where you're adding a layer of love to each one.

Retro Revival: The Ultimate 7 Layer Salad

Oh my gosh, who remembers 7 layer salad from back in the day? it's totally making a comeback and i am here for it.

It's like a culinary time machine straight back to the 80s—or maybe even earlier! this isn't just any salad; it's a layers salad masterpiece! it's that perfect balance of crunchy, creamy, and just plain yum.

Seriously, if you need something for a potluck that's both easy and impressive, this is it. and trust me, even the kids will dig it.

Prep Like a Pro

Before you even think about layering, let's get organised. this is our essential mise en place . chop all your veggies.

Cook that bacon till it's shatteringly crisp. honestly, the bacon is key. also, hard-boil those eggs. you want them nice and firm.

A good tip? do the bacon and eggs ahead of time, and that gives you time-saving organisation tips.

7 Layer Salad: Step-by-Step

Right, let's get layering! This is where the magic happens.

1. Lettuce first. Get about 8 cups of shredded iceberg down.
2. Next, thaw 283g of frozen peas, and spread them evenly.
3. Now, add 1 cup of chopped green bell pepper.
4. Then, sprinkle ½ cup of thinly sliced red onion.
5. After that, comes your beautiful bacon and chopped eggs over the vegetables.
6. For the 7 Layer Salad Mayo Dressing , mix 237ml mayo, 2 tablespoons of sugar, and optional vinegar until super smooth.
7. Spread that dressing! Get it all the way to the edges to seal it.
8. Finally, top with 113g of shredded cheddar. Then, chill for at least 2 hours , preferably overnight!

Pro Tips: Salad Savvy

One thing i've learned the hard way? don't skip the chill time. those flavours need to meld. also, drain everything! you don't want a soggy southern 7 layer salad recipe .

Trust me. make sure your bacon is crisp! avoid common mistakes like too much dressing. a light touch is key.

And guess what? you can totally make-ahead options prepare this a day in advance. it's actually better that way.

This 6 layer salad recipe, or even the eight layer salad and 10 layer salad versions are often compared to this, but this is the original crowd pleaser for sure.

My nan used to make a mean one of these – brings back all the nostalgia. so give this 7 layers salad a go.

You won’t regret it! you got this.

Recipe Notes

So, you're ready to make this awesome 7 layer salad recipe ? fantastic! before you start slicing and dicing, let's chat about a few things.

Think of these as little cheats to make sure your salad is a total winner. i honestly remember my nan making something very similar, one of those salads from the 80s .

This isn't that, but so close.

Serving Suggestions: Level Up Your Presentation

This isn't just about throwing it in a bowl! the 7 layers salad is pretty enough to serve as is.

Grab your prettiest glass bowl or trifle dish. the layers are the star of the show! for a retro touch, serve it with those cute little forks, you know? and honestly, a big ol' glass of iced tea goes perfectly with this.

For sides, grilled chicken or some crusty bread would be just the ticket.

Storage Tips: Keeping it Fresh

Listen, nobody likes a soggy salad. to keep your 7 layer salad with mayo fresh, make sure you chill it for at least 2 hours.

Overnight is even better. keep it covered tight with plastic wrap to stop it drying out. if you have leftovers, they will be good for about 2-3 days in the fridge.

Freezing this beauty is a no-go, though. the mayo will separate, and you will end up with a mess. don't do it!

Variations: Remix Your Salad

Want to shake things up? you got it. for a lighter version, try using light mayonnaise or even greek yogurt.

Adds a tang! for my veggie friends, ditch the bacon, of course. add some extra veggies like cucumbers or tomatoes.

For a seasonal twist, roasted butternut squash pieces make an amazing stand in for the peas for an autumn version.

This is definitely not the southern 7 layer salad recipe !

Nutrition Basics: Goodness in Layers

Okay, let's keep it real. this layers salad isn't a health food. but it does have veggies! plus, you get protein from the bacon and eggs.

Each serving has about 450 calories. it's not bad for a special occasion. the fiber from the lettuce and peas does some good.

The 7 layers salad mayo dressing will get you though. enjoy it in moderation, yeah? i swear, the eight layer salad isn't that different! and the 10 layer salad is just overkill!

Alright, you're all set! This 7 layer salad recipe is waiting to be created. Don't worry about being perfect. Just have fun with it! You will nail it. I just know it!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make the 7 layer salad recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely! In fact, this 7 layer salad recipe is best made a day in advance. The chilling time allows all the delicious flavors to meld together beautifully. Just be sure to cover it tightly with plastic wrap to prevent it from drying out in the fridge.

Help! My 7 layer salad is soggy. What did I do wrong?

Sogginess is the enemy of a good 7 layer salad! The main culprit is excess moisture. Make sure your lettuce is thoroughly dry after washing, and that your peas are completely thawed and drained. You can even pat your bacon dry with paper towels after cooking to remove excess grease.

Is there a vegetarian version of this 7 layer salad recipe?

You bet! Simply omit the bacon. To replace that salty, savory flavour, you could add crumbled vegetarian "bacon bits," some sun-dried tomatoes, or even some toasted walnuts for a bit of crunch. Adding extra chopped vegetables like cucumbers, bell peppers or corn also works well.

Can I substitute the mayonnaise in the dressing? I'm not a huge fan.

Definitely! While mayonnaise gives the classic dressing its creamy tang, you can try using sour cream or plain Greek yogurt for a healthier and tangier alternative. The texture will be slightly different (yogurt will be a bit thinner), so you might want to add a touch of honey or extra sugar to compensate. Think of it as putting your own "Bake Off" spin on things!

How long will leftover 7 layer salad keep in the fridge?

While it's best served fresh, leftover 7 layer salad can usually be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. The lettuce will start to wilt and the dressing may separate slightly, so it won't be quite as pretty. But as long as it smells and tastes fine, it's safe to eat – just don't expect it to look like it's straight out of a magazine!

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