7 Layer Salad (Overnight Salad)

A 7 Layer Salad is a classic recipe that makes a pretty centerpiece too. Full of textures, colors, and flavors, it’s the perfect dish to bring to any pot luck, pitch in, or backyard family gatherings.

7 Layer Salad Recipe

A party isn’t a party without a delicious salad, especially one with 7 layers! Not only is it full of crisp, fresh veggies, it’s layered to show off pretty colors, and topped with a yummy dressing.

And it has cheese and bacon!

Don’t see your favorite salad topping? Add 1 or two more layers. This is a great salad for feeding a crowd as a side dish or main event!

What is a 7 Layer Salad?

It’s a dish that became popular in the 70s when dinner parties were all the rage and everyone wanted budget friendly but gorgeous dishes. It’s similar to my layered cornbread salad which is a big hit!

It’s essentially a salad that is prepped with all the toppings in layers. All the fresh ingredients are sealed in with a dressing and marinated overnight.

You can make additions to it with your favorite salad toppings and make it 8 or even 9 layers!

Ingredients Needed

Lettuce – Iceberg lettuce is ideal but you can use romaine or even mixed greens.

Red onion – Feel free to switch this for Vidalia or green onions.

Green peas – I like to use frozen peas for their bright color. Thaw before adding.

Tomatoes – Cherry or grape tomatoes work best. Roma tomatoes will work too.

Dressing – Recipe below or use your favorite creamy one.

Cheese – Cheddar is the classic cheese. Grate your own from the block for best results.

Bacon – I like center cut because it’s thicker and has less fat, but use your favorite. I try to avoid bacon bits as they can be tough.

Dressing Ingredients

Mayonnaise – I prefer Duke’s mayo but feel free to use your favorite. Even Miracle Whip.

Sour Cream – This adds a tangy flavor and you can use low fat or fat free. Substitute Greek yogurt if you have that.

Parmesan Cheese – I like to use a blend of parmesan, asiago, and romano cheeses.

Sugar – This just adds a little sweetness but feel free to substitute your own sweetener or leave out.

This dressing is delicious and the perfect compliment to the layers. The best thing is that it’s thick enough to stay in it’s layer and not drip through while it’s marinating.

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How to Make Seven Layer Salad Dressing

First: Combine the mayonnaise, sour cream, parmesan cheese, and sugar in a medium bowl.

Second: Mix to combine and set aside for sugar to dissolve.

How to Make a 7 Layer Salad

First: Mix the dressing and set aside.

Second: Wash, dry, and dice all the rest of the salad vegetables.

Third: Layer the ingredients in a clear trifle bowl in the follow order: lettuce, red onion, peas, tomatoes, dressing, cheese, and bacon.

Fourth: Seal with plastic wrap and store in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours. Enjoy!

For the full recipe and detailed baking instructions, please see the recipe card at the end of this post.

How long does it last?

Leftovers will last in the fridge for a few days but the dressing may start to get a little watery. You might need to add a little more cheese or drain it.

I do not recommend freezing this salad with all the fresh ingredients.

Can I use another dressing?

This is a great recipe to try with many different salad dressings. If you are using another dressing, make sure it’s a thick one so it doesn’t drip down when you put it on top of the salad.

I do not recommend a vinaigrette salad dressing or other overly tangy dressing for this unless serving it separately.

How do you keep it from getting soggy?

Make sure you thoroughly dry all the ingredients. If you are planning on slicing your tomatoes, I suggest halving them and layering them cut side up.

Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap when storing. You can also leave the dressing layer out and keep the dressing off to the side.

How far in advance can I make it?

This is the perfect salad for prepping ahead of time. One day in advance is best, but try and make it at least 4 hours before serving if you can’t do it the day before.

The dressing forms a “seal” over the other ingredients to keep them fresh and crisp until ready to eat.

Serving Suggestions

This salad is best served in a clear glass bowl, tall trifle dish or other clear bowl with tall sides. Roughly 4-5 quarts is a great size.

You can also make individual ones in mason jars for a fun presentation. I like to do this for weekday lunches too.

If you don’t have a tall glass bowl or trifle bowl, you can always layer it in a 9×13 casserole dish like I do with this 24 hour salad.

Do I stir it before serving?

It’s best if served in the layered presentation for maximum effect. You can always give it a light toss when dishing it out or let everyone serve themselves.

Other Vegetables to Add

• cauliflower
• celery
• hard boiled eggs
• red bell pepper (or other color bell pepppers)
• english cucumbers
• corn
• broccoli
• green onions
• shredded carrots
• olives

Want more crunchy toppings? Try adding toasted pecans or dried cranberries. If you just like a variety of different ingredients in your salad, make it an 8 layer or 9 layer salad. There are no limits!

Tips for No Leftovers

• Chop everything in similar sizes (bite-sized) so it’s easier to mix and enjoy.
• Wash and thoroughly dry all your ingredients. the salad is meant to sit overnight and you don’t want any extra water in the dish after you layer everything
• Make your layers even for a pretty presentation.
• I love making this in a trifle bowl but really any large glass bowl works.
• You can keep the bacon off until the following day of you are worried about it not being crispy.
• Make the dressing and store separately in case others want a different dressing.
• To save even more time, use precooked bacon and already cooked hard boiled eggs.
• Add the dressing as the middle layer for easier distribution when mixing.

If you love this recipe as much as I do, please write a five-star review in the comment section below (or on Pinterest with the “tried it” button – you can now add pictures into reviews, too!), and be sure to help me share on facebook!

This seven layer salad recipe is perfect for prepping ahead and makes a beautiful and delicious addition to any table. And the best part is you can make the layers with your favorite salad toppings!

Layering Up Salads

• Chicken Cobb Salad Tower from The Spiffy Cookie
• Layered Garbanzo Beans and Paneer Salad from Magical Ingredients
• Layered Mason Jar Niçoise Salad from A Kitchen Hoor’s Adventures
• Overnight 7 Layer Salad from Leftovers Then Breakfast
• Seven Layer Fruit Salad from Art of Natural Living
• Southwest 7 Layer Salad from The Freshman Cook
• The Ultimate Layered Salad from Karen’s Kitchen Stories

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