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7 Layer Salad (Overnight Salad)

7 Layer Salad is easily prepped the night before and full of textures and flavors. This classic recipe makes a stunning centerpiece and is the perfect dish to bring to any pot luck, pitch in, or backyard family gatherings.

bowl of 7 layer salad

A party isn’t a party without a gorgeous and delicious Seven-Layer Salad! Crisp fresh veggies, layered to show off their vibrant colors, and topped with a creamy dressing.

It’s stunning in it’s display and mouthwatering with it’s combination of sharp cheddar cheese, smoky bacon, and ripe vegetables.

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 show stopping 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!

labeled picture of 7 layer salad ingredients

Salad Ingredients Needed

Lettuce – Iceberg lettuce is ideal but you can use romaine

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

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

Bacon – I like center cut 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 tang and you can use low fat or fat free. You can also use Greek yogurt.

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.

Looking for more leftover worthy dishes? Follow LTB on Pinterest and pin to a board!

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.

bowl of 7 layer salad

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 7 Layer Salad 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.

fork with a bite of 7 layer salad

How far in advance can I make it?

This is the perfect salad for prepping ahead of time. The optimal time frame is a day in advance but it’s best if made at least 4 hours before serving.

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

How to serve it

This salad is best served in a clear glass bowl, tall trifle dish or other clear bowl with tall sides. Roughly 4-5 quarts. You can also make individual ones in mason jars for a fun presentation.

If you don’t have a tall glass bowl or trifle bowl, you can always layer it in a 9×13 casserole dish.

jars of 7 layer salad and forks

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 texture? 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!

bowl of 7 layer salad

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!

trifle bowl with text "overnight 7 layer salad"

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

bowl of overnight salad

7 Layer Salad

Yield: 16 servings
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Additional Time: 4 hours
Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes

7 Layer Salad is easily prepped the night before and full of textures and flavors. This classic salad makes a stunning centerpiece and is a big hit at any pot luck, pitch in, or backyard gathering.

Ingredients

  • 3 romaine lettuce hearts (trimmed, washed, diced) ~ roughly 8 cups of lettuce
  • 2 cups diced red onion
  • 13 ounces frozen green peas (thawed)
  • 20 ounces (2 pints) cherry tomatoes (halved)
  • 8 ounces cheddar cheese (shredded)
  • 12 ounces bacon (cooked and chopped)

Seven Layer Salad Dressing

  • 2 cups mayonnaise
  • 1/4 cup sour cream
  • 2 tablespoon sugar
  • 3/4 cup parmesan cheese (grated)

Instructions

Prepare the salad dressing

  1. Combine the dressing ingredients in a small bowl. Whisk to combine and set aside until ready to add to the salad.

Prep the salad layers

  1. Wash and dry all the vegetables.
  2. Dice into bite-sized pieces.
  3. Assemble the salad in the trifle bowl in the following order.
  4. Lettuce, red onion, peas, and tomatoes.
  5. Spread the dressing over the tomatoes, covering as much as possible.
  6. Top with the cheddar cheese and bacon.
  7. Wrap tightly with plastic wrap.
  8. Store in the refrigerator at least 4 hours or overnight.
  9. When ready to serve, remove the plastic wrap and enjoy.

Notes

  • 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.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 16 Serving Size: 1 cup
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 442Total Fat: 35gSaturated Fat: 10gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 24gCholesterol: 53mgSodium: 723mgCarbohydrates: 17gFiber: 4gSugar: 9gProtein: 15g

This nutrition information was generated via a third party, Nutritionix, and can not be held liable for any discrepancies in the information provided.

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donna savage

Wednesday 15th of September 2021

We used to make this all the time, but added sliced chicken breasts. This was before rotisserie chicken was readily available, but adding the chicken really makes it a meal!

Rose Ann

Friday 10th of September 2021

Thank you!

Inger @ Art of Natural Liivng

Monday 30th of August 2021

Looks delicious! And your bowl is gorgeous!

Patsy Godsey

Sunday 29th of May 2022

@Inger @ Art of Natural Liivng, I love the bowl! Where did you find it?

Teri@ The Freshman Cook

Monday 30th of August 2021

I love this salad! The colors make a gorgeous presentation, and the ease of making it ahead of serving time is a definite winner! Love it!

Radha

Monday 30th of August 2021

Love the layers in this salad and also love that it can be made ahead.

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